Study Notes: Faith, Reason, and Revelation (Test 1)

Covenant with Noah

Extended to all living creatures and all humanity after the Flood; its sign is the rainbow. God promises never again to destroy the earth by flood and calls for humane stewardship and justice.

Covenant with Abraham

Abraham will be a blessing to all nations, have many descendants, and the land of Canaan will be given as an eternal inheritance. The sign is circumcision.

Covenant with Moses

Israel is to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests. God shows commitment by giving the Law (including the Ten Commandments) on Mount Sinai and through the Tabernacle/Temple presence.

Promise to David

God promises a lasting dynastic line; David's throne will be established forever through a coming descendant, as described in Psalm 110.

The Suffering Servant

Presented as one who bears pain and injustice, often rejected, yet entrusted with carrying the burden of sin for others and providing salvation through suffering.

John the Baptist's Parents

Zechariah the priest and Elizabeth.

First Witnesses to the Resurrection

Women (notably Mary Magdalene and the other Mary) are first to encounter the empty tomb and proclaim the Resurrection.

Judas Iscariot

Betrays Jesus for thirty pieces of silver; identifies Jesus with a kiss; experiences remorse and dies (traditionally by suicide).

Jesus' birth announcement angel

Gabriel, who announces miraculous births

According to Catholic teaching, what is the relationship between faith and reason?

Faith and reason are complementary sources of knowledge. Reason lays the groundwork, and revelation (faith) completes what reason alone cannot fully attain.

Name two obstacles to human reason reaching God, as described by the Catechism.

Obstacles include sin and disordered human will, ignorance due to human weakness or cultural biases, philosophical or cultural errors, intellectual pride, distraction, and prejudice.

What is the sign of the Covenant with Noah?

The rainbow.

What is the sign of the Covenant with Abraham?

Circumcision.

Who was the angel who announced miraculous births to Zechariah and Mary?

Gabriel.

Who were the first witnesses to the Resurrection, according to the Gospel accounts?

Women (notably Mary Magdalene and the other Mary).