Comprehensive Catholic Theology and Church Doctrine Review

Trinity

The belief in one God in three Divine Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Human Creation

God created human beings in His image and likeness with intellect and free will.

Sin and Redemption

Original sin and personal sin separate humans from God; redemption comes through Jesus Christ.

Nature of God

God is love (Agape) and calls humanity into relationship with Him.

Dignity of the Human Person

Every person has inherent worth because they are created in God's image.

Apostolic Succession

The uninterrupted passing of Church authority from the Apostles to bishops through ordination.

Papal Infallibility

The pope is protected from error when officially teaching on faith and morals.

Real Presence

The Catholic belief that Jesus Christ is truly present in the Eucharist.

Idolatry

Worshipping something or someone other than the one true God.

Heresy

Obstinate denial after Baptism of a truth that Catholics are required to believe.

Apostasy

Complete rejection of Christ and abandonment of the Christian faith by a baptized person.

Agape

The Greek New Testament word for God's self-giving, unconditional love.

Christology

The study of Jesus Christ, His nature, and His mission.

Incarnation

The mystery of God becoming human in Jesus Christ.

Paschal Mystery

Christ's saving work through His Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension.

Hypostatic Union

The union of Jesus' divine and human natures in one Person.

Jesus as Teacher

Jesus was called Rabbi and frequently taught through parables.

Kerygma

The proclamation that God became incarnate in Jesus, who died and rose for our salvation.

Protoevangelium

The first announcement of the Good News found in Genesis.

Parables

Stories used by Jesus to reveal truths about God and the Kingdom of Heaven.

Pentecost

The event when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles, empowering them to preach.

Role of the Holy Spirit

Inspires believers, spreads the Gospel, and reveals the Trinity more fully.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Special graces given to help believers live holy lives and serve others.

Fruits of the Holy Spirit

Visible effects of the Spirit's work in a person's life.

Ruah

Hebrew word for spirit, meaning 'breath' or 'wind.'

Sacramental Graces

Special graces of the Holy Spirit received through the sacraments.

Confirmation

Sacrament that strengthens the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and empowers believers to defend and spread the faith.

Council of Jerusalem

Early Church council that addressed whether Gentile converts must follow Jewish law.

Council of Ephesus

Council that declared Mary as Theotokos (Mother of God).

Council of Chalcedon

Council that defined Christ as fully God and fully man.

Council of Trent

Council that responded to the Protestant Reformation and clarified Catholic teachings.

Vatican II

Church council that renewed many aspects of Catholic life and allowed Mass in vernacular languages.

Eastern Schism

Division between the Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church in 1054.

Causes of the Eastern Schism

Papal authority disputes, iconoclasm, the Crusades, and the Filioque controversy.

Protestant Reformation

Religious movement that challenged Catholic teachings and led to Protestant denominations.

Magisterium

The teaching authority of the Catholic Church.

Hierarchy

Structure of Church leadership consisting of bishops, priests, and deacons.

Common Priesthood of the Faithful

Participation of all baptized Christians in Christ's mission.

Apostolic Nature of the Church

The Church remains faithful to the teachings and authority of the Apostles.

Ecumenism

Efforts to promote unity among Christians.

Lumen Gentium

Vatican II document called the 'Dogmatic Constitution on the Church.'

Blessed Virgin Mary

Title recognizing Mary's holiness and perpetual virginity.

Mother of God (Theotokos)

Title affirming that Mary is the mother of Jesus, who is truly God.

Mother of the Church

Title recognizing Mary's spiritual motherhood of all Christians.

Immaculate Conception

Doctrine that Mary was conceived without Original Sin.

Assumption

Doctrine that Mary was taken body and soul into Heaven at the end of her earthly life.

Saints

Holy men and women recognized for heroic virtue, martyrdom, or miracles.

Intercession of Saints

Saints pray for believers because of their closeness to God.

Theotokos

Greek title meaning 'God-bearer' or 'Mother of God.'

Veneration

Honor given to saints, distinct from worship, which belongs only to God.

Sacred Scripture

The inspired and inerrant Word of God found in the Bible.

Sacred Tradition

The living transmission of Christ's teachings through the Church.

Scripture Interpretation

Understanding Scripture because it is God's Word expressed through human authors and circumstances.

Literal Interpretation

Understanding the meaning intended by the human author.

Spiritual Interpretation

Understanding deeper spiritual meanings within Scripture.

Canon of Scripture

The official list of books recognized as inspired and included in the Bible.

Exegesis

Critical explanation and interpretation of Scripture.

Private Revelation

Supernatural messages given by God to individuals after public revelation.

Sacraments

Seven sacred signs instituted by Christ to give grace.

Baptism

Sacrament that removes Original Sin, forgives personal sins, and incorporates a person into Christ's Body.

Eucharist

Sacrament in which Christ is truly present and believers are united more closely with Him.

Penance/Reconciliation

Sacrament that forgives sins and restores relationship with God and the Church.

Anointing of the Sick

Sacrament that provides spiritual strength, peace, and healing.

Holy Orders

Sacrament through which men become deacons, priests, or bishops.

Marriage

Sacrament establishing a lifelong and indissoluble bond between spouses.

Sacramentals

Sacred signs and objects that prepare people to receive grace and remind them of their faith.

Evangelization

Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ through words and actions.

Catholic Social Teaching

Church teaching based on the dignity of the human person and concern for the common good.

Kingdom of God

God's reign; the Church serves as a sign and foretaste of it on earth.

Stewardship

Responsible use of God's gifts, including care for creation.

Apostolate

Ways Catholics participate in Christ's mission according to their vocation.

Signs of the Times

Current events and conditions interpreted in light of the Gospel.

Natural Law

God's moral law written into human nature and discoverable by reason.

Liturgy of the Hours

The official prayer of the Church using Scripture, especially the Psalms, at set times of day.

Catholic Identity

Connection with Catholics worldwide, other Christians, non-Christians, and especially the Jewish people.

Church Unity

Unity of believers despite diversity of gifts, cultures, and roles.

Worship

The honor and adoration owed to God alone.

Examination of Conscience

Prayerful reflection on one's thoughts, words, and actions, especially before Reconciliation.