Mid-Term Study Guide: Perspectives on Christianity

These flashcards cover key concepts and content from both the Old and New Testaments, focusing on understanding fundamental Christian theology.

What is theology?

The study of the nature of God and religious belief.

Faith and reason

Two complementary means by which individuals come to understand and believe in God.

Divine Revelation

The way in which God reveals Himself to humanity.

Scripture

The sacred writings of Christianity, inspired by God, which serve to instruct and guide believers.

Covenant

A solemn agreement between God and His people, which is fundamental to the biblical narrative.

Sin

The concept of wrongdoing in Christianity, with Original Sin indicating the fallen state of humanity.

Salvation history

The narrative of God's actions throughout history to save humanity.

Creation Accounts (Genesis 1–2)

Biblical accounts detailing the creation of the world and humanity.

The Fall (Genesis 3)

The event in which Adam and Eve disobeyed God, resulting in the introduction of sin into the world.

Covenants (Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David)

Key Biblical agreements that illustrate God's promises and relationship with humanity.

Exodus

The departure of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, led by Moses.

Kings (David and Solomon)

Key figures in the history of Israel who ruled and expanded the kingdom.

Role of the Prophets

To call Israel to faithfulness, promote justice, and offer hope for the coming Messiah.

The Gospels

The first four books of the New Testament that recount the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Mark 1-8

Sections of the Gospel of Mark detailing the early ministry of Jesus.

Infancy Narratives

Biblical accounts detailing the birth and early life of Jesus.

Who Jesus is

The belief in Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah in Christian faith.

The Trinity

The Christian doctrine that God exists as three persons - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

1. Edenic Covenant

God's covenant with Adam in the Garden of Eden, outlining humanity's responsibilities and blessings before the Fall.

2. Adamic Covenant

God's covenant with Adam after the Fall, detailing the consequences of sin and the promise of a redeemer (protoevangelium).

3. Noahic Covenant

God's solemn promise to Noah after the Great Flood not to destroy all life on Earth with a flood again, marked by the sign of the rainbow.

4. Abrahamic Covenant

God's promise to Abraham, which included blessings of land, numerous descendants, and that through him all nations would be blessed.

5. Mosaic Covenant

The covenant established between God and the Israelites through Moses at Mount Sinai, characterized by the giving of the Law (Torah), including the Ten Commandments, and establishing Israel as God's holy nation.

6. Davidic Covenant

God's promise to King David that his house and kingdom would be established forever, ensuring a perpetual dynasty from which the Messiah would ultimately come.

7. New Covenant

The promise of a new covenant found in the prophets and inaugurated by Jesus Christ, characterized by God writing his law on human hearts, forgiveness of sins, and a new relationship with God.

Gospel of Matthew

Jewish Christian audience.

Gospel of Mark

Roman Christians (Gentiles), possibly facing persecution.

Gospel of Luke

Gentile audience, specifically for Theophilus.

Gospel of John

Broader audience, both believers and non-believers, seeking a deeper spiritual understanding.