Theology: Handing Down the Faith Study Guide

How has God's Divine Revelation been handed down through the centuries?

Through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, protected by the Holy Spirit working in both Scripture's authors and the Church.

Why can 21st-century Christians be confident that what they read in Scripture and hear in the Church is true?

Because God, through the Holy Spirit, has safeguarded the transmission of faith from error.

Does the Church's understanding of God's revealed truth stay completely static or develop over time?

The Church's understanding of the truth can and does develop over time.

What is the Deposit of Faith?

It refers to all that God has revealed to His people.

What two sources contain the Deposit of Faith?

Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition.

Why was the Church established in relation to Christ's mission?

So that Christ's mission of salvation could continue on Earth.

Who originally entrusted the Deposit of Faith to the Church?

The first Apostles.

What is the specific role of the Holy Spirit in transmitting the faith?

To guide the Apostles and the Church in correctly preserving and transmitting the faith.

How many books are in the Old Testament canon accepted by Catholics?

46 books.

What role do the events and people of the Old Testament play regarding Jesus?

They prefigure Jesus.

How does Jesus relate to the words of the Old Testament prophets?

Jesus fulfills many of the words of the prophets in the Old Testament.

How many books are in the New Testament canon?

27 books.

What specific content do the 4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) contain?

They tell of Jesus's teachings, life, death, and resurrection.

What historical events are recorded in the Acts of the Apostles?

The history of the early Church.

What was the primary purpose of the New Testament letters (many written by St. Paul)?

To address issues faced by the early Church and other important matters.

What is Sacred Scripture?

The inspired and inerrant word of God written down.

How does the Catholic Old Testament canon differ from most other Christian canons?

Catholics accept 46 Old Testament books, which is 7 more than most other Christians.

Who is the primary author of Sacred Scripture, and who are the secondary authors?

God is the primary author; human writers are secondary authors.

What does it mean that Sacred Scripture is inspired?

The Holy Spirit guided human authors to write God's truth without taking away their creative writing styles.

What does it mean that Sacred Scripture is inerrant?

It always communicates truth and never error, though not all passages are meant to be read literally.

What is the Church definition of the canon?

The Church's complete official list of accepted books in the Bible.

What is Sacred Tradition?

God's revelation that has primarily been transmitted orally through preaching and teaching.

What Latin word does "Tradition" come from, and what does it mean?

It comes from the Latin word "tradere," which means "to hand on."

Why did Sacred Tradition exist before the New Testament was written?

Because Jesus's message and life were spread orally before they were written down.

Are unwritten traditions of the faith considered less inspired than Scripture?

No, the non-written traditions of the faith are equally inspired and important.

What does the Latin root of the word "Magisterium" mean?

It comes from a Latin word meaning "teaching office."

Who makes up the Magisterium of the Catholic Church?

The Pope and the bishops in communion with him.

What title and roles does the Pope hold in relation to St. Peter and the Church?

He is the successor of St. Peter, Bishop of Rome, Christ's representative on Earth, and shepherd of the universal Church.

What primary authority does the Pope hold over the universal Church?

Primacy of authority.

Why was the Magisterium established by the Church?

To guide Church members in faith and morals and accurately transmit the faith handed down from Christ and the Apostles.

When do Catholics regularly recite the Nicene Creed together?

At every Mass.

What Latin word does "Creed" come from, and what is its translation?

It comes from the Latin "credo," meaning "I believe."

What is the primary function of the Nicene Creed?

It is a declaration of the essential beliefs of the Church.

What were the two original reasons for developing the Nicene Creed?

To help early followers understand core tenets of faith and to combat early Church heresies that threatened unity.