Christianity Overview and Key Figures

Flashcards covering essential vocabulary and concepts from Christianity, including key figures, events, and doctrines.

Salvation by Grace

A Christian belief that Jesus’ death on the cross paid for the sins of humankind, granting access to heaven and an eternal relationship with God. It emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, not earned through human efforts, and is received through faith in Jesus Christ.

New Testament

The New Testament is the second part of the Christian biblical canon, comprising 27 books written in the first century AD. It primarily focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and the early Christian Church. The New Testament is divided into several sections: the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), which detail the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus; the Acts of the Apostles, which narrates the spread of Christianity; the letters (epistles) of Paul and other apostles that provide teachings and guidance to early Christian communities; and the Book of Revelation, which contains prophetic visions. The New Testament is foundational for Christian beliefs and practices, articulating key doctrines such as salvation, grace, and the importance of faith.

Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew, one of the four Gospels in the New Testament, is specifically written to demonstrate that Jesus is the promised Messiah foretold in Jewish scripture. It emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, including detailed genealogies that trace Jesus's lineage to David and Abraham, reinforcing his Jewish identity. Key elements of the Gospel include the Sermon on the Mount, which encompasses teachings such as the Beatitudes that highlight the values of God's Kingdom, and the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs his disciples to spread his teachings to all nations. Matthew's account also includes numerous parables and miracles, presenting Jesus as both a teacher and a miracle worker. The Gospel addresses Jewish concerns and themes, aiming to establish Jesus's authority and divine mission.

Sadducees

A Jewish sect during the time of Jesus, composed of priests and the aristocracy, who accepted only the Torah and did not believe in the resurrection or a Messiah. They were known for their strict adherence to the written law and often clashed with the Pharisees over interpretations of Jewish law and beliefs.

Pentecost

Pentecost, originally a Jewish festival known as Shavuot, occurs 50 days after Passover and celebrates the grain harvest. It marks the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, which is significant in Jewish tradition. In Christian belief, Pentecost is renowned for the event described in the Book of Acts, where the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to speak in various languages and boldly proclaim the teachings of Jesus Christ. This event is often seen as the birth of the Christian Church. During this pivotal day, approximately 3,000 people were converted and baptized, signifying the rapid growth of early Christianity. Pentecost is celebrated by Christians as a significant feast, highlighting themes of inspiration, community, and the active presence of the Holy Spirit in the world. In modern Christianity, it often involves special church services, prayers, and reflections on the importance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

What is St. Peter's Vision?

St. Peter's Vision, found in Acts 10:9-16, is a pivotal New Testament event where Peter, while praying at Simon the Tanner's house, sees a sheet with clean and unclean animals and hears a divine command to eat. Despite initial protest due to Jewish dietary laws, the vision occurs three times, emphasizing that no person is to be considered impure. This revelation leads to Peter's meeting with the Gentile Cornelius, marking a significant turning point in early Christianity by promoting the Gospel's inclusivity and the acceptance of Gentiles into the faith.

Who was St. Paul?

St. Paul, originally Saul of Tarsus, was a key figure in early Christianity known as the Apostle to the Gentiles. After converting from a Pharisee who persecuted Christians following a vision of Christ, he dedicated his life to spreading Jesus' message and established many Christian communities through his missionary journeys. He authored several New Testament letters, emphasizing salvation through faith and equal access to God for all believers. His legacy significantly shaped Christian theology and practice.

Who is St. Anthony of Egypt?

St. Anthony of Egypt, also known as St. Anthony the Great, is the founder of Christian monasticism, born in 251 CE in Egypt. At 20, he abandoned his wealth to live in asceticism after hearing the Gospel call. He retreated to the desert for solitude and prayer, facing temptations and challenges, notably demonic forces. His life embodied self-denial and devotion to prayer, inspiring communal monastic life. His teachings, recorded by St. Athanasius, emphasized perseverance, prayer, and community among monks. Celebrated on January 17th, he is often depicted with a pig, symbolizing his legendary life. His legacy inspires spiritual seekers.

St. Benedict

Known as the 'Father of Western Monasticism,' he established a new Christian world order through monasticism during the chaos following the fall of the Roman Empire. Benedict, using the model of St. Anthony, decides to create “society anew,” in the West: that is, he determines to establish a new Christian world order. It is called monasticism: from the Greek word monachos, which means “solitary.” This is so, because the first monks, like St. Anthony, were hermits.  

Who is St. Ignatius?

St. Ignatius of Loyola founded the Society of Jesus, the largest and most influential religious order in the Roman Catholic Church. The term 'Jesuit' originated in the 15th century as a criticism, referring to those who overly appropriated the name of Jesus.

What is the Formula of the Institute of the Society of Jesus?

The Formula of the Institute is a foundational document authored by Saint Ignatius of Loyola that articulates the original vision for the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. Serving as the fundamental charter of the order, the Formula delineates key aspects of Jesuit life, including its spiritual framework, community dynamics, and the apostolic mission. It emphasizes a commitment to following Christ's teachings through prayer, discernment, and active service in the world. The document outlines the community's dedication to education, social justice, and missionary work, reflecting Ignatius's aim to cultivate a spirituality that blends contemplation and action in service to others.

What are The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius?

The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius is a significant work in Christian spirituality that comprises a structured series of meditations, prayers, and mental exercises. Developed by Saint Ignatius of Loyola, these exercises aim to facilitate a deeper personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Participants engage in a reflective process designed to enhance their discernment of God's presence and guidance in their lives, often involving a retreat setting for focused contemplation and spiritual growth.

What were the Sadducees?

The Sadducees also know as “The Righteous Ones”

The Sadducees were a powerful Jewish sect during the Second Temple period (2nd century BCE to 1st century CE), mainly comprising priests and aristocrats. They adhered strictly to the written Torah, rejecting oral traditions and beliefs in resurrection, angels, and a Messiah. Their influence waned after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, leading to their eventual decline in Jewish life.