Theology and Dominican Spirituality Reviewer

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from theology, worldviews, St. Thomas Aquinas' Five Ways, salvation covenants, Sacred Scripture, and Dominican Spirituality based on the lecture notes.

Natural Revelation (Reason)

Knowing God through creation, reason, and moral law.

Supernatural Revelation (Faith)

God’s self-disclosure through Scripture, Tradition, miracles, and Jesus Christ.

Atheism

Denies God’s existence; key figure is Richard Dawkins.

Agnosticism

God’s existence unknown/unknowable; key figure is Thomas Huxley.

Pantheism

God and universe are the same; key figure is Baruch Spinoza.

Deism

God created but does not intervene; key figure is Voltaire.

Naturalism

Explains all things naturally, rejects supernatural; key figure is Carl Sagan.

Rationalism

Emphasizes reason over faith; key figure is René Descartes.

Relativism

No absolute truth; varies by perspective (e.g., Ethical relativism).

Ontological Argument

Formulated by St. Anselm; states that God is 'the greatest being imaginable.' If He existed only in thought, He wouldn't be 'the greatest,' so God must exist in reality.

Way 1: Motion

One of St. Thomas Aquinas' Five Ways: Everything is moved by something, concluding there is a First Mover (Analogy: Hand pushes toy cars).

Way 2: Cause

One of St. Thomas Aquinas' Five Ways: Effects need a cause, concluding there is a First Cause (Analogy: Falling dominoes).

Way 3: Contingency

One of St. Thomas Aquinas' Five Ways: All depends on a Necessary Being (Analogy: Lights need a plug).

Way 4: Perfection

One of St. Thomas Aquinas' Five Ways: We compare 'better' and 'worse' to a Perfect Standard (Analogy: Perfect cookie analogy).

Way 5: Design

One of St. Thomas Aquinas' Five Ways: Universe order implies an Intelligent Designer (Analogy: Architect designing a building).

Adam Covenant

A covenant in Salvation History where Adam is the mediator, the sign is Marriage, and the covenant form is Couple.

Noah Covenant

A covenant in Salvation History where Noah is the mediator, the sign is Rainbow, and the covenant form is Family.

Abraham Covenant

A covenant in Salvation History where Abraham is the mediator, the sign is Circumcision, and the covenant form is Tribe.

Moses Covenant

A covenant in Salvation History where Moses is the mediator, the sign is Decalogue, and the covenant form is Nation.

David Covenant

A covenant in Salvation History where David is the mediator, the sign is Throne, and the covenant form is Kingdom.

Jesus Covenant

A covenant in Salvation History where Jesus is the mediator, the sign is Eucharist, and the covenant form is Universal Family (Church).

Sacred Scripture

Written Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, for our salvation; written 950 BC – 100 AD and compiled by St. Jerome in the Latin Vulgate.

Old Testament

Collection of 46 books preparing for Christ through Law, Prophets, and Wisdom.

New Testament

Collection of 27 books fulfilling Christ through Gospels, Acts, and Letters.

Sacred Tradition

Living transmission of apostolic teaching in the Church.

Magisterium

The Pope and bishops who interpret and guard truth.

Faith

Theological virtue infused by God at Baptism; a dynamic relationship with God involving mind (believing), will (doing), and heart (trusting).

Contemplari et Contemplata Aliis Tredere

The motto of Dominican Spirituality.

Four Pillars of Dominican Spirituality

Prayer (foundation), Study (deep search for truth), Community Life (fraternity supporting mission), and Preaching (sharing Gospel truth).

Three-Fold Mission of the Dominicans

To Pray (deep life of prayer), To Bless (bring God's blessing through holiness and service), and To Preach (proclaim Christ boldly).

St. Dominic

Founder of the Order of Preachers (1170–1221).

St. Thomas Aquinas

Theologian, philosopher, Doctor of the Church.

St. Catherine of Siena

Mystic, papal advisor, reformer, Doctor of the Church.

St. Martin de Porres

Patron of racial harmony and humility.

St. Rose of Lima

First canonized saint of the Americas.

Beatific Vision

The goal to see God face-to-face in heaven (1 Cor 13:12).