Theology Final Exam: Holy Spirit, Pentecost, Heresies, and Church Doctrine

Who is the Holy Spirit in Christian theology?

The Third Divine Person of the Trinity, consubstantial with the Father and the Son.

What does 'consubstantial' mean?

Having the same divine substance and nature.

How is the Holy Spirit present throughout salvation history?

In Creation, speaking through the prophets, and remaining present after Jesus' Ascension.

What are some names of the Holy Spirit?

Giver of Life, Advocate, Teacher, Spirit of the Promise, Spirit of Adoption, Spirit of Truth, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord.

What are some symbols of the Holy Spirit?

Dove, Tongues of Fire, Wind, Water, Oil, Lamp, Rays of Light, Cloud.

What does 'Ruach' mean in Hebrew?

Spirit, breath, or wind; used in the Old Testament.

What does 'Pneuma' mean in Greek?

Breath, air in motion, or breath of life; used in the New Testament.

What event is known as the Birth of the Church?

Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles.

What was Peter's message during Pentecost?

Repent, be baptized, receive forgiveness of sins, and receive the Holy Spirit.

Define Agape Love.

God's divine love characterized by selflessness, self-giving, sacrificial nature, and beyond human comprehension.

What is Christian Conversion?

The process of turning toward God and becoming more Christ-like.

What are the three types of conversion in Christian theology?

Conversion of the Soul, Conversion of the Heart, and Conversion of the Mind.

What was the major question regarding Gentiles in the early Church?

Are Gentiles equal before God?

What was the decision of the Council of Jerusalem regarding Gentiles?

Gentiles were accepted directly into Christianity.

Who was St. Paul?

An Apostle to the Gentiles who converted from Saul, a Pharisee who persecuted Christians.

What is the Deposit of Faith?

The complete body of truth entrusted by Christ to the Apostles and preserved by the Church.

What are the three components of the Deposit of Faith?

Sacred Scripture, Apostolic Tradition, and the Magisterium.

What is Apostolic Succession?

The unbroken line of Church authority passed down from the Apostles through bishops.

Define Orthodoxy.

"Right belief" or "correct teaching" that preserves authentic Christian doctrine.

What is Heresy?

The persistent denial of an essential truth of the Catholic faith after Baptism.

What is Schism?

A break in the unity of the Church, usually involving rejection of the Pope's authority.

What is Apostasy?

The complete rejection or abandonment of the Christian faith.

What did Gnosticism teach?

Claimed that secret knowledge was necessary for salvation and that the material world was evil.

How did the Church respond to Gnosticism?

The Church taught that God created the world and it is good, and salvation is offered to everyone.

What did Arianism claim about Jesus?

That Jesus was not truly God and was created by God the Father.

What was the Church's response to Arianism?

The Nicene Creed affirmed that Jesus is consubstantial with the Father.

What did Pelagianism teach?

That humans are naturally good and can achieve salvation without God's grace.

What was St. Augustine's response to Pelagianism?

He taught that Original Sin is real and that we need God's grace for salvation.

What is the purpose of the Creeds?

To preserve Church teaching, defend against false teachings, maintain Church unity, and summarize essential beliefs.

What did Peter declare about Jesus?

"You are the Messiah," to which Jesus responded by declaring Peter as the rock upon which He would build His Church.

What does S.A.M. stand for in the context of the Deposit of Faith?

Scripture, Apostolic Tradition, Magisterium.

What does R.B.F.H. stand for in Peter's message at Pentecost?

Repent, Be baptized, Forgiveness of sins, Holy Spirit.