FIA Vocab

atheist; atheism

One who denies the existence of God; the denial of the existence of God. Breaks the 1st Commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me."

blasphemy

Speaking, acting, or thinking about God, Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, or the saints in a way that is irreverent, mocking, or offensive. It is a sin against the 2nd Commandment: "You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God."

covenant

A solemn agreement between human beings or between God and a human being in which mutual commitments are made.

divination

The practice of seeking powers or knowledge through supernatural means apart from the one, true God. Breaks the 1st Commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me."

eschatology

The area of Christian faith dealing with the last things: the Last Judgment, particular judgment, resurrection of the body, Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory.

evangelical counsels

Going beyond the minimum rules of life required by God and striving for spiritual perfection through chastity, poverty, and obedience.

examination of conscience

Prayerful reflection on and assessment of one's words, attitudes, and actions in light of the Gospel, especially in preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

heresy

The conscious and deliberate rejection of a dogma of the Church. Breaks the 1st Commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me."

idolatry

The worship of other beings, creatures, or material goods in a way that belongs to God alone. Breaks the 1st Commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me."

magic

The belief in supernatural power that comes from a source other than God. Breaks the 1st Commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me."

monotheism

The belief in and worship of only one God.

pantheon

A group of gods and goddesses worshipped by a particular people or religion.

perjury

The sin of lying while under an oath to tell the truth. Breaks the 2nd Commandment: "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God," and the 8th Commandment: "You shall not bear false witness."

profanity

Speaking disrespectfully about something sacred or treating it with disrespect. Breaks the 2nd Commandment: "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God."

Sabbath

In the Old Testament, the seventh day of rest; for Catholics, Sunday, the day of Christ's Resurrection and worship in fulfillment of the 3rd Commandment: "Keep holy the Sabbath day."

sacred

The quality of being holy, worthy of respect and reverence.

sacrilege

An offense against God involving the abuse of a person, place, or thing dedicated to God. Breaks the 1st and 2nd Commandments.

simony

Buying or selling something spiritual, such as a grace, sacrament, or relic. Breaks the 1st Commandment.

superstition

Attributing power to something other than God and relying on it instead of trusting God alone. Breaks the 1st Commandment.

theological virtues

The God-given virtues of faith, hope, and love that orient us toward God.

tithe

A commitment to donate a portion of one's income to the Church and charitable causes.

venerate

Showing deep reverence for something sacred without worshiping it as God.

adulation

Excessive flattery or admiration of another person.

boasting

Exaggerating accomplishments to make oneself seem more praiseworthy; may break the 8th Commandment when it involves dishonesty.

calumny

Ruining another person's reputation by lying or spreading false rumors. Breaks the 8th Commandment.

catechist

A person called by God to educate others in Christian doctrine and form them as disciples of Jesus Christ.

civil authorities

Leaders of public groups or governments that are not religious institutions.

detraction

Revealing true but harmful information about another person unnecessarily. Breaks the 8th Commandment.

impunity

Being exempt from punishment.

rash judgment

Assuming the worst about someone without knowing all the facts. Breaks the 8th Commandment.

reparation

Making amends for harm caused by wrongdoing.

solidarity

Unity of heart and mind with all people that promotes justice, peace, and shared responsibility.

vocation

A call from God to holiness, lived through ordained ministry, religious life, marriage, or single life.

1st Commandment

I am the Lord your God; you shall not have any other gods before me.

2nd Commandment

You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God.

3rd Commandment

Keep holy the Sabbath day and observe it.

4th Commandment

Honor your father and mother.

5th Commandment

You shall not kill.

6th Commandment

You shall not commit adultery.

7th Commandment

You shall not steal.

8th Commandment

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

9th Commandment

You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.

10th Commandment

You shall not covet your neighbor's belongings.