Basic Theology Terms, Themes, and Historical Timeline

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering basic theology definitions, core theological themes, and key events on the historical timeline.

Theology

Derived from Theos (God) and Logos (Word), meaning "The Word of God" and commonly referred to as the "study of God".

Primary Source

First Hand documents Events. Examples: Journals, On-Site Reporting, Broadcasts, Autobiographies.

Secondary Source

Writings about 1st hand accounts. Examples: Textbooks, Novels, Biographies, Newspapers, Magazines.

B.C.

"Before Christ"; years before the year 1AD.

A.D.

"Anno Domeni"; In the year of our Lord after 1BC.

Decade

A $10$ year time period.

Century

A $100$ year time period.

Millennium

A $1,000$ year time period.

Age/Era

An undefined time Period by a pattern of life.

Year

$365 \frac{1}{4}$ days on earth to revolve around the sun.

Pentecost

Starting point of the church, occurring 8 weeks after the death of Jesus and after the Ascension of the Lord, when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles (1st Bishops of the Church) to confirm the faith.

Christians

Followers of Christ's teachings.

Catholic

"Universal" (Greek).

Orthodox

"Correct Belief" (Greek).

Protestant

Separate churches from Catholic teaching, but beliefs are CHRISTIAN.

Holy Trinity

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.

Mary

Model of Discipleship; Immaculate Conception was her conception by mother Anne. Virgin birth of Jesus announced by Angel Gabriel; cousin was Elizabeth (mother of John the Baptist).

Sacraments

An outward sign instituted by Christ to give Grace (Called Mysteries in Eastern Rites); believers recognize $7$ of them.

Paschal Mystery

Jesus' way to save humanity and redeem us from sin (His Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension into Heaven).

Holy Spirit

Preserves church doctrine until today (e.g., Election of Pope Francis). Ensures the Church DOES NOT change essential beliefs, but DOES change with lifestyle (Vatican Council II).

1000 BC

Kingdom of Israel (King Saul, King David, King Solomon) {Israel/Judah}.

500 BC

Roman Republic (Building of Roman State into current Italian State).

1 AD

Birth of Jesus (Judah) Bethlehem; Start of Roman Empire, featuring King Herod (Holy Innocence) and Pontious Pilate (Governor).

33 AD

Death of Jesus (Crucifixion). Raised in Nazareth (Jesus of Nazareth; Historical Jesus). Considered Messiah/Savior by Believers and Good Man/Good Jew by Non-Believers.

St. Peter

"Rock", appointed by Christ for the construction of the church as the 1st Pope ("Bishop of Rome") and leader as 1st among equals.

St. Paul

Responsible for the spread of message in New Testament through Letters to areas around the Roman Empire.