Christianity Quiz Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts and definitions related to Christianity, including historical Jesus, sacraments, reformation, and significant feast days.

Historical Jesus

Consensus from the three 'Quests for the Historical Jesus' indicates that Jesus of Nazareth was an actual historical person, and the four canonical gospels serve as historical sources for his life.

Approximate Year of Birth

Jesus of Nazareth was likely born around 4-6 BCE (Before Common Era).

Necessity for Christianity

For Christianity to exist as a historical religious tradition, it is necessary that Jesus was a historical person, claimed to have been resurrected, and his life reflected the gospel portrayal.

Saint Paul on Resurrection

In 1 Corinthians 15:17-19, Paul states that if Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile and we are still in our sins. The resurrection is essential to Christian faith.

Sacrament Definition

A sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.

E.P. Sanders' List Facts (Before Crucifixion)

Secure facts include Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist, a Galilean preacher and healer, calling disciples, teaching in parables, confining his activity to Israel, and engaging in temple controversies.

E.P. Sanders' List Facts (After Crucifixion)

Secure facts include Jesus being crucified by the Romans, his disciples forming an identifiable movement, persecution of this movement by some Jews, and Paul converting and becoming a missionary.

Details NOT Found in E.P. Sanders' List

Examples of details not on the list include information about Jesus' childhood, specific miracles, the exact wording of most teachings, the virgin birth, or detailed theological claims about his nature.

Orthodoxy

Orthodoxy refers to correct belief or doctrine.

Orthopraxy

Orthopraxy refers to correct practice or behavior.

Emphasis in Christian History

Throughout Christian history, orthodoxy has often been given more emphasis than orthopraxy.

Sign of Baptism

The outward and visible sign in baptism is water (immersion or sprinkling) in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Grace in Baptism

The inward and spiritual grace in baptism includes cleansing from sin, death to sin, new birth into the Christian community, and incorporation into the Body of Christ.

Sign of Confirmation/Chrismation

The outward and visible sign of confirmation/chrismation is the laying on of hands and/or anointing with oil (chrism) by a bishop or priest.

Grace in Confirmation/Chrismation

The inward and spiritual grace in confirmation/chrismation includes strengthening by the Holy Spirit, sealing of baptismal grace, and empowerment for Christian witness.

Sign of Eucharist/Holy Communion

The outward and visible sign of the Eucharist/Holy Communion is the consecrated bread and wine that are consumed.

Grace in Eucharist/Holy Communion

The inward and spiritual grace in Eucharist/Holy Communion consists of spiritual nourishment, communion with Christ, participation in Christ's body and blood, and unity with the Church.

Sign of Penance/Reconciliation

The outward and visible sign of penance/reconciliation is the confession of sins to a priest and the words of absolution.

Grace in Penance/Reconciliation

The inward and spiritual grace in penance/reconciliation includes forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God and the Church, and restoration of grace.

Sign of Anointing of the Sick

The outward and visible sign of anointing of the sick is the anointing with oil and prayer by a priest.

Grace in Anointing of the Sick

The inward and spiritual grace in anointing of the sick includes spiritual and sometimes physical healing, strength to endure illness, forgiveness of sins, and preparation for death.

Sign of Holy Orders

The outward and visible sign of holy orders is the laying on of hands by a bishop and the prayer of consecration.

Grace in Holy Orders

The inward and spiritual grace in holy orders includes the authority and grace to perform priestly duties, empowerment to serve the Church, and special configuration to Christ.

Sign of Matrimony

The outward and visible sign of matrimony is the exchange of vows between a man and woman before witnesses and a priest.

Grace in Matrimony

The inward and spiritual grace in matrimony includes the grace to love faithfully, unity of the couple, mutual sanctification, and blessing of children.

Tone of Christ's Words

Professor James Rowell describes the tone of the words of Christ in 'Making Sense of the Sacred' as having authority and authenticity.

16th Century Reformation

The European Reformations, also known as the Protestant Reformation, occurred in the 16th century (1500s), specifically beginning around 1517.

Martin Luther

Martin Luther was the Augustinian monk/theologian in Germany who initiated the German reforms of the Roman Catholic Church.

Luther's Concerns

Martin Luther was concerned with the theological issue of justification by faith (versus works) and the sale of indulgences.

Response to Modernity

Protestant denominations have shown diversity in their responses to modernity, with some embracing modern biblical criticism and others rejecting it in favor of fundamentalism or evangelicalism.

Pontius Pilate

Jesus was crucified under the orders of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor/prefect of Judea.

Council of Nicaea

The Nicene Creed was first composed and promulgated at the Council of Nicaea (First Ecumenical Council) in 325 CE.

Feast of the Nativity

The Nativity is celebrated on December 25th and signifies the birth of Jesus Christ, central to the Christmas season.

Feast of Epiphany

The Epiphany is celebrated on January 6th and commemorates the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi.

Ash Wednesday Significance

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, occurring 40 days before Easter (not counting Sundays), and symbolizes mortality and repentance.

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday, also known as Sunday of the Passion, is observed the Sunday before Easter, commemorating Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and beginning Holy Week.

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter, commemorating the Last Supper, Jesus washing the disciples' feet, and the institution of the Eucharist.

Good Friday

Good Friday is observed the Friday before Easter and commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.

Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday is the Saturday before Easter, commemorating Jesus' time in the tomb and the vigil awaiting the Resurrection.

Easter

Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the most important Christian feast.

Trinity Sunday

Trinity Sunday is observed on the first Sunday after Pentecost, celebrating the doctrine of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

First Sunday of Advent

The First Sunday of Advent occurs on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, marking the beginning of the church year and the season of preparation for Christmas.