Theology Veritas and Gospel Foundations - Key Concepts (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts from truth, proofs of God, the Gospels, and related theology notes.

Theology Veritas (ἀλήθεια/Alatheia)

Truth in theology as disclosure or revelation; the process of unveiling reality to the intellect.

Adequatio rei et intellectus

The equation of thought and thing; the intellect’s alignment with reality.

Human Person as judge and proposition

In the search for truth, humans evaluate propositions and ask: What is truth?

Absolute Truth

Inflexible reality; fixed facts that do not change with perspective.

Relative Truth

Truth that varies with context, perspective, or situation.

Jesus Christ as Source of Truth

Truth is knowable through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

God is Truth

God is the ultimate source and standard of all truth.

Motion Argument (Prime Mover)

Things in motion require an unmoved mover; God is the Prime Mover.

Causality Argument (First Efficient Cause / Uncaused Cause)

Everything has a cause; there must be a first cause that is uncaused, identified as God.

Contingency Argument (Necessary Being)

Nothing could exist from nothing; there must be a necessary being—God.

Gradation & Perfection Argument

Degrees of perfection imply a maximum; thus a Perfect Being exists.

Design Argument (Intelligent Designer)

The order and purpose in the world suggest an intelligent designer—God.

Saint Augustine: God is the Purpose of Our Existence

Aquinas-era teaching echoed by Augustine: God is the telos of human life.

Edward Schillebeeckx: God as Personal Absolute

God is a personal absolute who gives absolute meaning and purpose to life.

Gospel of Matthew

Jesus as the Promised Messiah and King; audience: Jews; reveals the Kingdom Come.

Gospel of Mark

Jesus as the Suffering Servant; emphasizes humility and service.

Gospel of Luke

Jesus as the Son of Man; emphasizes Jesus’ humanity and incarnation.

Gospel of John

Jesus as the Son of God; high theology; the Logos; co-equal and co-eternal with the Father.

The Gospel Message: The Gospels form one Gospel

The four records together form the gospel of God regarding His Son; each can stand alone.

Lion Symbol (First Living Creature)

Symbolizes leadership and power associated with the Gospel writer who emphasizes kingship.

Calf Symbol (Second Living Creature)

Symbolizes sacrifice and the priestly order in the Gospel tradition.

Man Symbol (Third Living Creature)

Symbolizes humanity and the incarnation of Christ.

Eagle Symbol (Fourth Living Creature)

Symbolizes the Spirit and the church; associated with high theology.

Saint Matthew (Divine Man)

Gospel highlights Jesus’ entry into the world; incarnation and birth.

Saint Mark (Winged Lion)

Calls for preparing the way for the Lord; signals royalty and the Son of God.

Saint Luke (Winged Ox)

Ox symbolizing sacrifice; foreshadows reconciliation and redemption.

Saint John (Rising Eagle)

Emphasizes the relationship between Father and Son; high theology and mystery.

Sequela Christi

The followers’ experience with Jesus that becomes a turning point; e.g., Mary Magdalene and Paul.

Jesus as the Truest Human

To be truly human is to bear the image of God; Jesus provides the ultimate example.