Theology 10 - Chapter 1: The Beginning of Creation

Vocabulary study flashcards based on Theology 10 Chapter 1 lecture notes covering the nature of God, creation, Genesis vs. pagan myths, the original state of humanity, the Fall, and salvation history.

Eternal

The attribute of God meaning He has no beginning and no end, does not come into existence at a particular point in time, and exists outside the limits of time.

Infinite

The attribute of God meaning He is without limits or boundaries in His divine power, knowledge, goodness, and existence.

Almighty

The attribute of God meaning He has unlimited power and authority over creation, with nothing created being equal to or more powerful than Him.

Creator

The role of God as the ultimate source of everything that exists outside of Himself, upon whom all created things depend for existence.

Ex Nihilo

Latin phrase meaning "out of nothing," referring to God creating the universe without using any pre-existing material.

Visible Things

Physical aspects of creation made by God, including stars, planets, animals, plants, and human bodies.

Invisible Things

Spiritual realities created by God that lack physical bodies, specifically angels.

Unique (God)

The characteristic of God stating that there is only one God, who is completely distinct from everything He has created rather than one god among many.

Trinitarian

The Christian truth that there is one God in three divine Persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit, sharing one divine nature.

Bodily Creatures

Entities created with physical bodies that form part of the material world, such as animals, plants, stars, and human bodies.

Spiritual Creatures

Beings created by God that do not possess physical bodies, specifically angels.

Angels

Spiritual, personal creatures created by God who possess intelligence and free will but do not have physical bodies.

Human Soul

The immortal spiritual principle of a human person, created directly by God, that confers spiritual abilities such as reason and free will.

Primeval History

The early stories in Genesis 1–11 before Abraham, covering foundational events such as Creation, Adam and Eve, the Fall, Cain and Abel, Noah and the Flood, and the Tower of Babel.

Enuma Elish

An ancient Babylonian creation myth depicting the origin of the universe through conflict and war among multiple gods.

Imago Dei

Latin for "image of God," signifying that human beings are created in God's image and possess unique capacities for relationship, love, and free choices.

Human Dignity

The inherent and inalienable worth belonging to every human person because each is created in the image of God.

Original Solitude

The first human person's awareness of being distinct from visible creatures and possessing a unique spiritual nature and personal relationship with God.

Original Unity

The original communion between man and woman, recognizing shared human nature and created for mutual self-giving and companionship.

Original Nakedness

The initial experience of Adam and Eve living without shame before the Fall, representing innocence, trust, respect, and freedom from disordered desire.

Original Justice

The state of harmony that humanity experienced before the Fall between God, inner self, other people, and the created world.

Original Holiness

The initial state of friendship and close spiritual relationship that humanity shared with God prior to the Fall.

Original Sin

The fallen state of human nature inherited from humanity's first parents as a consequence of their disobedience in rejecting God's authority.

Fallen Nature

Human nature as wounded by Original Sin; it retains dignity, reason, and free will, but suffers an inclination toward sin.

Concupiscence

The interior inclination or tendency toward sin that remains in human beings as a residual effect of Original Sin.

Essential Goodness

The foundational truth that human beings remain inherently good as God's creation and bear His image despite being wounded by Original Sin.

Divine Filiation

The condition of being adopted as a child of God through divine grace, enabling believers to participate in God's family and life.

Salvation History

The ongoing narrative of God's saving interventions in human history to redeem humanity and restore the relationship broken by sin.

Paschal Mystery

The central event of salvation history comprising the Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus Christ.