Christianity: Key Terms, Beliefs, and History

Vocabulary flashcards covering core Christian terms, beliefs, denominations, Gospels, sacraments, historical schisms, the Reformation, and sacred symbols.

Ascension

Jesus rising bodily into heaven 40 days after His Resurrection.

Bible

Christianity's sacred scripture, made of two parts: Old Testament and New Testament.

Communion / The Lord’s Supper

Re-enacting Jesus’ Last Supper with bread and wine in memory of His sacrifice.

Confirmation

Sacrament where a baptized person confirms their faith and receives the Holy Spirit.

Lent

A 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and repentance leading up to Easter.

Good Friday

The day commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus.

Advent

A 4-week season of waiting and preparation before Christmas.

Epistles

Letters in the New Testament written by apostles (mainly St. Paul) to early Christian communities.

Fasting

Abstaining from food or specific items as a spiritual discipline.

Filioque Clause

Latin phrase ("and the Son") added to the Nicene Creed by the Western Church; a major cause of the Great Schism.

Holy Thursday

Day that remembers the Last Supper, where Jesus washed His disciples' feet and established the Eucharist.

Indulgences

Certificates issued by the Catholic Church to reduce punishment for sins in purgatory; a core trigger of the Protestant Reformation.

The Gospels

The first 4 books of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) detailing the life and teachings of Jesus.

Parables

Short stories using everyday examples to teach moral and spiritual lessons about the Kingdom of God (e.g., The Good Samaritan).

Nicene Creed

A formal statement of core Christian beliefs composed at the Council of Nicaea.

Council of Nicaea (325 AD)

First major ecumenical council; defined Jesus as fully divine and co-equal with God the Father.

Sacraments

Outward, visible signs of inward divine grace instituted by Christ.

Revelation

God revealing Himself and His divine plan to humanity.

Easter

The most important Christian holiday and holiest day, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

Holy Week

The holiest period in Christianity, extending from Palm Sunday to Easter.

Transubstantiation

Catholic belief that bread and wine actually become the physical Body and Blood of Christ during Mass.

Council of Trent (1545–1563)

Catholic Church council called to respond to the Protestant Reformation (Counter-Reformation); reaffirmed Catholic doctrines and reformed Church corruption.

Pentecost

Celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles 50 days after Easter; known as the "birthday of the Church."

St. Peter

Lead apostle chosen by Jesus; considered by Catholics to be the first Pope.

Roman Catholic

Christian denomination led by the Pope in Rome; practices 7 Sacraments; believes in transubstantiation and papal authority.

Eastern Orthodox

Christian denomination that split from Rome in 1054; led by Patriarchs; uses icons, rejects the Filioque clause and papal supremacy.

Protestant

Christian tradition that split from Catholicism in 1517; emphasizes Sola Scriptura (Bible alone) and Sola Fide (Faith alone); recognizes 2 sacraments (Baptism and Communion).

Gospel of Matthew

Gospel written for a Jewish audience; presents Jesus as the promised Messiah and King.

Gospel of Mark

Shortest and oldest Gospel; focuses on Jesus as the suffering servant.

Gospel of Luke

Gospel written for Gentiles; emphasizes Jesus’ compassion for the poor, marginalized, and women.

Gospel of John

Highly theological and symbolic Gospel; presents Jesus as the divine Word of God (Logos).

Synoptic Gospels

Term applied to Matthew, Mark, and Luke because they share similar perspectives.

The Great Schism (1054 AD)

The official split between the Western (Roman Catholic) and Eastern (Orthodox) Churches due to disputes over papal authority, liturgical differences, and the Filioque Clause.

Baptism

Sacrament of washing away original sin; entry into the Church.

Reconciliation (Confession)

Sacrament of forgiveness of sins through a priest.

Anointing of the Sick

Sacrament providing spiritual and physical healing for the ill or dying.

Holy Orders

Sacrament of ordination of priests, deacons, and bishops.

Matrimony

Sacrament representing the holy union of marriage.

Protestant Reformation (1517)

Movement started by Martin Luther nailing the 95 Theses in Germany to protest Church corruption (especially selling indulgences).

Counter-Reformation

The Catholic Church’s response via the Council of Trent to reform internal abuses while affirming traditional doctrines.

Martin Luther

German monk who sparked the Protestant Reformation by calling for biblical authority and salvation by faith alone.

Cross / Crucifix

Sacred Christian symbol representing Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection.

Ichthys (Fish)

Early Christian secret symbol representing Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.

Chi-Rho (☧)

Monogram of the first two Greek letters in "Christ".

Dove

Sacred Christian symbol representing the Holy Spirit and peace.