Theology, Ethics, and the Good Life Flashcards

Flashcards for Theology, Ethics, and the Good Life

Summum Bonum ( the good life)

The highest good, the ultimate aim of life, particularly in Christian theology where it refers to becoming more like God and reaching final union with Him.

Tradition

The transmission of faith, practices, and understanding within a community or culture.

Sacraments

Outward signs of inward grace, such as Baptism and Eucharist.

Moral Theology

The study of human behavior in light of Christian revelation.

Virtues

Habitual and firm dispositions to do good.

cardinal virtues

prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance

Prudence

Right reason in action.

virtue of practical wisdom — the ability to:

• Discern the right course of action in any given situation,

• Make good decisions based on reason and moral principles,

• Act with foresight, not impulse.

Justice

Giving others their due.

Fortitude

Courage to do right despite fear.

Temperance

Moderation of desire.

theological virtues (infused by God)

faith love hope

Faith

Belief in God and divine truth.

Hope

Trust in God’s promises.

Love (Charity)

Willing the good of the other.

Agape

Self-giving, unconditional love (divine love).

Eros

Passionate or romantic desire.

Philia

Friendship or brotherly love.

Law in catholic MNoral theology

eternal, divine, natural, human

Eternal Law

God’s divine wisdom ordering all creation.

Divine Law

Revealed law (e.g., Scripture, the Ten Commandments).

Natural Law

Rational understanding of right/wrong accessible to human reason.

Human Law

Civil or ecclesial laws made by humans (must align with higher laws).

Teleology

Goal-oriented action, emphasized by Aristotle.

Eudaimonia

Flourishing, a concept in virtue ethics where habits form character.

It refers to a deep, sustained state of fulfillment that comes from living a life of virtue, purpose, and rational excellence

Aristotle (384-322BCE

• Pre-Christian Greek philosopher.

• Emphasized goal-oriented action (teleology).

• Concept of virtue ethics: habits forming character toward flourishing (eudaimonia).

• Influenced Aquinas despite not being Christia

augustine of Hippo (354-430)

• Early Christian theologian.

• Wrote The City of God (contrast between earthly city and City of God).

• Emphasized grace, love, desire, and redemption.

• Famous quote: “Love, and do what you will.”

Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)

• Developed natural law theory and theological synthesis.

• Saw grace as perfecting nature, not replacing it.

Final goal

Union with god, ultimate happiness

Summun bonum

thie highest good for christians, this is eternal life with god

perfection

involves aligingin human action wiht divine will thorugh grace, virtue, and love

Justive

social and moral fairness; love ensures justive is personal and humane

Martin Luther King Jr:

love as the soul o fjustive; nonviolent love reshapes society

cynthia moe lobeda

love as an ethical theologival norm that infomrs justi e in structures and ssytems

reason adn grace work together in moral theology

virtue is developed thorugh habit, guided by reason and fulfilled in love

love (agape)

is central to christian ethics — not just a feeling but an action

the good life is both individual and. communal, aimed at trasnformation through grace