All important info for Religion :)

Pharisees

Religious leaders and interpreters of the Law who emphasized strict observance of both written and oral Torah, believed in resurrection, and sought social reform. Often in conflict with Jesus.

Sadducees

Wealthy, aristocratic Jews who only followed the written Torah, rejected resurrection and angels, controlled the Temple and priesthood, and often collaborated with Roman authorities.

Scribes

Trained scholars and professional copyists of the Law, serving as secretaries and interpreters for Pharisees and other groups. Frequently opposed Jesus in the Gospels.

Essenes

A separatist group living in cloistered communities near the Dead Sea, practicing fasting, meditation, and strict adherence to Scripture; politically non-cooperative with Romans.

Levites

Members of the tribe of Levi, responsible for overseeing the tabernacle and Temple worship; the priestly class of Israel.

Samaritans

People from Samaria, culturally and religiously distinct from Jews, worshipping God on Mount Gerizim rather than Jerusalem; often despised by Jews.

Zealots

A militant Jewish group who sought the violent overthrow of Roman rule in Israel.

Salvation History

The “big picture” of God’s relationship with humanity, showing how God has acted through people and events in history to restore our lost union with him.

Covenant

A solemn promise or agreement God makes with human beings (for example, with Noah, Abraham, and the Israelites at Sinai).

Israelites

The descendants of Jacob (later called Israel), who became God’s Chosen People; originally the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Law

God’s instructions for his people, summed up by the Ten Commandments, given as part of the Covenant at Mount Sinai.

Canticle

A song or hymn that appears in the Bible (besides the Psalms), such as the Song of Moses, the Magnificat, or the Canticle of Zechariah.

Parousia

Christ’s second coming in glory at the end of time, when he will fully establish God’s Kingdom and bring Final Judgment.

Old Testament

The first part of the Bible, telling the story of God’s Chosen People, the Israelites, in forty-six books (in Catholic Bibles) including the Pentateuch, Historical Books, Wisdom Books, and Prophets.

New Testament

The second part of the Bible, centered on the life, teachings, death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus Christ, and the beginnings of the Church; it has twenty-seven books (Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation).