CH 1: Founding of the Church & the Early Christians Vocabulary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture notes covering the founding of the Church, early Christian concepts, Jewish background, and the life of Jesus Christ.

Resurrection

The rising of Jesus from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion; foundational event of Christian faith.

Ascension

Jesus' bodily return to Heaven, forty days after the Resurrection; marked the end of His physical presence on earth.

Pentecost

Jewish feast fifty days after Passover, during which the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles, empowering them to begin their mission.

Sacrament

A visible sign of an invisible reality, instituted by Christ to give us Grace.

Vicar

A representative or substitute; Peter is called Christ's vicar, indicating his role as visible head of the Church on earth.

Messiah

(Hebrew) The "Anointed One"; title for Jesus who fulfills Old Testament prophecies of salvation.

Christ

(Greek) The "Anointed One"; title for Jesus who fulfills Old Testament prophecies of salvation.

Salvation

God's plan to free humanity from sin and death through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

Grace

God's free and undeserved help; the Apostles were filled with grace through the Holy Spirit.

Monotheistic

Believing in one God; the central religious belief of the Jewish people, in contrast to the polytheism of surrounding cultures.

Chosen People

A title for the Jewish people, who were selected by God to receive His Law and prepare the world for the coming of the Messiah.

Personal God

The understanding that God is not distant or impersonal but involved in a loving relationship with His people.

Gentiles

Non-Jews; people who did not belong to the Jewish faith or nation, often associated with paganism in this context.

Crossroads of Cultures

A meeting place of multiple cultures or influences; describes the diverse environment in which Jesus lived.

Hellenist

Referring to Greek culture or influence, especially after the conquests of Alexander the Great.

Latin Influence

Refers to Roman cultural and legal impact, as Latin was the official language of the Roman Empire.

Ascetics

Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstain from indulgence for religious reasons.

Mosaic Law

The laws given by God to Moses, including the Ten Commandments and other regulations in the Torah.

Incarnation

The Word of God (Second Person of the Holy Trinity) becoming flesh and entering human history in the person of Jesus; the central mystery of the Christian faith.

Slaugther of the Innocents

The massacre of all male infants in Bethlehem under king Herod's orders, as he tried to kill Jesus (Mt 2:16-18).

Passover

The Jewish feast remembering God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. Note: At the Last Supper (a Passover Meal), Jesus instituted the Eucharist.

Deposit of Faith

The heritage of faith contained in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, handed down through the Church. Note: It is guarded by the Magisterium of the Church.

Sermon of the Mount

Jesus' great teaching discourse (Mt 5-7) that includes the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer's.

Beatitudes

Teaching of Jesus describing the blessings of those who live according to God's will (Mt. 5:3-12).

New Covenant

The covenant established by Christ, perfecting the Old Covenant, and founded on love and grace.

Filiation

Being made true son or daughter of God. Note: Through Jesus Christ, we share in divine sonship with the Father (CCC §257, §2798).