Morality and God's Love, Unit 1, Chapter 1

original holiness

Adam and Eve's original state of grace by which they lived in close friendship with God.

concupiscence

The lingering effects of Original Sin that make moral decisions more difficult and confusing.

a beatitude

What is "Blessed are the poor in spirit"?

justification

God's action of bringing sinful human beings into right relationship with him.

original justice

The original state of Adam and Eve in which they were in harmony within themselves, each other, and all of creation.

sanctification

The process of growing closer to God and growing in holiness.

soul

Our immortal spiritual principle, what makes us most like God.

free will

What divine gift allows us to choose between good and evil?

intellect

What divine gift allows us to know and understand God through the created order?

etiology

What is a story explaining something's cause or origin?

salvation history

The pattern of specific events in human history in which God clearly reveals his presence and saving actions.

Paschal Mystery

Jesus Christ's Passion, death, Resurrection, and Ascension.

merit

To be justified in the sight of God, free from sin and sanctified by his grace.

Eternal Law

The true and unchanging order in creation that reflects God's will and purpose.

Old Law

Divine Law revealed in the Old Testament, summarized in the Ten Commandments.

New Law

Divine Law revealed in the New Testament through the life and teaching of Jesus Christ.

Great Commandments

To love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself.

natural law

The type of law that can be understood through the use of reason.

Canon Law

What are the laws that provide good order in the Church?

Magisterium

What do we call the Church's teaching office?

Sermon on the Mount

A primary source of the New Law found in the Gospel of Matthew.

Precepts of the Church

Basic obligations for all Catholics.

infallibility

The gift by which the Pope and the bishops can proclaim a doctrine of faith and morals without error.

Decalogue

Another name for the Ten Commandments.

moral law

The teaching that leads us to the blessed life God wants for us.

object

The specific thing—an act, word, or thought—that is being chosen in a moral decision.

intention

What do we call the intended outcome of the person making a moral decision?

circumstances

The specific conditions or facts affecting a moral decision.

sin of commission

A sin that is the direct result of a freely chosen thought, word, or deed.

sin of omission

A sin that is the failure to do something required by God's moral law.

mortal sin

An action so contrary to the will of God that it results in a complete separation from God and his grace.

venial sin

What is a lesser offense against God that does not lead to complete separation from him?

vice

What is a practice or habit that leads a person to sin?

virtue

A habitual and firm disposition to do good.

social sin

Sin that directly attacks others' life, freedom, dignity, or rights.

social justice

Ensuring that essential human needs are met and that essential human rights are protected for all people.