U2 Theology
Definitions
Trinity - We believe that God is Trinity.
Trinity is one God in 3 defined persons.
Perfect unity, but the Persons are distinct.
God is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The doctrine of the Trinity is the Central Mystery of our faith because the Trinity is WHO God is!
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Creed - Comes from the word “credo” in Latin. This means I believe.
The Creed is a summary of the essential beliefs of our faith. The Creed can also be called the Profession of Faith.
Fides qua: personal act of faith: the faith by which we believe
Fides quae: the faith/doctrinal content we believe
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Incarnation - Belief in the true Incarnation of the Son of God is the distinctive sign of Christian faith. Every spirit which confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh of God.
God incarnating himself in human flesh = God taking the human form in the body of Christ
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Hypostatic Union - The union of the divine and human natures in one Divine Person, Jesus Christ.
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Person - From a Greek word hypostasis. A person is a rational being that is in relation to another being.
God is 3 divine persons.
We are human persons.
Angels are angelic persons
Person tells us WHO God is.
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Substance - Essence or nature that makes something what it is.
God’s nature/substance is divine.
Our nature/substance is human.
Substance tells us WHAT God is. In substance, God is ONE.
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Hypostasis - The true nature or substance of something
Describes the three parts of God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) as different but all part of the same God.
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Economic Trinity - Inseparable in what they are, the divine persons are also inseparable in what they do.
God reveals that He is a Trinity through His works in salvation history.
We know who God is (Immanent Trinity) by what He does (Economic Trinity) and by how He acts in our lives and in the world.
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Salvation - The forgiveness of sins and the restoration of friendship with God, which can be done by God alone.
All three Persons are involved in the common work of Salvation.
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Fruits of the Holy Spirit (definition) - The Fruits of the Holy Spirit are dispositions of the result of being shaped, led, and completely formed by God.
The Fruits come naturally when a person is in close relationship with God
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Gifts of the Holy Spirit (definition) - With the gifts the Spirit “endows” Christians, in other words, he gives them particular powers that go beyond their natural abilities.
We receive a special outpouring of the gifts are confirmation
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Multiple Choice & True/False
Review the Nicene Creed:
Who is God the Father? - He is the creator of heaven and earth, and all things visible and invisible.
Who is God the Son? - He is the only Son of God, begotten from the Father. He became human, was crucified, died, and rose again for the salvation of humanity.
Who is the Holy Spirit? - He is the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. He is worshiped and glorified with the Father and the Son.
What is the relationship of the Holy Spirit in regards to the Father and the Son? – The relationship of the Holy Spirit to the Father and the Son is that He proceeds from both and is equally divine, forming the Holy Trinity.
Why do we have more than one creed? - Because heresies arose about Jesus and the Trinity. The Church responded by meeting in economical councils.
From these economical councils, they issued definitive teachings and explained parts of the Creed in more detail.
Who/what does the Creed unite us to? - The Creed unites us to God and to the Church.
Why do we call God “Father”? - He is called Father because He is the creator of everything. He also cares about us as His children. He is the source of all living things visible and invisible.
Why do we say that Jesus is “consubstantial” with the Father? - The term "consubstantial" is used to describe the relationship between Jesus (the Son) and God (the Father). It means that Jesus is of the same substance or essence as the Father.
What do the three divine Persons of the Trinity fully possess? - Being fully God with the Father, and Son, the Spirit possesses the same divine substance (nature).
What are the properties of the Divine Persons? - The Divine Persons are distinct from one another, while also being relative to one another.
The distinction among the Three Divine Persons is due to what? - The distinction of the divine Persons is due to the relationship of each Person to the other,
What is the common work of the Trinity? - All three Persons are involved in the common work of Salvation.
Does God the Father have a body? - God does not have a body or a gender. He is more of a reflection of Man and Woman, which also reflects God.
What are the distinctive ways that each Person of the Trinity performs this common work according to their unique personal property?:
Father: Creation
Son: Salvation
Spirit: Sanctification
What is the central mystery of faith, and WHY is it the central mystery? - “The Mystery of the Holy Trinity is the Central Mystery of Christian faith and life. It is the mystery of God in Himself. It is therefore the source of all the other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them.” (CCC 234)
The Trinity reveals God is One God in Three defined persons.
God the Father is the creator of all things, visible and invisible.
God is also eternally Father in relation to His eternal Son. (CCC 240)
What does the story of Jesus calming the storm at sea, and Psalm 107 show us about who Jesus is?
Jesus is fully divine and fully human.
In Jesus, human nature was assumed and not absorbed.
Jesus is like us in all things except sin.
Is Jesus’ human and divine natures mixed together in the hypostatic union? - These two natures are not mixed together or blended; rather, they coexist without losing their distinct properties.
The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.
The Spirit is equal to the Father and the Son in what ways? - Divine substance, power, wisdom, and majesty.
Why is it that the Spirit is mutual love between the Father and the Son? - Because it is love that is so real that it is a Person.
Who reveals the Holy Spirit to us? - The Holy Spirit is only fully revealed by Jesus.
What are some of the main symbols and titles for the Holy Spirit?
Symbols: Dove, fire, wind, water, oil
Titles: Advocate, comforter, counselor, paraclete (consoler), Spirit of Truth
The word “Spirit” comes from what Hebrew word? “Spirit” comes from the Hebrew word ruah, which means “breath, air, and wind”.
How do we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit? - Through confirmation.
How do we receive the fruits of the Holy Spirit? - Comes through naturally when one is in relationship with God.
What “I AM” statements did Jesus Christ say to identify Himself as God?
“I am the bread of life”
“I am the light of the world”
“I am the gate for the sheep”
“I am going to awaken him”
“I am the good shepherd”
“I am the way the truth and the life”
“I am the true vine”