Chapter 1 |
Agnostic
| Someone uncertain about the existence of God or divine beings, often believing that such knowledge is unknowable. |
Atheist
| A person who does not believe in the existence of God or gods.
|
Divine revelation
| God's communication of His will and knowledge to humanity, often through sacred texts, prophets, and Jesus Christ. |
Dogma
| Core teachings of a religion, considered authoritative and unchangeable.
|
Four levels of happiness
| Level 1 happiness is the fulfillment of desires connected to biological (instinctual) opportunities and dangers. They come from the brain, nervous system, and sensory faculties. Level 2 happiness is the fulfillment of ego-comparative desires, which arise from self-consciousness. Level 3 happiness is the fulfillment of contributive-empathetic desires, coming from empathy, conscience, and self-consciousness. Level 4 happiness is the fulfillment of transcendental-spiritual desires, which come from a transcendental awareness. |
Incarnation
| The Christian belief that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ. |
Monotheism
| Belief in one God |
Natural revelation
| Knowledge of God through observation of nature, reason, and human experience. |
Salvation history
| The unfolding story of God's plan to save humanity, as revealed in the Bible. |
Secularism
| The principle of separating religion from civic affairs and government. |
The Catechism
| A summary of Catholic doctrine, often used for teaching the faith. |
The Human Condition
| The shared experiences of humanity, including sin, suffering, and the quest for meaning. |
Theist
| A person who believes in the existence of God or gods. |
Sacred Scripture
| The Bible, considered holy and authoritative in Christianity. |
Sacred Tradition
| The living transmission of the Church’s teachings, rooted in the apostles. |
Polytheism
| Belief in multiple gods |
Chapter 2 |
Scripture as Inerrant
| The belief that the Bible, in its original form, is without error in matters of faith and morals. |
Scripture as Inspired
| The belief that the authors of the Bible were guided by the Holy Spirit. |
Scripture as living
| The idea that Scripture remains relevant and active in guiding believers. |
The Septuagint
| The Greek translation of the Old Testament, used widely in early Christianity. |
The Vernacular
| The everyday language of the people, into which the Bible was translated for accessibility.
|
Chapter 3 |
The Pentateuch
| The first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy). |
The Historical Books
| Narratives about Israel's history, such as Kings and Chronicles. |
The Wisdom Books
| Books like Proverbs and Psalms, focusing on poetry and wise teachings. |
The Prophetic Books
| Writings of the prophets who conveyed God's messages.
|
The Gospels
| Accounts of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). |
Acts of the Apostles
| Chronicles the early Church’s history. |
The Pauline Epistles
| Letters written by Paul to early Christian communities.
|
The Catholic Letters
| Universal letters to the Church (e.g., James, Peter, John). |
Revelation
| A prophetic book about the end times. |
Chapter 4 |
Genesis
| The book of beginnings, creation, and early humanity. |
Exodus
| The story of Israel’s liberation from Egypt. |
Leviticus
| Laws for worship and holiness. |
Numbers
| Israel's journey in the wilderness. |
Deuteronomy
| Moses' speeches summarizing the Law. |
Covenant
| A sacred agreement between God and His people. |
Abrahamic covenant
| God's promise to Abraham for descendants and land.
|
Parts of a covenant
| Agreement, conditions, and signs. |
Sinai covenant
| The giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. |
The Fall
| Humanity’s first sin in Eden. |
Commemorate
| To honor or remember an event. |
Israel (what does the name mean?)
| “He who strives with God.” |
Moses
| The leader who freed Israel from Egypt and received the Law. |
Passover
| Celebration of Israel’s liberation from Egypt. |
Protoevangelium
| The first Gospel (Genesis 3:15), a promise of redemption.
|
Ten Commandments
| Moral laws given by God. |
Myth
| Stories conveying deep truths about humanity and God. |
YHWH
| The sacred name of God, meaning "I AM." |
Chapter 5 |
Messiah
| The anointed one, awaited as a savior. |
Prophet
| A messenger chosen by God. |
Three qualities of a true prophet
| Speaks God’s word, fulfills predictions, and leads to righteousness. |
King
| A ruler chosen to govern God’s people. |
Judge
| Miltary leaders raised by God to deliver Israel. |
Saul
| The first king of Israel. |
Babylonian Exile
| Period when Israel was exiled to Babylon. |
Kingdom of Israel
| The northern kingdom. |
Kingdom of Judah
| The southern kingdom. |
Solomon
| Known for wisdom and building the Temple. |
Synagogue
| Jewish house of worship. |
Temple
| The central place of worship in Jerusalem. |
Rabbis and scribes
| Teachers and interpreters of the Law. |
Psalms and Proverbs |
Psalms
| Collections of songs, prayers, and wisdom sayings. |
Proverbs
| Collections of songs, prayers, and wisdom sayings.
|