Theology Final Terms
1000 (Revelation):
In the Book of Revelation, the number 1000 often symbolizes a long period of time, specifically the "millennium" during which Christ reigns with his saints (Revelation 20:1-6).
3 Main Branches of Christianity:
Catholicism: Centralized authority in the Pope, seven sacraments, veneration of saints.
Eastern Orthodoxy: Led by patriarchs, seven sacraments, emphasizes mystical theology.
Protestantism: Diverse denominations, focus on Scripture alone (sola scriptura), typically recognizes two sacraments (baptism and communion).
4 Marks of the Church:
One: Unity in doctrine, worship, and governance.
Holy: Set apart for God's purposes.
Catholic: Universal, meant for all people.
Apostolic: Continuity with the apostles through succession.
5 Patriarchs/Metropolitan Sees:
The ancient pentarchy: Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem.
Acts of the Apostles:
Fifth book of the New Testament, detailing the early Church's history, the spread of the Gospel, and the missionary work of the apostles, particularly Peter and Paul.
Ananias and Sapphira:
Couple in Acts 5 who lied about their donation to the apostles and were struck dead as a consequence.
Anglicanism:
Branch of Christianity that emerged from the Reformation in England, maintaining a balance between Protestant reforms and Catholic traditions.
Antioch:
An early center of Christianity where the term "Christian" was first used (Acts 11:26).
Apostles:
The twelve chief disciples of Jesus sent to preach the Gospel.
Apostolate:
The mission, focus, or duties of an apostle or a community engaged in evangelization or charitable work.
Arius/Arianism:
Early Christian heretic who taught that Jesus was created and not co-eternal with God, leading to the Arian controversy addressed at the Council of Nicaea.
Ascension:
The event of Jesus rising into heaven 40 days after his resurrection (Acts 1:9-11).
Assumption:
The belief, particularly in Catholicism, that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life.
Avignon Papacy:
Period from 1309 to 1377 when the Popes resided in Avignon, France, rather than Rome.
Caesar:
Title used by Roman emperors, often referenced in the New Testament (e.g., "Render unto Caesar..." Matthew 22:21).
Calvinism:
Protestant theological system founded by John Calvin, emphasizing predestination and the sovereignty of God.
Catholic:
Universal; the term refers to the global Christian Church, particularly the Roman Catholic Church.
Charism/Spirituality:
A gift or grace given by the Holy Spirit for the benefit of the Church; distinctive forms of spirituality and practice within different Christian communities.
Charlemagne:
King of the Franks and Lombards, crowned Emperor in 800 AD, who supported the Church and education.
Church:
The community of all Christian believers, often referred to as the Body of Christ.
Clergy:
Ordained leaders within the Church, including bishops, priests, and deacons.
Commissioning of Disciples:
The sending forth of Jesus' followers to preach and baptize, particularly noted in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
Constantine:
Roman Emperor who converted to Christianity and enacted the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, granting religious tolerance.
Constitutions:
Authoritative Church documents or decrees, often issued by councils or synods.
Consubstantial/(Homoousios):
Term from the Nicene Creed meaning "of the same substance," used to affirm the divinity of Christ as being of the same essence as God the Father.
Cornelius:
A Roman centurion whose conversion is recorded in Acts 10, demonstrating the inclusion of Gentiles in the Church.
Council of Jerusalem:
Early Christian council (Acts 15) that decided Gentile converts did not have to follow Jewish law.
Council of Nicea:
First ecumenical council held in 325 AD, which addressed Arianism and produced the Nicene Creed.
Council of Trent:
Ecumenical council (1545-1563) that addressed issues of the Reformation and clarified Catholic doctrine.
Creed:
Formal statement of Christian beliefs, such as the Nicene Creed or Apostles' Creed.
Damascus:
City where Paul was converted to Christianity on the road to Damascus (Acts 9).
Deacon:
Ordained minister serving in various capacities within the Church, assisting bishops and priests.
Destruction of the Temple:
The destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 AD, a significant event in Jewish and Christian history.
Deposit of Faith:
The body of revealed truth in the Scriptures and Tradition entrusted to the Church.
Diocese:
A district under the pastoral care of a bishop in the Christian Church.
Disciple:
A follower of Jesus, particularly one of the twelve original apostles.
Doctrine:
Official teachings of the Church.
Dogmatic Constitutions:
Authoritative documents from ecumenical councils that define doctrine.
Donatism:
Heresy asserting that the validity of sacraments depends on the moral character of the clergy administering them.
Eastern vs. Western Roman Empire:
The division of the Roman Empire into eastern (Byzantine) and western sections, influencing the later schism between Eastern Orthodoxy and Western Christianity.
Eastern Orthodox:
Branch of Christianity with roots in the Eastern Roman Empire, known for its liturgy and theology.
Ecumenical Council:
Assembly of Church leaders to discuss and settle matters of doctrine and practice, recognized universally by the Church.
Edict of Milan:
Proclamation by Constantine in 313 AD granting religious tolerance in the Roman Empire.
Edict of Thessalonica:
Issued in 380 AD, making Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire.
Edict of Toleration:
Various decrees that granted religious freedom, such as those by Constantine and others.
Encyclical:
A letter from the Pope to the bishops and faithful, addressing important doctrinal or social issues.
Enlightenment:
Intellectual movement emphasizing reason and individualism rather than tradition; influenced modern views on religion and society.
Essenes:
Jewish sect during the Second Temple period, known for their ascetic lifestyle and the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Eucharist:
The sacrament of Holy Communion, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus.
Excommunication:
Formal exclusion from participation in the sacraments and services of the Church.
Filioque:
Latin term meaning "and the Son," added to the Nicene Creed in the Western Church, contributing to the East-West Schism.
Gamaliel:
A Pharisee and respected teacher of the law who advised caution in dealing with the apostles (Acts 5:34-40).
Gaudium Et Spes:
Pastoral constitution from Vatican II on the Church in the modern world, addressing issues of society, economics, and culture.
Gentile:
A person who is not Jewish; often referred to in the context of early Christian outreach to non-Jews.
Gospel of Luke:
One of the four canonical Gospels, emphasizing Jesus' compassion and including parables unique to Luke.
Greed:
An excessive desire for wealth or possessions, considered one of the seven deadly sins in Christian teaching.
Henry VIII:
English king who broke with the Catholic Church and established the Church of England, primarily over issues related to his marriages.
Heresy:
Belief or opinion contrary to orthodox Christian doctrine.
Indulgence:
The remission of temporal punishment for sins, historically abused leading to the Reformation.
Infallibility:
The doctrine that the Pope is free from error when proclaiming a dogma on faith or morals.
Immaculate Conception:
The doctrine that Mary was conceived without original sin.
Jerusalem:
Holy city for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; central to biblical history and site of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.
Jesuits:
Religious order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola, known for education, missionary work, and intellectual contributions.
John XXIII:
Pope who convened the Second Vatican Council, initiating significant Church reforms.
Justification by Faith:
Protestant doctrine asserting that faith alone brings salvation, not works.
Latin v. Greek:
Refers to the linguistic and cultural division between the Western (Latin) and Eastern (Greek) parts of the Roman Empire, influencing Church liturgy and theology.
Lay people:
Members of the Church who are not part of the clergy.
Liturgy:
The set forms of public worship in the Church.
Magisterium:
The teaching authority of the Roman Catholic Church, exercised by bishops in communion with the Pope.
Martin Luther:
German monk whose 95 Theses sparked the Protestant Reformation.
Martyr:
Someone who is killed for their faith.
Matthias:
The apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:26).
Monk:
A member of a religious community living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Monophysite:
Belief that Christ has a single, divine nature, as opposed to the orthodox view of two natures (divine and human).
Mystery:
A truth revealed by God that surpasses human understanding.
Nero:
Roman Emperor known for his persecution of Christians.
Nestorius/Nestorianism:
Early heretic who taught that Christ was two separate persons, one human and one divine; his views were condemned at the Council of Ephesus.
Nominalism:
Philosophical view that universals are mere names without corresponding reality, influential in late medieval theology.
Nostra Aetate:
Declaration from Vatican II on the relation of the Church with non-Christian religions, promoting dialogue and respect.
Nun:
A woman who takes vows and lives a religious life in a convent or community.
Orthodoxy:
Adherence to accepted and traditional teachings of the faith.
Orthopraxy:
Correct conduct or practice in religion, as opposed to correct belief (orthodoxy).
Papal Decree:
An authoritative order or decision issued by the Pope.
Papal Schism:
Periods of division within the Catholic Church, most notably the Western Schism (1378-1417) when multiple claimants to the Papacy existed.
Paul:
Apostle who spread Christianity among Gentiles; author of many New Testament epistles.
Pentecost:
The event when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, empowering them to preach the Gospel (Acts 2).
Person v. Nature:
Theological distinction in Christology; person refers to the individual existence (Jesus Christ) while nature refers to the divine and human aspects of Christ.
Peter:
Apostle, considered the first Pope, central in the early Church.
Persecution:
Hostile treatment, especially because of religious beliefs, experienced by early Christians and other religious groups.
Pharisees:
Jewish sect known for strict adherence to the law; often depicted in the Gospels as opponents of Jesus.
Pope John XXIII:
See John XXIII above.
Pope Leo XIII:
Pope who issued the encyclical Rerum Novarum on social justice and workers' rights.
Pope Pius IX:
Longest-reigning elected Pope who defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception and convened the First Vatican Council.
Praxis:
Practice or conduct as distinguished from theory or belief; in theology, it refers to the application of faith in action.
Protestant Reformation:
16th-century religious movement initiated by Martin Luther challenging Catholic doctrine and practices, leading to the formation of Protestant denominations.
Predestination:
The doctrine that God has eternally chosen those whom he intends to save.
Rerum Novarum:
Encyclical by Pope Leo XIII addressing the rights and duties of capital and labor.
Revelation (symbols/numbers):
The Book of Revelation uses symbolic language and numbers (e.g., 7 for completeness, 666 for imperfection) to convey prophetic visions.
Road to Damascus:
The event of Paul's conversion to Christianity (Acts 9), symbolizing a transformative experience.
Rome: - Central city in Christian history, the seat of the Papacy, and significant in the spread of Christianity.
Sacrament: - Visible signs of God's grace, instituted by Christ; the Catholic Church recognizes seven sacraments.
Sacramentality: - The belief that the material world can be a conduit of God's grace, foundational in sacramental theology.
Sadducees: - Jewish sect that was more aristocratic and conservative, rejecting beliefs in the resurrection and angels, often opposing the Pharisees.
Schism: - A formal division within the Church, such as the Great Schism between Eastern Orthodoxy and Western Christianity.
Simony: - The sin of buying or selling ecclesiastical offices or sacraments.
Sola Scriptura: - Protestant doctrine that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice.
Stephen: - The first Christian martyr, stoned to death for his faith (Acts 7).
Spirituality: - The practice and experience of living out one's faith and relationship with God.
Trinity: - The Christian doctrine of one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Transubstantiation: - The Catholic belief that during the Eucharist, the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ while retaining their accidents.
Universal Call to Holiness: - The teaching that all Christians are called to live a holy life, not just clergy or religious.
Vatican I: - The First Vatican Council (1869-1870) which defined the doctrine of papal infallibility.
Vatican II: - The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), which brought significant liturgical and ecumenical reforms to the Catholic Church.
Zealots: - Jewish political movement in the 1st century that sought to overthrow Roman rule, known for their extreme zeal for Jewish law.
1000 (Revelation):
In the Book of Revelation, the number 1000 often symbolizes a long period of time, specifically the "millennium" during which Christ reigns with his saints (Revelation 20:1-6).
3 Main Branches of Christianity:
Catholicism: Centralized authority in the Pope, seven sacraments, veneration of saints.
Eastern Orthodoxy: Led by patriarchs, seven sacraments, emphasizes mystical theology.
Protestantism: Diverse denominations, focus on Scripture alone (sola scriptura), typically recognizes two sacraments (baptism and communion).
4 Marks of the Church:
One: Unity in doctrine, worship, and governance.
Holy: Set apart for God's purposes.
Catholic: Universal, meant for all people.
Apostolic: Continuity with the apostles through succession.
5 Patriarchs/Metropolitan Sees:
The ancient pentarchy: Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem.
Acts of the Apostles:
Fifth book of the New Testament, detailing the early Church's history, the spread of the Gospel, and the missionary work of the apostles, particularly Peter and Paul.
Ananias and Sapphira:
Couple in Acts 5 who lied about their donation to the apostles and were struck dead as a consequence.
Anglicanism:
Branch of Christianity that emerged from the Reformation in England, maintaining a balance between Protestant reforms and Catholic traditions.
Antioch:
An early center of Christianity where the term "Christian" was first used (Acts 11:26).
Apostles:
The twelve chief disciples of Jesus sent to preach the Gospel.
Apostolate:
The mission, focus, or duties of an apostle or a community engaged in evangelization or charitable work.
Arius/Arianism:
Early Christian heretic who taught that Jesus was created and not co-eternal with God, leading to the Arian controversy addressed at the Council of Nicaea.
Ascension:
The event of Jesus rising into heaven 40 days after his resurrection (Acts 1:9-11).
Assumption:
The belief, particularly in Catholicism, that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life.
Avignon Papacy:
Period from 1309 to 1377 when the Popes resided in Avignon, France, rather than Rome.
Caesar:
Title used by Roman emperors, often referenced in the New Testament (e.g., "Render unto Caesar..." Matthew 22:21).
Calvinism:
Protestant theological system founded by John Calvin, emphasizing predestination and the sovereignty of God.
Catholic:
Universal; the term refers to the global Christian Church, particularly the Roman Catholic Church.
Charism/Spirituality:
A gift or grace given by the Holy Spirit for the benefit of the Church; distinctive forms of spirituality and practice within different Christian communities.
Charlemagne:
King of the Franks and Lombards, crowned Emperor in 800 AD, who supported the Church and education.
Church:
The community of all Christian believers, often referred to as the Body of Christ.
Clergy:
Ordained leaders within the Church, including bishops, priests, and deacons.
Commissioning of Disciples:
The sending forth of Jesus' followers to preach and baptize, particularly noted in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
Constantine:
Roman Emperor who converted to Christianity and enacted the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, granting religious tolerance.
Constitutions:
Authoritative Church documents or decrees, often issued by councils or synods.
Consubstantial/(Homoousios):
Term from the Nicene Creed meaning "of the same substance," used to affirm the divinity of Christ as being of the same essence as God the Father.
Cornelius:
A Roman centurion whose conversion is recorded in Acts 10, demonstrating the inclusion of Gentiles in the Church.
Council of Jerusalem:
Early Christian council (Acts 15) that decided Gentile converts did not have to follow Jewish law.
Council of Nicea:
First ecumenical council held in 325 AD, which addressed Arianism and produced the Nicene Creed.
Council of Trent:
Ecumenical council (1545-1563) that addressed issues of the Reformation and clarified Catholic doctrine.
Creed:
Formal statement of Christian beliefs, such as the Nicene Creed or Apostles' Creed.
Damascus:
City where Paul was converted to Christianity on the road to Damascus (Acts 9).
Deacon:
Ordained minister serving in various capacities within the Church, assisting bishops and priests.
Destruction of the Temple:
The destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 AD, a significant event in Jewish and Christian history.
Deposit of Faith:
The body of revealed truth in the Scriptures and Tradition entrusted to the Church.
Diocese:
A district under the pastoral care of a bishop in the Christian Church.
Disciple:
A follower of Jesus, particularly one of the twelve original apostles.
Doctrine:
Official teachings of the Church.
Dogmatic Constitutions:
Authoritative documents from ecumenical councils that define doctrine.
Donatism:
Heresy asserting that the validity of sacraments depends on the moral character of the clergy administering them.
Eastern vs. Western Roman Empire:
The division of the Roman Empire into eastern (Byzantine) and western sections, influencing the later schism between Eastern Orthodoxy and Western Christianity.
Eastern Orthodox:
Branch of Christianity with roots in the Eastern Roman Empire, known for its liturgy and theology.
Ecumenical Council:
Assembly of Church leaders to discuss and settle matters of doctrine and practice, recognized universally by the Church.
Edict of Milan:
Proclamation by Constantine in 313 AD granting religious tolerance in the Roman Empire.
Edict of Thessalonica:
Issued in 380 AD, making Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire.
Edict of Toleration:
Various decrees that granted religious freedom, such as those by Constantine and others.
Encyclical:
A letter from the Pope to the bishops and faithful, addressing important doctrinal or social issues.
Enlightenment:
Intellectual movement emphasizing reason and individualism rather than tradition; influenced modern views on religion and society.
Essenes:
Jewish sect during the Second Temple period, known for their ascetic lifestyle and the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Eucharist:
The sacrament of Holy Communion, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus.
Excommunication:
Formal exclusion from participation in the sacraments and services of the Church.
Filioque:
Latin term meaning "and the Son," added to the Nicene Creed in the Western Church, contributing to the East-West Schism.
Gamaliel:
A Pharisee and respected teacher of the law who advised caution in dealing with the apostles (Acts 5:34-40).
Gaudium Et Spes:
Pastoral constitution from Vatican II on the Church in the modern world, addressing issues of society, economics, and culture.
Gentile:
A person who is not Jewish; often referred to in the context of early Christian outreach to non-Jews.
Gospel of Luke:
One of the four canonical Gospels, emphasizing Jesus' compassion and including parables unique to Luke.
Greed:
An excessive desire for wealth or possessions, considered one of the seven deadly sins in Christian teaching.
Henry VIII:
English king who broke with the Catholic Church and established the Church of England, primarily over issues related to his marriages.
Heresy:
Belief or opinion contrary to orthodox Christian doctrine.
Indulgence:
The remission of temporal punishment for sins, historically abused leading to the Reformation.
Infallibility:
The doctrine that the Pope is free from error when proclaiming a dogma on faith or morals.
Immaculate Conception:
The doctrine that Mary was conceived without original sin.
Jerusalem:
Holy city for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; central to biblical history and site of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.
Jesuits:
Religious order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola, known for education, missionary work, and intellectual contributions.
John XXIII:
Pope who convened the Second Vatican Council, initiating significant Church reforms.
Justification by Faith:
Protestant doctrine asserting that faith alone brings salvation, not works.
Latin v. Greek:
Refers to the linguistic and cultural division between the Western (Latin) and Eastern (Greek) parts of the Roman Empire, influencing Church liturgy and theology.
Lay people:
Members of the Church who are not part of the clergy.
Liturgy:
The set forms of public worship in the Church.
Magisterium:
The teaching authority of the Roman Catholic Church, exercised by bishops in communion with the Pope.
Martin Luther:
German monk whose 95 Theses sparked the Protestant Reformation.
Martyr:
Someone who is killed for their faith.
Matthias:
The apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:26).
Monk:
A member of a religious community living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Monophysite:
Belief that Christ has a single, divine nature, as opposed to the orthodox view of two natures (divine and human).
Mystery:
A truth revealed by God that surpasses human understanding.
Nero:
Roman Emperor known for his persecution of Christians.
Nestorius/Nestorianism:
Early heretic who taught that Christ was two separate persons, one human and one divine; his views were condemned at the Council of Ephesus.
Nominalism:
Philosophical view that universals are mere names without corresponding reality, influential in late medieval theology.
Nostra Aetate:
Declaration from Vatican II on the relation of the Church with non-Christian religions, promoting dialogue and respect.
Nun:
A woman who takes vows and lives a religious life in a convent or community.
Orthodoxy:
Adherence to accepted and traditional teachings of the faith.
Orthopraxy:
Correct conduct or practice in religion, as opposed to correct belief (orthodoxy).
Papal Decree:
An authoritative order or decision issued by the Pope.
Papal Schism:
Periods of division within the Catholic Church, most notably the Western Schism (1378-1417) when multiple claimants to the Papacy existed.
Paul:
Apostle who spread Christianity among Gentiles; author of many New Testament epistles.
Pentecost:
The event when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, empowering them to preach the Gospel (Acts 2).
Person v. Nature:
Theological distinction in Christology; person refers to the individual existence (Jesus Christ) while nature refers to the divine and human aspects of Christ.
Peter:
Apostle, considered the first Pope, central in the early Church.
Persecution:
Hostile treatment, especially because of religious beliefs, experienced by early Christians and other religious groups.
Pharisees:
Jewish sect known for strict adherence to the law; often depicted in the Gospels as opponents of Jesus.
Pope John XXIII:
See John XXIII above.
Pope Leo XIII:
Pope who issued the encyclical Rerum Novarum on social justice and workers' rights.
Pope Pius IX:
Longest-reigning elected Pope who defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception and convened the First Vatican Council.
Praxis:
Practice or conduct as distinguished from theory or belief; in theology, it refers to the application of faith in action.
Protestant Reformation:
16th-century religious movement initiated by Martin Luther challenging Catholic doctrine and practices, leading to the formation of Protestant denominations.
Predestination:
The doctrine that God has eternally chosen those whom he intends to save.
Rerum Novarum:
Encyclical by Pope Leo XIII addressing the rights and duties of capital and labor.
Revelation (symbols/numbers):
The Book of Revelation uses symbolic language and numbers (e.g., 7 for completeness, 666 for imperfection) to convey prophetic visions.
Road to Damascus:
The event of Paul's conversion to Christianity (Acts 9), symbolizing a transformative experience.
Rome: - Central city in Christian history, the seat of the Papacy, and significant in the spread of Christianity.
Sacrament: - Visible signs of God's grace, instituted by Christ; the Catholic Church recognizes seven sacraments.
Sacramentality: - The belief that the material world can be a conduit of God's grace, foundational in sacramental theology.
Sadducees: - Jewish sect that was more aristocratic and conservative, rejecting beliefs in the resurrection and angels, often opposing the Pharisees.
Schism: - A formal division within the Church, such as the Great Schism between Eastern Orthodoxy and Western Christianity.
Simony: - The sin of buying or selling ecclesiastical offices or sacraments.
Sola Scriptura: - Protestant doctrine that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice.
Stephen: - The first Christian martyr, stoned to death for his faith (Acts 7).
Spirituality: - The practice and experience of living out one's faith and relationship with God.
Trinity: - The Christian doctrine of one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Transubstantiation: - The Catholic belief that during the Eucharist, the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ while retaining their accidents.
Universal Call to Holiness: - The teaching that all Christians are called to live a holy life, not just clergy or religious.
Vatican I: - The First Vatican Council (1869-1870) which defined the doctrine of papal infallibility.
Vatican II: - The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), which brought significant liturgical and ecumenical reforms to the Catholic Church.
Zealots: - Jewish political movement in the 1st century that sought to overthrow Roman rule, known for their extreme zeal for Jewish law.