Biblical Literature: Testaments and Teachings

New Testament and Old Testament Books

• New Testament contains 27 books.
• Old Testament contains 46 books.

Approaches to Interpreting Scripture

• Literal Approach: Each sentence is interpreted exactly as written.
• Contextual Approach: Words are understood within their historical and literary context.

Unit 1: Core Teachings

• Salvation History: God's interaction with humanity throughout history.
• Primeval History: Earliest biblical events (creation, fall, flood).
• Patriarchs: Founding fathers of Israel (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph).
• Egypt and Exodus: Israelites' enslavement and liberation under Moses.
• Promised Land: Israelites' conquest of Canaan under Joshua.
• Kingdom of Israel/Judah: United and later divided monarchies.
• Exile and Return: Babylonian captivity and return to Jerusalem.
• Life of Jesus Christ: Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection.
• Early Church: Spread of Christianity after Jesus' resurrection.
• Last Things: Christian teachings on the end times, judgment, and eternal life.
• Types of Old Testament Books: Law, Historical, Prophetic, Wisdom.

Unit 2: Discipleship and Christian Life

• Discipleship: Following Jesus and living by His teachings.
• Good Disciple: Faithful, loving, committed to Christ's mission.
• Counter-Cultural: Rejects materialism, selfishness, and sin.
• Church's "One Rule": Love God and others.
• Corporal Works of Mercy: Physical acts of kindness.
• Spiritual Works of Mercy: Acts of spiritual support.
• Aids to Holiness: Prayer, sacraments, community, good deeds.
• Mary: First disciple, model of faith.
• Mary's Life Events: Annunciation, Immaculate Conception, Assumption.
• Facets of Mary: Theotokos (God-bearer), model of faith, intercessor.
• Paschal Mystery: Jesus' Passion, Death, Resurrection, Ascension.
• Symbolism: Represents God's love and victory over sin/death.
• New Covenant: Entering through faith, baptism, and sacraments.
• New Laws of Christ: Love, mercy, and humility.
• Understanding Suffering: Has meaning, brings us closer to God.
• Faith: Trust in God and His promises.
• Expressions of Faith: Prayer, worship, service.
• Faith & Religion: Faith is belief, religion is practice.
• Strengthening Faith: Prayer, sacraments, Scripture, community.
• God's Desire: Personal relationship.
• God's Revelation: Creation, Scripture, Jesus, Church.
• St. Thomas Aquinas: Theologian linking faith and reason.
• Characteristics of Faith: Free, certain, seeks understanding, grows.
• Redemption & Salvation: God's plan to save humanity.
• Examples in OT: Noah, Abraham, Moses.
• Church's Role: Guides through faith and sacraments.
• Reason & Revelation: Show purpose and God's love.
• Protoevangelium: First promise of a Savior (Genesis 3:15).
• Cycle of Redemption: Sin, repentance, salvation, repeat.
• Grace: God's free gift of divine help.
• Effects of Grace: Heals, strengthens, leads to salvation, deepens faith.
• Responding to Grace: Brings us closer to God.
• Types of Grace: Sanctifying, Actual, Sacramental, Charism.
• Benefits of Grace: Strength, wisdom, holiness, eternal life.
• 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, Fear of the Lord.
• Fall from Grace: Caused by sin.
• Original Sin Results: Weakness, suffering, separation from God.
• Spiritual Battle: Between good and evil.

Unit 2: Continued

• Mary, Our Mother: Mother of Jesus, intercessor, model of discipleship.
• Model of Discipleship (Mary): Fully Obedient to God
• Annunciation: Angel Gabriel announces Jesus' birth.
• Immaculate Conception: Mary conceived without sin.
• Assumption: Mary taken body and soul into heaven.
• Rosary: Prayer honoring Mary and Jesus.
• Rosary Mysteries: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, Luminous.
• Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, Charity (Love).
• Faith's Role: Helps us trust God.
• Hope's Role: Confidence in God's promises.
• Love's Role: Guides us to love God and others.
• Love Involves: Selflessness, service, sacrifice.
• Meaning of Hope: Trust in eternal life.
• Benefits of Hope: Strength, courage, perseverance.
• Christian Hope: Belief in God's plan for salvation.
• Unconditional Love: Loving without expectations.

Unit 3: Moral Life

• Cardinal Virtues: Justice, prudence, temperance, fortitude. Developed by practice.
• Theological Virtues: Faith, hope, charity (love). Gifts from God.
• Holiness: Living in union with God.
• Living a Virtuous Life: Practicing good habits and avoiding sin.
• Knowing We've Sinned: Breaking God's commandments or harming others.
• Mortal vs. Venial Sin: Mortal = serious, separates from God; Venial = less severe.
• Personal Sin: Individual actions against God.
• Social Sin: Society-wide injustices.
• Effects of Sin: Damages relationship with God and others.
• 7 Deadly Sins: Pride, Greed, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Wrath, Sloth.
• Corresponding Virtues: Humility, Generosity, Chastity, Kindness, Temperance, Patience, Diligence.
• Conscience: Inner sense of right and wrong.
• Informed by: Scripture, Church teachings, reason.
• Components for Moral Decision Making: Object, intention, circumstances.
• Moral Principles: Truth and love.
• Moral Decision Making: Weighing actions by morality.
• Process of Moral Choice: See → Judge → Act → Evaluate.
• Evaluating Decisions: Intention, means, outcome.
• Natural Law: Moral order from God, written in human nature.
• Justice: Giving people their due.
• Scriptural Justice: Biblical fairness.
• Commutative Justice: Fairness in agreements.
• Legal Justice: Obeying laws for the common good.
• Distributive Justice: Fair distribution of resources.
• Social Justice: Addressing inequality in society.
• Economic Social Justice: Ethical labor practices, fair wages.
• Universal Destination of Goods: Resources for all.
• 7 Social Teachings of the Church: Life, Family, Rights, Poor, Work, Solidarity, Creation.
• Human Solidarity: Unity and responsibility.
• Working for Justice: Charity, advocacy, systemic change

Unit 3: Continued

• Culture and Moral Life: Discussion of jealousy vs. envy, honesty, and the commandments.
• 5 Themes in the OT: Respect for life, poor, justice, honesty, peace.

Unit 4: Sacraments

• Sacraments cleanse: Baptism removes original sin.
• Sacramental Rituals: Symbols and rituals are important.
• Sacraments: Efficacious signs of grace.
• Baptism: Initiation Sacrament.
• Icon: Greek word for "image."
• Praying the Rosary: Based in Jesus' life.

Unit 5: Love and Abuse

• Greek Words for Love: Philia (friendship), Eros (romantic), Agape (unconditional), Hetaireia (associate), Storge (family).
• Types of Abuse: Emotional, Financial, Physical, Spiritual, Sexual.