Introduction to Biblical Studies

Unit 1: Introduction to Biblical Concepts

• Key Biblical Concepts: Inerrancy (belief Bible is without error), Torah (first 5 books), Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), Contract (formal agreement), Sin (wrong act), Covenant (sacred agreement), Contextual (understanding based on situation), Testament (sacred agreement/written record), Parables (stories with moral lessons), Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), Pentateuch (Torah), Prophets (God's messengers), Passover (Jewish holiday), Gospels (Jesus' life). Laudato Si' (Pope Francis' environmental encyclical), Inspiration (God's guidance of Bible writers), Abraham (father of faiths), Moses (leader, Ten Commandments). Literal (basic meaning), Scripture (sacred writings).

The Beatitudes (8)

• Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven: Emphasizes humility and reliance on God.
• Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted: Highlights God's compassion for those who suffer.
• Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth: Encourages gentleness, self-control.
• Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied: Calls for a deep longing for justice and goodness.
• Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy: Promotes forgiveness and compassion.
• Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God: Encourages sincerity, moral integrity.
• Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God: Uplifts those who work for peace and reconciliation.
• Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven: Recognizes courage in enduring suffering for faith.

Biblical Truths

• Moral Truth: Teachings on right and wrong.
• Religious Truth: Truths about God and salvation.
• Historical Truth: Events as they happened, with spiritual meaning.

New Testament Letter Writers

• St. Paul: Wrote many of the letters in the New Testament.

Creation Stories

• First Creation (Genesis 1): God created the world in an orderly and purposeful way.
• Second Creation (Genesis 2): Focuses on God's relationship with humanity, leading to the creation of man and woman.

Types of Sin

• Personal Sin: Individual actions (e.g., lying).
• Social Sin: Sin affecting communities (e.g., injustice).
• Original Sin: Humanity's fallen state from Adam and Eve.

The Sinai Covenant

• Sinai Covenant: God's agreement with Israel, providing the Law (Ten Commandments).

Biblical Literature Types

• Myth: Traditional stories, often explaining cultural mysteries.
• List: Series of names, events, or words in order.
• Poetry: Expresses personal feelings.
• Proverb: Poetic statements for living.
• Prophecy: Predictions, warnings.
• Law: Rules of behavior.
• History: Account of past events.
• Letter: Written messages.
• Parable: Story to teach a lesson.
• Sermon: Serious, solemn speech.
• Drama: Story with dialogue and interactions.

Unit 2: Liberation and Covenant

• Oppression: Unjust treatment of others.
• Liberation: Freedom from oppression, slavery, and sin.
• Burning Bush: God's appearance to Moses in the desert.
• Sin: Deliberate act against God's will.
• Slavery: Human bondage.
• Ark of the Covenant: Sacred chest holding the Ten Commandments.
• Social Sin: Collective injustices in society.
• Plague: Divine punishment.
• Eucharist: Sacrament of Christ's Body and Blood.
• Mortal Sin: Serious violation of God's law.
• Vocation: Personal calling from God.
• Manna: Miraculous food in the desert.
• Seder: Jewish Passover meal.
• Ritual: Prescribed actions in worship.
• Venial Sin: Less serious sin.
• Ten Commandments: Moral laws given to Moses.
• Tabernacle: Sacred place in Catholic churches, the Israelites' mobile sanctuary.
• Holy of Holies: Most sacred part of Tabernacle/Temple.
• Exodus: Israelite departure from Egypt.
• Moses: Name meaning "Drawn Out".
• Transubstantiation: Catholic belief that bread & wine become Christ's Body and Blood

Vocations

• Our Vocation: To live like Christ, loving God and others.
• Church's Vocation: To make people holy.
• Priesthood: Serving the Church, administering sacraments.
• Singlehood: Serving God through acts of love.
• Married Life: Self-sacrifice, unselfishness, raising children.
• Religious Life: Devotion to God, serving the poor.

God's Appearance to Moses

• Burning Bush: God's appearance to Moses, revealing his mission to free Israelites.

Jesus as the Bread of Life

• Literal Interpretation: Jesus meant His words about His Body and Blood literally.
• Crowd's Reaction: Jesus' words shocked the crowd, who didn't understand them as metaphorical.
• Disciples Leaving: Some disciples left after hearing Jesus' explicit words.
• Last Supper: Jesus' words at the Last Supper confirm his literal interpretation.
• Early Church Belief: Early Christians understood the Eucharist as a literal representation of Christ's Body and Blood.

Modern-Day Slavery Examples

• Human Trafficking (prostitution, forced labor)
• Forced Labor (inhumane conditions)
• Debt Bondage (work to repay debts)
• Child Labor (harmful work).

Developing Conscience

• Pray, learn, reflect, and nurture friendships.

Unit 3: Conscience and Morality

• Conscience: Inner sense of right and wrong.
• Judges: Biblical leaders who delivered justice.
• Sacrament: Sacred sign and channel of grace.
• Prayer: Communication with God.
• Magisterium: Catholic Church's teaching authority.
• Celibacy: Choice of abstinence from marriage and sex.
• Abstinence: Avoiding certain behaviors.
• Chastity: Virtue of purity in relationships.
• Sex: Physical act primarily within marriage.
• Creed: Statement of belief.
• Trinity: Belief in one God in three persons.
• Salvation History: God's plan to save humanity.

Church Teaching on Human Sexuality

• Body & Soul Union: Sexuality involves both physical and spiritual aspects.
• Unitive/Procreative: Sexuality to strengthen marital bonds and create life.
• Chastity: Living sexuality in a way respecting its true meaning
• Dignity: Always respect dignity in sexuality.
• Marriage: Sexual expression within marriage open to children.
• Homosexuality: Homosexual orientation isn't sinful, but homosexual activity is.

Jesus as the Paschal Lamb

• Old Testament Symbolism: Passover lamb represented liberation, sacrificed for salvation.
• New Testament Fulfillment: Jesus, the ultimate Passover lamb, sacrificed for humanity's salvation from sin.

Sacraments

• Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist.
• Sacraments of Service: Holy Orders, Matrimony.
• Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick.

Eucharist Explanation

• Source and Summit: Central Sacrament of Christian life.
• Transubstantiation: Bread and wine become Christ's Body and Blood.
• Strengthening Union with Christ: Nourishes soul and gives grace.
• Emphasis on Jesus' Words: Quote from John 6, emphasizing the literal nature of His sacrifice.

Types of Prayer

• Adoration: Praising God.
• Praise: Expressing gratitude.
• Thanksgiving: Gratitude to God.
• Petition: Asking God for help.
• Intercession: Praying on behalf of others.

Covenant vs. Contract

• Covenant: Relational, sacred, eternal.
• Contract: Transactional, temporary, exchange-based.

Suzerain-Vassal vs. Royal Grant

• Suzerain-Vassal: Conditional agreement between superior and subordinate.
• Royal Grant: Unconditional gift or promise.

Seder Plate Parts

• Shank bone: Lamb sacrifice.
• Egg: New life, temple sacrifice.
• Bitter herbs: Slavery's bitterness.
• Charoset: Mortar used by slaves.
• Parsley (Karpas): Hope and renewal, dipped in salt water.

Moral Decision-Making Model

• Seeing: Consider all affected parties.
• Judging: Analyze choices ethically, consider God's word and Church teachings. Listen to your conscience.
• Acting: Take action following your conscience and judgments.
• Evaluating: Reflect on and assess the results of your decision.

Chastity, Abstinence, Celibacy

• Chastity: Purity in thought and action.
• Abstinence: Refraining from sexual activity.
• Celibacy: Lifelong commitment to abstain from marriage and sex.
• Vocation: A personal calling.

Other Key Topics

• Golden Calf: False idol worship.
• Transubstantiation: Bread and wine becoming Christ's Body and Blood.
• Burning Bush: Location where God spoke to Moses.
• Bible Languages: Old Testament (Hebrew, Aramaic), New Testament (Greek).
• Love Types: Agape, Philia, Eros, Storge
• Ten Plagues (examples): Water to blood, frogs, etc.
• Parts of the Mass: Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, Concluding Rites.