Introduction to Christian Theology

The Church's official teachings, including doctrines, beliefs, and moral guidelines.

A person who has been officially recognized by the Catholic Church as a saint, typically after a process involving miracles and a review of their life.

Christians who died for their faith, often during times of persecution.

The four Gospels in the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They tell the story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

A state of being holy and perfect, which we strive for throughout life and reach in full after death.

The three distinct but unified persons of God - Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit. Although they are one God, they are not identical.

A belief that contradicts the teachings of the Catholic Church, especially concerning the nature of God and Jesus Christ.

The belief that Jesus Christ was not truly God but rather a created being, elevated by God to a divine status. This belief was challenged and condemned by the Catholic Church.

A formal statement of the Christian faith, particularly affirming the divinity of Jesus Christ and the Trinity.

The ultimate purpose of life according to Catholic teachings, involving praising and worshipping God.

The belief that faith and scientific inquiry are not contradictory but complement each other.

The unforgivable sin, according to Christian doctrine, is considered to be deliberate and persistent rejection of the Holy Spirit and its work.

The concept that evil is not an independent force but rather the absence of good. All suffering is rooted in the original sin.

The First Passover is seen as a prefigurement of the Last Supper, where Jesus gave his body and blood as a sacrifice for humanity.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is believed to have been born without original sin, a doctrine known as the Immaculate Conception.

The first Gospel to be written, focusing on miracles and written for Gentile Christians in Rome based on St. Peter's accounts.

The Gospel that provides detailed descriptions of Jesus' early life and demonstrates his connection to the Messiah, written based on eyewitness accounts.

The last Gospel written, focusing on the divine nature of Jesus, written for Christians in Asia Minor by the 'beloved disciple.'

A group of Gospels that share a similar structure and content (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).

The event that marked the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and signifying his humanity.

The Holy Spirit is a person of the Trinity and is the advocate who helps us understand God's love and live as Christians.

The Feast of Pentecost celebrates the Holy Spirit coming down on the apostles. It is when the Church was founded and many were baptized.

The Holy Spirit helps us live a holy life by giving us gifts and empowering us to grow in virtue.

The 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit, Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, Fear of the Lord are given at Baptism and Confirmation.

The fruits of the Holy Spirit are good qualities that grow when we use the 7 gifts. These qualities include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The Paschal Mystery is the central event in the Christian faith consisting of Jesus' suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension. It marks Jesus' victory over sin and death, bringing hope and salvation to humanity.

Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist symbolized his entering into his public ministry. It marked the beginning of his mission to preach the Kingdom of God and call people to repentance.

Jesus' presence at the wedding at Cana, where he turned water into wine, serves as his first miracle. It symbolizes the presence and blessing of God in the sacrament of marriage and signifies Jesus' divine power.

Jesus used parables, brief stories with a moral lesson, to teach people effectively. They enabled him to communicate complex spiritual truths in a relatable way.