THEO II Chapter 1: Why We Need the Church

Key Concepts in THEO II Chapter 1: Why We Need the Church

• Original Sin: Refers to the disobedience committed by Adam and Eve, which has profound theological implications for humanity.

• Fishers of Men: Jesus' call to his disciples emphasizes the mission to bring others to faith.

• Incarnation: The Second Person of the Trinity takes on human nature, signifying God's commitment to humanity.

• Didache: An early Christian instruction manual providing insights into the practices and beliefs of the first century Church.

• Stephen: Commemorated as one of the first martyrs in Christianity, representing courage in faith.

• Baptism: A sacrament that incorporates individuals into Christ and the larger community of believers, marking initiation into the Church.

• Antioch: Notable for being the first place where followers of Jesus were termed "Christians," indicating the spread of the Gospel.

• Consumerism: Describes a societal trend focused on the unending accumulation of material goods, often conflicting with spiritual values.

• Jerusalem Council: Significant early Church meeting aimed at addressing the inclusion of Gentile believers and establishing foundational doctrines.

• Pentecost: A pivotal event in Christian history when the Holy Spirit empowered the Apostles to proclaim Jesus' resurrection.

• Koinonia: A Greek term highlighting the communal and relational aspects of early Christian life.

• Billion Members: The Catholic Church ranks among the largest global organizations, with over 1.2 billion followers.

• Israel's Model Role: Serves as an exemplary model of God’s intentions for humanity, emphasizing faithfulness and community.

• Kerygma: Essential teachings regarding the life and meaning of Jesus, forming the core message of the Church.

• Covenant: Represents the enduring relationship of love established between God and people, foundational to biblical theology.

• Clement: A significant early pope whose letters reinforced Church teachings and unity among believers.

• Jonah's Message: Illustrates God's universal compassion, extending beyond Israel to all people.

• Hesed: Denotes the concept of "steadfast love," crucial in understanding God's nature in both Old and New Testaments.

• Magisterium: The Church's authoritative teaching body, responsible for interpreting doctrines and guiding the faithful.

• Great Commission: Jesus’ directive to his Apostles, urging them to evangelize and share the Gospel extensively.

• Episcopal Leadership: Bishops are portrayed in early writings as successors to the Apostles, continuing Christ’s mission.

• Pharisees: A prominent Jewish sect during Jesus' time, often in conflict with early Christians.

• Concept of Church: Defined as "convocation" or "assembly," emphasizing community and collective worship.

• Marks of the Church: Four distinct qualities - one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic - that characterize the Church's identity.

• Paul’s Mission: Underwent a transformative conversion, leading to extensive missionary journeys in the early Church.

• Cross as Birthplace of Church: Traditionally viewed as the moment of the Church’s inception, illustrating the significance of Christ's sacrifice.

• Paschal Mystery: Importance of Christ's life, death, and resurrection in the context of redemption.

• Martyrdom: Represents ultimate faithfulness in the face of persecution leading to death, honoring those who uphold their beliefs.

• Protoevangelium: The first announcement of God's promise to send a Messiah, laying the groundwork for salvation history.

• Intellect: Highlights the human capacity for inquiry and learning, essential for understanding faith.

• Primacy of Rome: The leadership of the Bishop of Rome is seen as a continuation of Peter’s authority.

• Real Presence in Eucharist: The belief in Christ's true presence in the bread and wine during Communion.

• Body of Christ: A metaphor used by St. Paul to describe the Church as a unified spiritual entity.

• Apostolic Foundation: The chosen twelve apostles were pivotal in establishing the Church and spreading Jesus’ teachings.

• Kingdom of God: Represents the reign of God over creation, key to understanding Jesus' mission.

• Upgrading Mentality: Reflects the cultural tendency toward constant improvement and acquisition, influencing spiritual life.

• Individualism: The trend toward self-reliance, often contrasted with the communal nature of the Church.

• Persecuted Faith in China: Highlights the struggles faced by Catholics post-1949, emphasizing the resilience of faith in adversity.

• St. Augustine: Renowned Church Father whose writings significantly shaped Christian doctrine and philosophy.