Theology Basics: Apostolic Succession & More

Questions and Answers

What is apostolic succession?

The uninterrupted passing on of apostolic preaching and authority from the Apostles directly to all bishops, accomplished through the laying on of hands when a bishop is ordained.

What is a covenant?

A solemn agreement between human beings or between God and a human being in which mutual commitments are made.

What is a creed?

A short summary statement or profession of faith.

What is the Deposit of Faith?

The heritage of faith contained in sacred scripture and tradition, handed on in the Church from the time of the Apostles. Signup and view all the answers

What is divine revelation?

God's self-communication through which He makes known the mystery of His divine plan. Signup and view all the answers

What is dogma?

Teachings recognized as central to Church teachings, defined by the Magisterium and accorded the fullest weight and authority. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Greek term 'logos' mean?

Word; an appeal to logic. Signup and view all the answers

What is original sin?

The fallen state of human nature into which all generations of people are born. Signup and view all the answers

What is a patriarch?

A father and ruler of a family or tribe; founder; or a highly respected old man. Signup and view all the answers

What does primeval history refer to?

The time before the invention of writing and the recording of historical data. Signup and view all the answers

What is a prophet?

A person God chooses to speak His message of salvation. Signup and view all the answers

What is sacred tradition?

The process of passing on the Gospel message, which began with oral communication of the Gospel by the Apostles. Signup and view all the answers

What is salvation history?

Refers to God's revelation of His presence and saving actions throughout human history. Signup and view all the answers

What is theophany?

God's manifestation of Himself in a visible form to enrich human understanding of Him. Signup and view all the answers

What was Vatican Council II?

The Ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic Church convened by Pope John XXIII in 1962. Signup and view all the answers

What is a vocation?

A call from God to all members of the Church to embrace a life of holiness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Magisterium?

The Church's living teaching office, which consists of all bishops in communion with the Pope. Signup and view all the answers

What is mortal sin?

A very serious sin that breaks a friendship with God. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term Trinity refer to?

The central mystery of the Christian faith that God exists as a communion of three distinct Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Signup and view all the answers

What is wisdom literature?

Any of the biblical books (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, etc.) that are considered to contain wisdom. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Apostolic Succession

Refers to the continuous transmission of apostolic authority from the Apostles to all bishops.
Achieved through the sacrament of holy orders via the laying on of hands, as established by Christ.

Covenant

A solemn agreement between individuals or between God and humanity, involving mutual commitments.

Creed

A concise declaration of faith summarizing core beliefs.

Deposit of Faith

The body of faith preserved in sacred scripture and tradition, originating from the Apostles.
Underpins the Church's teachings as drawn by the Magisterium.

Divine Revelation

God's self-disclosure to humanity, revealing His divine plan and mysteries.

Dogma

Central church teachings recognized by the Magisterium, carrying full weight and authority.

Logos

A Greek word meaning "word"; also refers to a logical appeal in rhetoric, one of Aristotle's three persuasive methods.

Original Sin

The inherent fallen state of human beings inherited from the first sin.

Patriarch

Denotes a father or leader of a family or tribe.
Also refers to a highly respected elder.

Primeval History

Pertains to the era before writing and historical record-keeping.

Prophet

An individual chosen by God to communicate His messages, primarily focused on repentance for the Chosen People.

Sacred Tradition

Derived from the Latin "tradere," meaning "to hand on," covers the initial oral proclamation of the Gospel by the Apostles, its written record in Scriptures, and its interpretation by the Magisterium guided by the Holy Spirit.

Salvation History

Refers to God's saving actions throughout human history, culminating in the Paschal Mystery.
Illustrates God's engagement with humanity, as expressed in the Old Testament and confirmed through Jesus Christ.

Theophany

The visible manifestation of God to improve human comprehension of His nature; for example, God's appearance to Moses via the burning bush.

Vatican Council II

The general council of the Roman Catholic Church convened by Pope John XXIII from 1962 to 1965.

Vocation

God's call to all individuals in the Church to pursue a holy life, which may include ordained ministry, religious life, Christian marriage, or single living.

Magisterium

The Church's authoritative teaching body, comprised of bishops in communion with the Pope.

Mortal Sin

A grave offense that disrupts one's relationship with God.

Trinity

Central Christian belief that God exists as three interrelated divine Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
A mystery understood through Divine Revelation beyond human reason.

Wisdom Literature

Biblical texts deemed to impart wisdom, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Wisdom of Solomon, and Ecclesiasticus.

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Description

Explore fundamental concepts in theology, including Apostolic Succession, Covenant, Creed, and Divine Revelation. This quiz covers essential doctrines and beliefs crucial for understanding the foundations of faith in Christianity. Test your knowledge on key terms and their significance within the Catholic tradition.