Theology I Final Study Guide

A body of knowledge that proceeds from principles revealed by God and uses reason to further understand these principles.

The ultimate goal of human existence is to reach God. Because the nature of God is beyond human reasoning, special revelation is needed to reach him.

A science that uses revelation from God as its starting point and uses reason to explore its implications.

Sacred Doctrine is the highest form of wisdom because it provides knowledge of God, the ultimate cause of everything.

Those who deny the starting points of Sacred Doctrine, are outside the scope of its reasoning. Their arguments are not relevant to the understanding of faith.

Theology should be reserved for specific times, audiences, and approaches.

Those engaging in theological discussions should have both intellectual and spiritual preparation.

The right time for theology is when we're calm and free from distractions.

Theologians should focus on what humans can understand, avoiding claims of absolute certainty about God.

We can know God exists through reason and our experience of the world.

We can only know God through reflections and revelations.

We can't know God's essence, only its limitations.

There's only one God because God's essence and existence are one, and there are no additional factors or categories within God.

There can only be one God because God's existence and essence are identical, meaning He is a singular entity that cannot be further divided into multiple individuals. The concept of multiple gods would require them to share a common essence or specific differences, which is not possible with God's unique and indivisible essence.

A form, like 'color,' can be multiplied in two ways: by specific differences (e.g., different shades) or by the subjects in which it resides. However, God is simple and does not possess specific differences or exist as a composite subject (matter and form), preventing His essence from being multiplied.

Since God is simple and not a composite being, He cannot be described using specific differences. His simplicity means there are no distinct features or subdivisions within His essence.

While we can't comprehend God's essence directly, we use names taken from things we understand. These names point to perfections we perceive in creation that ultimately originate from God.

The names we apply to God are not synonymous, although they refer to the same entity. They represent different intellectual concepts based on our understanding of God's perfections.

The names we use for God are analogous to the names we use for humans. For example, both humans and God possess wisdom, although the nature of that wisdom differs greatly.

Because God's essence is simple and perfect, He cannot have multiple persons based on a division of His substance. Personhood in God arises from internal processions, either intellectual or volitional, that do not involve external elements.

God's intellect and will act as a single act, meaning there can't be multiple fruits of these acts. If there were, they would be the same thing. Therefore, there cannot be numerous 'Words' or 'loves' within God.

This concept refers to the idea that God's creation is not derived from any pre-existing material or source. God creates things entirely from nothing.

This is the kind of evil that exists when a being lacks a perfection that it should naturally possess. For example: a person born blind lacks the perfection of sight.

Actions that have their origin in the will of a conscious agent who understands the factors influencing their actions.

A state where a creature chooses a good that is not the highest good, or fails to rise to the supreme good (God) due to fixation on their own good.

God is the ultimate cause of all things. He does not require any pre-existing material to create.

Something that does not presuppose another cause, meaning it originates directly from God. Only God can create in this sense.

It takes infinite power to bridge the gap between nothing (including the potential for existence) and pure act or being. This infinite power is necessary for creation.

The act of creating is not a change from one state to another. There is no pre-existing material or form that God changes. Creation is a radical act of bringing something into existence from nothing.

The sin of Adam and Eve, which is inherited by all humans. It is the desire for knowledge that is equal to or greater than God's, leading to pride, disobedience, and a separation from God.

The natural inclination of humans towards sin due to Original Sin. It is not a personal guilt, but a state of being that hinders union with God.

The state of being in harmony with God, including grace, holiness, and a perfect understanding of God's will. It was lost due to Original Sin.

The state of being separated from God due to Original Sin. It does not automatically lead to damnation, but prevents perfect communion with God.

The belief that humans can acquire knowledge of God through reason and observation of the natural world.

The body of knowledge that starts with divine revelation and uses reason to explore it. Sacred Doctrine is considered the highest form of wisdom because it offers knowledge of God.

The fundamental truths about God's being, including his simplicity and power, as revealed in the first article of the Nicene Creed.

The understanding that certain aspects of God's nature, like his simplicity, cannot be grasped through human reason or imagination.

The state of being blind is an example of evil that is part of the natural order of things. It is not evidence against God's goodness, but a natural consequence of the world's imperfections.

Some things are designed to have flaws or potential for failure. This allows for the existence of a greater good and contributes to the overall order of the universe.

Evil can occur when an action is undertaken for a purpose that is not aligned with its true end. This can happen when people choose actions that harm others.

The ultimate happiness for humans is to know and experience God directly. It involves experiencing God's essence as God knows itself.

The ultimate end of human existence is called beatitude, a state of perfect happiness. Unlike God, who inherently has beatitude, humans attain it by being granted a share in God's light and essence.

Resurrection of the body is essential for human perfection and happiness. It allows for the soul and body to be united, fulfilling the original condition of human nature.

The separation of the soul and body at death is unnatural and temporary. It is not the ultimate state of being.