Midterm THEO PDF

Unit 1: In the Beginning 1. What is the Bible? The Bible is the inspired Word of God, containing divine revelation about God’s plan for humanity. 2. Who authored the Scriptures? The Scriptures were authored by human writers under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. 3. What a...

Unit 1: In the Beginning 1. What is the Bible? The Bible is the inspired Word of God, containing divine revelation about God’s plan for humanity. 2. Who authored the Scriptures? The Scriptures were authored by human writers under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. 3. What are the senses of Scripture? (Define each one) ○ Literal Sense: The meaning conveyed by the words themselves. ○ Allegorical Sense: How events point to Christ. ○ Moral Sense: Guidance on how to live a good, moral life. ○ Anagogical Sense: How events point toward Heaven and eternity. 4. Which sense of Scripture is used to understand genre? The Literal Sense helps us understand the literary genre. 5. Define Inspired and Inerrant as it pertains to the Scriptures. ○ Inspired: God guided human authors to write His Word. ○ Inerrant: Scripture teaches truth without error in matters of faith and morals. 6. What are the Psalms? They are poems and songs of praise, worship, lamentation, and thanksgiving. 7. How did God create animals differently from man? Animals were created for humans' use, while humans were made in the image and likeness of God with intellect, free will, and a spiritual soul. 8. What are the tasks given to Adam in the Garden of Eden? To care for the Garden, name the animals, and live in harmony with God and creation. 9. What is Original Sin? Original Sin is the first sin committed by Adam and Eve, resulting in a fallen human nature. 10. Why did the fall of man happen? Humanity disobeyed God, choosing to trust their own will over His command. 11. What is the Biblical view of humanity and human nature in narratives? Humanity is fundamentally good but prone to sin (missing the mark). 12. Why are we put in somewhat of a bind when we wish that God should just rid the world of evil? Eliminating evil entirely would require removing free will, which is necessary for love and moral responsibility. 13. What is the protoevangelium and what is promised? Genesis 3:15, the first Gospel, promises that a Redeemer will triumph over evil. Unit 2: Preparation for the Messiah 14. What is the consequence of the Tower of Babel? Humanity’s languages were confused, scattering people across the earth. 15. What is a covenant? A sacred agreement between God and His people. 16. What is the 4-part structure of a covenant, and what does each part mean? ○ Mediator: The person who represents the people (e.g., Noah, Abraham). ○ Promise: The blessing God offers (e.g., land, descendants). ○ Sign: Physical sign of the covenant (e.g., circumcision, rainbow). ○ Commitment: The people's obligations (e.g., obedience, worship). 17. When Abraham wants to make sure that God will fulfill His promises, what does God do? God makes a covenant, symbolized by passing through sacrificed animals. 18. What does an animal that is being sacrificed symbolize? The animal takes on the punishment for the sin of the person offering the sacrifice. 19. What is the name of God revealed to Moses? YHWH (I AM WHO I AM). 20. The Mosaic Law is fundamentally about what? Intimacy and communion with God. 21. How does Moses react to the Golden Calf incident? He destroys the tablets of the Law in anger and intercedes for the people. 22. What is a Theophany? A visible manifestation of God (e.g., the burning bush). 23. How would you describe the progression of Israel’s judges? The judges began as faithful leaders but became progressively corrupt. 24. Which King builds God a Temple? King Solomon. 25. When David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, what does David do in the streets until it is put at its resting spot? He dances and sings in celebration. 26. Why would the priest sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice around the temple? To cleanse the surroundings of the effects of sin. 27. Describe the majority of the leadership in the OT. Leaders were often flawed, sometimes morally corrupt, and struggled to fully trust God. 28. What is a prophet? A messenger of God who calls people to repentance and foretells divine rplans. 29. What is the name of the figure that the Prophet Daniel describes? The Son of Man, who is to be worshiped. 30. What does Isaiah say about the servant of God in his prophecies? The servant will suffer, be exalted, and accomplish God’s will. 31. What is Hebrew for “anointed one?” Messiah.  32. Which empire took over the Northern Kingdom of Israel? The Assyrian Empire. 33. What empire took over the Southern Kingdom of Israel? The Babylonian Empire. Covenants Matching Section Noah: Mediator: Noah; Commitment: Follow similar roles as Adam and Eve. Abraham: Sign: Circumcision; Threefold Promise: Land, Blessing, Descendants. Mosaic: Promise: Priestly people; Commitment: Obedience to the Law. Davidic: Promise: Everlasting Kingdom; King as God’s Son. New Covenant: Scope: All people; Prophets spoke of hope post-Exile. Unit 3: Promise of Redemption 44. Who was the "Babylon" of Jesus's day? The Roman Empire. 45. List the 5 reasons that the Incarnation needed to happen: ○ To reconcile humanity with God. ○ To manifest God’s love. ○ To offer a model of holiness. ○ To allow us a share in divine life. ○ To defeat the Devil. 46. What is the Annunciation? The angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she would conceive and bear the Son of God. 47. What does the phrase “full of grace” imply about Mary? Mary was preserved from sin from the moment of her conception. 48. What is the Immaculate Conception? The doctrine that Mary was conceived without original sin. 49. What does Fiat mean? Mary’s “yes” to God’s will ("Let it be done to me"). 50. The term Theotokos means? “Mother of God.” 51. Joseph's faithfulness is reminiscent of which OT person? Joseph in Genesis, who trusted God in difficult situations. 52. List the people in this unit that cooperated with God’s will: Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, and the prophets. 53. What was Joseph going to do when he learned of Mary’s pregnancy? He planned to divorce her quietly to avoid public disgrace. 54. How did Jesus first respond to his parents when they found Him in the Temple at 12 years old? He said, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” 55. What is Jesus’ hidden life and what can we learn from it? The years before His public ministry, teaching us humility, obedience, and faithfulness in ordinary life. 56. What is detachment? Freedom from excessive attachment to material possessions or worldly concerns. 57. What does Christ’s poverty teach us about the poor? It highlights the dignity of the poor and the need for spiritual poverty (dependence on God). 58. Define mystery. A truth revealed by God that surpasses human understanding. 59. What do we learn from Christ’s life? How to live in communion with God, love others, and fulfill God’s will. 60. What is kenosis? The self-emptying of Jesus in His Incarnation and Passion. 61. Malachi 3:1 prophecy about an Elijah-like figure refers to whom? John the Baptist. 62. Who is John the Baptist, and how does he compare to other prophets? The forerunner of Christ who prepared the way, fulfilling OT prophecies. Unit 4: Redemption Revealed 63. What are the three temptations of Jesus, and include His responses? ○ Turn stones to bread: “Man does not live by bread alone.” ○ Throw Himself off the Temple: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” ○ Worship Satan for worldly power: “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone.” 64. What did Christ’s temptations in the wilderness show us? His humanity, obedience, and victory over sin and Satan. 65. How did John the Baptist describe Jesus at His baptism? “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” 66. Why does Jesus get baptized? To identify with sinners, fulfill righteousness, and inaugurate His mission. 67. What was Satan’s goal for tempting Jesus? To divert Him from His mission of redemption. 68. What does Christ's first miracle reveal about Mary? Mary’s intercession is powerful, and she trusts in Jesus. 69. What role do Catholics see Mary taking in this miracle narrative? As an intercessor who leads others to Christ. 70. What are miracles? Supernatural events that reveal God’s power and confirm Jesus’ mission. 71. What is the main theme of Jesus’ teachings? The Kingdom of God. 72. At the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is often referred to as what? The new Moses, giving a new law. 73. What do Moses and Elijah represent at the Transfiguration? The Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah). 74. How is Jesus’ divinity specifically revealed? Through the voice of God, His radiant appearance, and the presence of Moses and Elijah. 75. How was God specifically present at the Transfiguration? Through His voice declaring Jesus as His beloved Son. 76. What did Jesus want us to do as an example at the Last Supper? Serve one another, symbolized by washing the disciples’ feet. 77. Why did Jesus choose the Passover meal to institute the Eucharist? The Passover foreshadowed Christ’s sacrifice as the Lamb of God. 78. What is Transubstantiation? The change of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass. Unit 5: Redemption Through the Paschal Mystery 79. What is the Paschal Mystery? Christ’s Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension, redeeming humanity. 80. Who is the most responsible for the death of Jesus? Humanity collectively, due to sin. 81. How does Jesus suffer during His Passion? Physically (scourging, crucifixion) and spiritually (carrying the weight of sin). 82. What is unique about the Agony in the Garden? Jesus’ divine and human natures are fully revealed as He submits to the Father’s will. 83. What prayer does Jesus pray in the Garden? “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” 84. What image in Isaiah depicts one who suffers for humanity’s sins? The Suffering Servant. 85. When the Scriptures said, “…he was numbered with transgressors…” Isaiah 53:12, what did it mean? Jesus was crucified alongside sinners. 86. Who first discovered the empty tomb? Mary Magdalene. 87. Mary (mother) is present at what major events in Jesus’ life? The Annunciation, Nativity, Presentation, Crucifixion, and Pentecost. 88. Why can man never repair damage done by sin? Sin offends an infinite God, requiring an infinite atonement. 89. How many eyewitnesses were there for the Resurrection, according to Paul? Over 500. 90. What is St. Paul’s quote on the Resurrection? “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile.” 91. Finish this thought: “Christ’s resurrection… …is the cornerstone of our faith.” 92. Why is the Resurrection a historical event? It was witnessed by many and transformed the apostles’ lives. 93. When did Thomas believe in the resurrected Jesus? After seeing and touching Jesus’ wounds. 94. What is the Ascension? Jesus’ return to Heaven 40 days after His Resurrection. 95. Why is the Ascension salvific? It opens Heaven to humanity and allows Christ to intercede for us. 96. Why did early Christians stop animal sacrifice? Jesus’ sacrifice fulfilled the Old Covenant. 97. What is the sign of the New Covenant? The Eucharist. Essay Preparation Essay Option 1: Redemption (4 Paragraphs) 1. Introduction: Humanity’s creation in God’s image, original state of grace, and purpose. 2. The Fall: How sin damaged humanity, why grace is necessary, and the role of free will. 3. Redemption: Christ’s sacrifice and Resurrection as the means of redemption. 4. Living Redemption: How Christians live redeemed lives through faith and sacraments. Essay Option 2: Covenants (4 Paragraphs) 1. Introduction: Definition of covenant and its role in God’s redemptive plan. 2. Two Covenants: Explain Noah’s and Abraham’s covenants and God’s promises. 3. Fulfillment in Christ: Jesus perfects the covenants, offering universal salvation. 4. Conclusion: The covenants as a foreshadowing of the New Covenant. Essay Option 3: Paschal Mystery (4 Paragraphs) 1. Overview: Define the Paschal Mystery as the core of Christ’s redemptive work. 2. Passion and Death: The significance of Christ’s suffering and sacrificial death. 3. Resurrection: Theological significance as proof of victory over sin and death. 4. Ascension: Christ’s glorification and role as mediator for humanity.