THEO Midterm Study Guide PDF

VOCABULARY Genesis First book of the Bible, describes God’s creation of the world and humanity, and the drama of sin and the hope of salvation Sacred Scripture The written record of God’s revelation of Himself contained in the Old and New Testaments,...

VOCABULARY Genesis First book of the Bible, describes God’s creation of the world and humanity, and the drama of sin and the hope of salvation Sacred Scripture The written record of God’s revelation of Himself contained in the Old and New Testaments, composed by human authors who were inspired by the Holy Spirit (Word of God) Logos The divine word of God, Green for “Word” Theological truths We have to read the bible and interpret scripture through God’s nature, will, and being. Not using literal interpretations The Heavens and the Poetic phrase used by the sacred author of Genesis that describes all God created, everything Earth that is both visible and invisible Intellect A person’s ability to use reason in pursuit of truth Free will A person’s ability to choose and act based upon knowledge and understanding Dignity The quality of being worthy of honor or respect; possessing great value/worth Steward One who has been given the duty to care for and cultivate something responsibly Communion of Persons Phrase used to describe an exchange of self-giving love that unites the members of a family; God as Trinity is inherently a communion of Persons New Adam Title for Jesus Christ reflecting his Triumph over sin and death, and His creation of the world anew; refers to how Jesus redeems human nature which was wounded by Adam’s sin Concupiscence Tendency/ inclination to sin that is an effect of Original Sin; Baptism erases sin but tendency remains New Eve Title for Mary that describes how eternal life became possible through her obedience to God; Eve gave us sin and death, Mary gave us Jesus Christ Original Sin State of human nature deprived of the Original Holiness and justice Adam and Eve enjoyed before the Fall; the first sin of Adam and Eve brought pain, suffering, and death to the world Protoevangelium Name given to Genesis 3:15 in which God promises to send a savior to crush the head of the serpent (Satan), defeating sin and death; first announcement of the Gospel; Latin for “First Gospel” Salvation History Story of God’s love and mercy revealed to us throughout human history, culminating in Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross and Resurrection from the Dead which won for us salvation from sin and death Promised Land- Land promised to Abraham’s descendants by God, and the destination of the Israelites in the Exodus, where they would live in freedom from slavery in Egypt. The Promised Land foreshadows the coming of the Kingdom of God Passover The central event of exodus. Final Plague of Egypt was the plague of death on the first born of every family in egypt except for the Israelites (PASSED over them + foreshadows Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross) Paschal Mystery Christ’s work of redemption accomplished by His Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension Original Holiness The state of friendship with God enjoyed by Adam and Eve before their sin brought pain, suffering, and death into the world Original Justice The original state of human beings before sin. In the beginning, there was no suffering or death. Man was at peace with himself, there was harmony between men and women, and there was peace between Adam and Eve and all of creation. Original Justice was LOST because of original sin CHAPTER 1 THE CREATION STORY 1.​ How do we read the creation story? a.​ The creation story is read for its spiritual and theological meaning, teaching us about God's power, the purpose of creation, and human responsibility. 2.​ Difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament: a.​ The Old Testament focuses on God's covenant with Israel and His actions in history, while the New Testament centers on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and the establishment of the new covenant. 3.​ God’s Role in the Creation Story: a.​ God is the Creator of everything, bringing the universe into existence and giving it order and purpose. 4.​ Who created God? a.​ God is eternal and uncreated; He has no beginning or end, existing outside of time and space. 5.​ What is the “visible” world? a.​ The visible world refers to the physical, material universe—everything that can be seen, touched, and experienced through the senses. 6.​ What is the “invisible” world? a.​ The invisible world includes spiritual realities like angels, souls, and heaven, which are not visible but are part of God's creation. 7.​ What are angels? How do they serve Jesus? a.​ Angels are spiritual beings created by God who serve Him and carry out His will. They serve Jesus by ministering to Him and acting as messengers of His word. Order and Form in Creation 8.​ Name 2 ways God gave the world order (time): ○​ God created day and night to mark time and seasons for the rhythm of life. 9.​ Name 2 ways God gave the world form (shape): ○​ God created the land and seas, separating them, and formed the heavens and the earth. Humans and Animals in Creation 10.​ Why did God create human beings and animals? ○​ God created humans and animals to populate the earth and reflect His glory through life and creation. 11.​ What differentiates human beings from animals? ○​ Humans are made in the image of God with the ability to reason, make moral choices, and have a soul, unlike animals. 12.​ What does the Creation story in Genesis tell us? ○​ It tells us that God is the Creator of everything, the world is good, and humans have a special role as stewards of creation. 13.​ Who was present at the creation of the world? ○​ According to Christian belief, God the Father, the Word (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit were all present at creation. Visible and Invisible Creations 14.​ Difference between invisible and visible creations: ○​ Visible creations are physical (like nature, humans, animals), while invisible creations are spiritual (like angels and souls). 15.​ Who is The Word, the Logos, in the Gospel of John? ○​ The Word (Logos) is Jesus Christ, who was with God from the beginning and through whom all things were made. Notre Dame/Our Lady and Sacred Liturgy 16.​ What names are given to Notre Dame/Our Lady and why? ○​ Notre Dame (Our Lady) is a title for the Virgin Mary, honoring her as the mother of Jesus and a central figure in the Catholic faith. Sacrosanctum Concilium (The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy)  17.​ 2 Questions on Sacrosanctum Concilium: ○​ What is the purpose of sacred music (112)? ​ Sacred music is meant to glorify God and sanctify the faithful, deepening their connection to the divine during worship. ○​ How does the Liturgy (Mass) become more noble (113)? ​ The Liturgy becomes more noble when celebrated with reverence, proper attention to rites, sacred music, and participation of the faithful. CHAPTER 2 1.​ What is human dignity based on (Genesis 1:26-27)? ○​ Human dignity is based on being created in the "image and likeness of God." This gives every person inherent value and worth, which cannot be taken away. 2.​ Can our dignity be taken away from us if we sin? ○​ No, our dignity remains because it is given by God. However, sin can damage our relationship with God and harm how we reflect His image. 3.​ What does having dominion over the earth mean? ○​ Having dominion means humans are entrusted by God to care for and steward the earth responsibly, reflecting God’s authority and care over creation. St. Thomas Aquinas on Creation 4.​ According to St. Thomas Aquinas, what do plants, animals, and human beings all have? ○​ All created beings share the ability to exist and to live, a SOUL. 5.​ According to St. Thomas Aquinas, what distinguishes humans from the rest of creation? ○​ Humans have rational souls, enabling them to think (intellect) and make free choices (free will), which animals and plants do not possess. Being Made in the Image and Likeness of God 6.​ What does it mean to be made in the image and likeness of God? ○​ It means humans reflect God's rationality, creativity, and morality, rather than physically resembling Him. We are gifted with unique attributes like intellect and free will. 7.​ Does being made in the image of God mean we look like God? ○​ No, it doesn’t mean we physically resemble God, who is spirit and not a physical being. Spiritually connected! 8.​ Does being made in the image of God mean we are made with unique talents? ○​ Yes, it includes unique abilities such as intellect and free will, allowing us to understand, make choices, and grow morally. Intellect, Free Will, and the Nature of God 9.​ What do our intellect and free will enable us to do?  ○​ They allow us to know and love God, to understand truth, and to make moral decisions that reflect His image. TO LOVE 10.​ Is God purely spirit, human, or both? ​ God is purely spirit, not human, and exists beyond physical limitations. Creation and Marriage in Genesis 11.​ Which phrase refers to marriage in Genesis 2:24? ​ “The two become one flesh” refers to marriage, symbolizing the intimate and committed union between a man and a woman. 12.​ What were the two reasons why God let Adam name the animals? ​ First, to establish Adam’s authority and stewardship over creation; second, to help Adam recognize his need for a companion who shares his human nature. ​ Adam was the FINEST prophet of God 13.​ In Genesis 2:23, what did Adam realize? ​ Adam realized that Eve, unlike the animals, was his equal, sharing his humanity. He described her as “bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.” 14.​ Describe the relationship between men and women. ​ Men and women are created to complement each other in equal dignity, sharing the same human nature and purpose. 15.​ Were men and women created with the same dignity? Why or why not? ​ Yes, men and women were created with the same dignity because both were made in God’s image and share the same human nature. Creation of Body and Soul (Genesis 2:7) 16.​ What phrase shows God created the body, and what phrase shows God created the soul? ​ Body: “Formed the man from the dust of the ground,” showing our physical creation. ​ Soul: “Breathed into his nostrils the breath of life,” indicating the creation of a spiritual soul. 17.​ Is our body mortal or immortal? ​ Our body is mortal, meaning it is subject to death. 18.​ Is our soul mortal or immortal? ​ Our soul is immortal, continuing to exist beyond physical death. CHAPTER 3 1.​ God’s rule in the Garden of Eden a.​ God commanded Adam and Eve not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. 2.​ The consequences of breaking the rule a.​ Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden, experienced spiritual death, and introduced sin and suffering into the world. 3.​ Who was the tempter? a.​ The tempter was the serpent, who is traditionally understood to be Satan. 4.​ Who was tempted in the Garden of Eden? a.​ Eve was the first to be tempted, followed by Adam (BOTH). HOWEVER, Satan only talked to Eve 5.​ Who do you know that has been faced with temptation? a.​ Jesus the messiah was faced with temptation 3 times in the desert 6.​ Whose fault was The Fall? a.​ Both Adam and Eve are held responsible for The Fall as they both choose to disobey God. 7.​ Whose sin was The Fall? a.​ Since Adam was next to Eve while Satan tempted her and said and did nothing to stop her, this was known as Adam’s Sin 8.​ The dialogue between the serpent and Eve a.​ The serpent questioned God’s command, saying, “Did God really say, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Eve responded, and the serpent convinced her that eating the fruit would make her like God, knowing good and evil. 9.​ Who is affected by the sin of Adam and Eve? a.​ All of humanity is affected by the sin of Adam and Eve. 10.​ What are the 3 reasons they are affected? 1.​ We are profoundly connected because we are made in God’s image and likeness 2.​ We are an interconnected community because our actions affect others around us 3.​ We are descendants of Adam and Eve 11.​ What are the 3 consequences we must deal with because of Adam and Eve’s sin? 1.​ Sin 2.​ Suffering 3.​ Death 12.​ What are the 3 attributes of Original Sin? 1.​ Original Sin was CAUSED by Adam and Eve 2.​ We are NOT GUILTY of original sin 3.​ We SUFFER from original sin because it is a fallen state shared by ALL humanity 13.​ What are the 3 attributes of Personal Sin? 1.​ We COMMIT personal sin 2.​ We are GUILTY of personal sin 3.​ We have CONCUPISCENCE; a tendency to sin. The tendency to sin causes us to commit personal sin 14.​ What was lost due to the Fall? a.​ Humanity lost Original Holiness and Original Justice, resulting in a fractured relationship with God. 15.​ Does the story of the Fall help us to understand the exact literal way that Original Sin came into the world? a.​ The story is symbolic and theological, helping to illustrate how Original Sin entered humanity, not necessarily an exact, literal account.  16.​ What is God’s promise right after Adam and Eve sin? a.​ God promises redemption through the “Protoevangelium” (Genesis 3:15), which foretells the coming of a Savior. (GENESIS 3:15) "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel" 17.​ What is Genesis 3:15 called? a.​ It is called the Protoevangelium. 18.​ Why is Genesis 3:15 called that? a.​ It is called the Protoevangelium because it is the first announcement of the Gospel first = proto while gospel = Evangelium 19.​ Who does God put enmity between? a.​ God puts enmity between the serpent (Satan) and the woman, and between their offspring. 20.​ Why is Jesus called the New Adam and Mary is called the New Eve? a.​ Jesus is called the New Adam because He brings life and redemption where Adam brought sin and death. Mary is called the New Eve because her obedience contrasts with Eve’s disobedience. 21.​ What series of homilies was Pope St. John Paul II known for? a.​ Pope St. John Paul II was known for his series of homilies called “Theology of the Body.” 22.​ What is the story of Cain and Abel about and what sins were committed? a.​ The story is about the first murder, where Cain killed his brother Abel out of jealousy. The sins committed were jealousy, lying, lack of concern for others, and murder. 23.​ What is the story of The Great Flood about? a.​ The Great Flood is about God’s decision to cleanse the world of widespread wickedness, saving only Noah and his family to start anew. 24.​ What is the story of The Tower of Babel about and what was the sin of the people? a.​ The Tower of Babel is about humanity’s attempt to build a tower to the heavens to make a name for themselves, demonstrating pride and disobedience. God responded by confusing their languages and scattering them. 25.​ How does God respond to humanity’s continuation of sin? a.​ God responds by continuing to reach out to humanity, offering covenants and promises of salvation, culminating in the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ. SHORT RESPONSE ANSWERS: 1.​ Advent begins on December 1 and ends on December 24 this year. 2.​ Advent marks the beginning of the NEW Liturgical Year CHAPTER 4 How do you say savior or “Anointed One” in Greek? a.​ Christos How do you say “God bearer” in Greek? b.​ Theotokos What does the Greek word, Theosis mean? a.​ Human beings can have a true union with God; partakers of His nature The GOSPELS 1.​ Who are the 4 Gospel writers? Matthew, Mark, Luke, John 2.​ Which Gospels contained the birth stories of Jesus? Gospels of Matthew, Luke 3.​ Which Gospel focused more on Joseph’s experience of Jesus’ birth? Gospel of Matthew 4.​ Which Gospel focused more on Mary’s experience of Jesus’ birth? Gospel of Luke 5.​ Which Gospel contains our Visitation spirituality? Gospel of Luke 6.​ Who were the Gospel writers trying to reach? 1.​ Matthew talked to Jewish people 2.​ Mark talked to the Gentiles (non-Jews) 3.​ Luke spoke to shepherds, raising up the poor 4.​ John talked about the incarnation of Jesus Christ 7.​ In which Gospel do we find the 5 stories that we pray in the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary? The Gospel of Luke 8.​ Who gives us the first two parts of the Hail Mary? *Hint these two parts come from 2 different dialogues with Mary. Angel Gabriel ~ at the annunciation (“Hail Mary, full of grace”) Elizabeth of visitation (“Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus”) 9.​ Know the Visitation story well enough to answer questions about it. In this powerful encounter, two women -- Mary, now miraculously pregnant with the Christ Child, and Elizabeth, whose maternity carried his cousin John the Baptist -- get their first look at one another after being separated by time and distance. Prior to this visitation, Mary received a miraculous visit from an Angel of God. On that day Mary not only received the good news of her own maternity, but the Holy Spirit overshadowed her and she conceived the God-Man in her womb. Then, the Angel went on to explain the similar baby news of Mary’s older cousin Elizabeth who suffered from a lifetime of infertility. Both women had miracles to share, and it is in the visitation that Elizabeth says the words of the Hail Mary. Mary LEAVES before the birth of John the Baptist. Feast Days of the Church Jesus: 1.​ When does the Church celebrate Mary giving birth to Jesus? December 25th 2.​ When does the Church celebrate Jesus’ conception? March 25th 3.​ What is the name of this feast of the conception of Jesus? The Annunciation Mary: 1.​ When did St. Anne give birth to Mary? September 8th 2.​ When does the Church celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception? December 8th 3.​ What do we celebrate on the IMMACULATE Conception? The sinless conception of the Virgin Mary 4.​ What scripture is the Immaculate Conception of MARY based on? LUKE 1:28 Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time: 1.​ How long is the Liturgical Season of Advent? It starts four Sundays before Christmas and ends on December 24th or Christmas Eve (four weeks long) 2.​ What colors represent the Liturgical Season of Advent? Purple and Rose 3.​ What Liturgical Season follows Advent? The season of Christmas 4.​ What color represents the Liturgical Season of Christmas? White 5.​ When does the Liturgical season of Christmas end? When Jesus got baptized 6.​ What 3 Holy Days (holiday) do we celebrate the 3 Sundays after Christmas? Answer IN ORDER.  1.​ The Feast of the Holy Family (at times is on December 30th) 2.​ The Epiphany 3.​ The Baptism of Jesus 7.​ What Liturgical Season begins after Christmas? Ordinary Time 8.​ What color represents the Liturgical Season of Ordinary Time? Green ​ Why is the Old Testament important to our Christian faith? What basic information does it teach us about our Salvation? The Old Testament is such an indispensable part of salvation history because the Old Testament HINTS a Messiah to come. It reveals God’s plan of salvation through the covenants pointing to Jesus Christ ​ What are the 3 reasons God formed covenants with His people? 1.​ Point to or foreshadow Jesus 2.​ Establish relationship between God and human beings 3.​ Prepare God’s people for the coming of Jesus ​ Which 3 men did God make covenants with? Noah, Abraham, Moses ​ What were the covenants He made with them and their signs? Noah ​ God made a covenant with Noah NEVER to send a flood on the earth again Sign: Rainbow Abraham ​ God made a covenant with Abraham to unify the nations and go to the land of Cancan. He promised to make out of Abram a great nation, making his descendants King, and spread his descendants more numerous than the stars Sign: Circumcision Moses ​ God established the Israelites as His chosen people, giving them the Law (including the Ten Commandments) to live by ​ He promised blessings for obedience and guidance through their journey to the Promised Land ​ Sign: The Law (The 10 Commandments) ​ Tell 4 facts about Ruth. 1.​ Ruth left her homeland to care for her mother-in-law, Naomi 2.​ Ruth trusted in God despite years of famine and the death of her husband  3.​ Boaz provided for her and later married because of her faith 4.​ One of Ruth’s descendants is King David, the ancestor of Jesus Christ ​ Who married Ruth? Boaz ​ Which king was a descendent of Ruth and her new husband? King David ​ Which groups of people were sent to guide the Israelites back to God? Prophets, Judges, Kings What are the 4 Old Testament Types and what are the events that they foreshadow in the New Testament? 1.​ Noah and the flood prefigure (point to) the waters of Baptism. 2.​ Circumcision points to the inner change accomplished at Baptism. 3.​ Moses gave the Law from Mount Sinai as Jesus gave His New Law from a mountain. 4.​ Most of all, Christ’s Death and Resurrection are prefigured in the Passover where a lamb is sacrificed*. Reminder: Paschal=passover. Just like the lamb, Jesus suffered and died to save us. BUT Jesus suffered, died AND resurrected to save us from our sins and death. What did the prophets call or tell the people to do and what did they foretell? ​ The prophets told the kings and the people to repent from Idolatry, oppression of the people, and others' sins against God’s covenant - the Law. It helped people to see God had NOT abandoned them or forgotten his promises ​ It foretold that God would end their exile, rebuild Jerusalem, and the temple and bring about a new covenant and a new law written not on stone, but upon human hearts According to the Prophet Isaiah, whom does the Suffering Servant prefigure or foreshadow? The Suffering Servant foretells that the Messiah will: 1.​ Be a servant of God 2.​ Bring justice to the nations 3.​ Save people from their sins by suffering like a “slaughtered lamb” 4.​ Live and triumph CHAPTER 5 ​ Name 3 Facts about Joseph  1.​ Foster father of Jesus, accepted his role 2.​ Member of King David Lineage 3.​ ALWAYS trusted God ​ Name 3 Facts about John the Baptist 1.​ Jesus’ cousin 2.​ Born to Elizabeth and Zacheriah 3.​ Baptized many of Jesus’ disciples ​ Name 3 Facts about Mary 1.​ Mother of Jesus Christ ( Theotokos = “God-bearer”) 2.​ Mary said “Yes!” to God; the annunciation of Jesus by the Holy Spirit 3.​ Born without sin (“Full of grace”) ​ Name 2 Facts about Mary and Elizabeth Mary 1.​ Mother of Jesus Christ 2.​ The holy virgin, baring the son of God without sin (“Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus”) ​ Elizabeth ​ 1. Mother of John the Baptist ​ 2. Cousin of the virgin Mary, “the blessed mother” ​ What is the main reason Jesus’ fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies is important for our Christian faith? Jesus’ fulfillment of the Old Testament fulfills a prophecy made by the Old Testament prophets showing that Jesus fits the description of the Messiah in the Old Testament ​ What are the 4 reasons for the Incarnation? 1.​ To save us from our sins 2.​ To show the depth of God’s love 3.​ To be a model of holiness 4.​ To share in His divine nature ​ How did Jesus become poor? Jesus became poor by becoming Man. Jesus’ poverty made humankind rich b/c we are now rich in God’s love, forgiveness, mercy, help, and salvation SHORT RESPONSE ANSWERS What are the 3 Theological Truths we learn from the two creation stories about the creation of men and women and their relationship? 1)​ God created Mankind in His Image Men and women are created in the image and likeness of God, reflecting His nature. This grants humans inherent dignity, purpose, and the ability to reason and love. 2)​ It is not good for man to be alone God recognized that humans are made for relationship and companionship. This emphasizes the importance of community and partnership, specifically through marriage and family. 3)​ We are given a vocation of subduing the earth Humans are entrusted with the responsibility to care for and steward creation, exercising dominion over the earth in a way that reflects God's love and wisdom. This is a call to responsibly manage and nurture the environment and life around us. What were the 4 relationships that were in harmony in the state of Original Justice prior to the state of Original Sin? Man and Women were in harmony with God ​ Example: Adam and Eve lived in close communion with God, experiencing His presence directly and without fear, they knew INTELLECT what was good Man and Women were in harmony with themself ​ Example: Adam and Eve felt no shame or inner conflict; they were at peace with themselves, and were HUMBLE Man and Women were in harmony with each other ​ Example: Adam and Eve’s relationship was marked by mutual respect, love, and unity. They viewed each other as equals, with no desire to dominate or harm one another. Man and Women were in harmony with Creation ​ Example: Adam and Eve tended the Garden of Eden without exploitation, living harmoniously with nature and caring for it as responsible stewards. Received NOURISHMENT from nature EXTENDED RESPONSE (Option 1) The 3 Ways of Reading Scripture (25 points) 1.​ The creation story uses poetic and figurative language 2.​ We read the creation story expecting to uncover Theological Truths about our relationship with God 3.​ Reading for the Why of Creation not the how 2 Theological Truths About the Creation Story (10 points total; 5 points for each theological truth) 1.​ God as the Creator of Everything: God created the universe out of nothing, showing His omnipotence and the dependence of everything on Him. 2.​ Humans Are Made in God’s Image: This shows that humans have a unique relationship with God, endowed with intellect, free will, and the ability to love and reflect His goodness. 2a. Differences Between God's Creations and Human Creations (10 points total; 5 points each) 1.​ God Creates Ex Nihilo (Out of Nothing): Unlike humans, who create from pre-existing materials, God has the ability to bring things into existence purely by His will. 2.​ God's created EVERYTHING: Human creations are often flawed, incomplete, or temporary. God's creations are perfect, and everything He made was declared "good" in Genesis. 2b. Human Creations Dependent on God's Creations (15 points: 10 for explanation; 5 for example) ​ Explanation: Human creations depend on the raw materials and order that God put in place. Everything humans create, from art to technology, is made possible because God provides the resources and the natural laws that govern the universe. Without God's creations (nature, materials), humans wouldn't have the means to build or innovate. EXTENDED RESPONSE (Option 2) 1. Why will we always face opportunities to sin? We will always face opportunities to sin because of Original Sin (the fallen state of human nature inherited from Adam and Eve) and concupiscence (our tendency or inclination to sin due to Original Sin). These make us vulnerable to choosing wrong over right. 2. Why will we always need Jesus to help us choose the good and choose love? We need Jesus because of the Protoevangelium (the first promise of a Savior in Genesis 3:15), which foretells His coming to save us from sin. Jesus is the New Adam, who redeems humanity through His obedience and sacrifice. Through our free will (the God-given ability to choose), we can choose the good and love with His help.