Key Terms and Definitions PDF

Key Terms and Their Definitions Theocentrism ​ A God-centered worldview where all creation exists because of and for God. ​ Humans are stewards of creation, with a moral responsibility to respect and care for it. Beatitudes ​ Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12)...

Key Terms and Their Definitions Theocentrism ​ A God-centered worldview where all creation exists because of and for God. ​ Humans are stewards of creation, with a moral responsibility to respect and care for it. Beatitudes ​ Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12) that bless the poor, mourners, and hungry. ​ They reflect God's justice and compassion, promising eternal reward for those who follow His ways. Sacramental Stance ​ Seeing God’s presence in creation and respecting the natural world as sacred. ​ Creation has moral standing because it reflects God’s glory. The Study of Ecology ​ Examines relationships between living organisms and their environment. ​ Aligns with stewardship by promoting sustainable practices and respect for God's creation. Agape and Caritas ​ Agape: Unconditional, divine love expressed in selflessness and sacrifice. ​ Caritas: Practical love, such as acts of charity, embodying agape in everyday life. Ethics ​ The study of morality, guiding individuals to act justly and align their actions with God’s will. Revelation ​ God’s self-disclosure through Scripture, Jesus Christ, and tradition. ​ Helps humanity understand His plan for salvation. Conceptual Framework of Action (p. 24-28)  1.​ Recognize the situation requiring moral action. 2.​ Reflect on motives and consequences. 3.​ Make a decision guided by reason, conscience, and Church teachings. Narcissism ​ Excessive self-focus that ignores others’ needs and God’s will. ​ Contrasts with virtues like humility and charity. Conscience (Three Levels, p. 54-55) 1.​ As Capacity: Innate ability to distinguish right from wrong. 2.​ As Process: Using moral reasoning to make decisions. 3.​ As Judgment: Committing to a decision after careful deliberation. Bible as Inspired Writings ​ Reveals God’s Word through human authors inspired by the Holy Spirit. Decalogue (Ten Commandments) ​ Moral laws emphasizing love of God and neighbor. ​ Guide to ethical living and justice. Covenant ​ A sacred agreement between God and His people. ​ Examples: God’s promises to Abraham, Moses, and the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. Call Stories ​ Biblical accounts of individuals called by God (e.g., Moses, Isaiah, Mary). ​ Highlight God’s invitation to participate in His mission. Vocation ​ A personal calling to serve God and others, reflecting one’s purpose in life. Inspiration ​ The Holy Spirit guiding human authors to write Scripture as God’s Word. Gospel ​ "Good News" of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. ​ Central message of salvation and hope. Eschatological ​ Refers to "last things," including death, judgment, heaven, and hell. ​ Promises ultimate fulfillment in God’s Kingdom. Parousia ​ The second coming of Christ at the end of time, when He will fully establish God’s Kingdom. Torah ​ The first five books of the Bible, foundational to Jewish law and teaching. Mission ​ The Church’s purpose to spread the Gospel and build God’s Kingdom. ​ Involves preaching, teaching, and acts of service. Apostle ​ A messenger sent by Jesus to proclaim the Gospel. ​ Includes the original Twelve and others like St. Paul. Magisterium of the Catholic Church ​ The Church’s teaching authority, guided by the Holy Spirit, to interpret Scripture and Tradition. St. Paul ​ Apostle to the Gentiles who spread Christianity and wrote many New Testament letters. ​ Central figure in early Church theology. Conversion ​ Turning away from sin and toward God. ​ Involves a transformation of heart and life. Gentiles ​ Non-Jews to whom Paul and other apostles brought the Gospel. Sacraments ​ Sacred rites instituted by Christ to impart grace. ​ Examples: Baptism, Eucharist, Marriage. Communion ​ Union with God and others through the Eucharist and shared faith. Parable of the Landowner and the Workers (p. 255-256) ​ Teaches about God’s generosity and the equality of all in His Kingdom, regardless of when they come to faith. Justice ​ Restorative Justice: Seeks to repair harm and restore relationships. ​ Distributive Justice: Ensures fair distribution of resources and opportunities. Solidarity ​ Commitment to the common good and unity with the poor and oppressed. Dominion ​ Humanity’s responsibility to steward and care for creation as God’s representatives. Repentance, Penance, and Absolution ​ Repentance: Acknowledging sin and seeking forgiveness. ​ Penance: Acts of contrition or reparation. ​ Absolution: God’s forgiveness through the priest in Confession. Additional Questions Role of the Holy Spirit and the Church ​ The Holy Spirit empowers the Church to fulfill its mission of spreading the Gospel and sanctifying the faithful. ​ The Church serves as a community of believers, promoting justice, peace, and love. Agape in the Eucharist ​ The Eucharist represents God’s agape, offering Himself in love and calling believers to love and serve others. Jesus’ Teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (p. 92-98) ​ Focus on humility, mercy, peacemaking, and righteousness. ​ Encourage living as "salt of the earth" and "light of the world." Ethical Stance ​ Definition: A moral position rooted in Scripture and Church teachings. ​ Example: Opposing exploitation by advocating for fair wages. Sacrament of Marriage ​ Reflects God’s covenant with humanity. ​ Calls couples to fidelity, unity, and openness to life. Moral Issue Case Study ​ Example: Climate change. ○​ Quote: "Care for creation is a moral obligation." Philosophical Theories ​ Aristotle: Virtue ethics and the pursuit of happiness (eudaimonia). ​ Kant: Duty-based ethics and the categorical imperative. ​ Levinas: Ethics centered on responsibility for the "Other." Catholic School Graduate Expectations ​ Graduates are called to: ○​ Love God, self, and others. ○​ Serve the common good. ○​ Live ethically and steward creation.