Chapter 1 Flashcards
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)
The definitive collection of all Catholic doctrine regarding both faith and morals. It collects and
summarizes the range of church teaching, drawing from scripture, the writings of the Church Fathers (the first bishops), popes, and the saints and from
centuries of Church documents.
Magisterium
The living teaching authority of the Catholic Church whose task it is to give authentic (reliable) interpretation of the Word of God found in Scripture and Tradition and to ensure the faithfulness of the Church to the teachings of the
Apostles in matters of faith and morals. This authority is exercised by all of the world’s bishops in union with the pope, and by the pope alone when he defines
infallibly a doctrine of faith or morals.
Sacred Scripture
The written record of God’s revelation of Himself contained in the Old and New Testaments. It was composed by human authors inspired by the Holy Spirit. Also known as the Bible and Word of God.
Gospel
From the Greek for “Good News,” the essential Christian message that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that those who believed in him might not perish, but have everlasting life in Him. One of the first four books
of the New Testament that are the heart of the Scriptures and that proclaim the Good News of salvation.
Kingdom of God
God’s reign, or rule, over all things. During His public ministry, Jesus proclaimed that the Kingdom of God was at hand. The Church is the seed, or beginning, of the Kingdom here on earth, which will be fulfilled in Heaven.
Evangelization
The act of sharing the Good News of the Gospel message of
salvation through words or actions. The Church’s mission is to evangelize the whole world.
Catholic Social Teaching
A subdiscipline of moral theology, which outlines a
holistic Catholic vision, based on both revelation and reason, of a good human society. It arises from faith and the commands to love God and neighbor, and proposes principles for reflection, provides criteria for judgment, and gives guidelines for action in social, economic, and cultural spheres.
Dignity of the Human Person
The inherent worth of the human person rooted in
the fact that God loves the person for his own sake and created him in His image and likeness.
Justice
A cardinal virtue that is the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor.
Society
A group of persons bound together by a principle of unity that goes beyond each one of them. Human beings are social beings and must live together in a society. It is a requirement of human nature. It is in society that human beings develop their fullest potential and respond to their vocation.
Salvation History
The 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.
