Chapter 1 Vocab Flashcards
atom
the smallest particle of a chemical element
dichotomy
the division of two sharply defined or contrasting things; two mutually exclusive categories
provisional
something that supplies a temporary commodity but is likely to change
magisterium
the official teaching authority of the Catholic Church as exercised by the pope and college of bishops
dogma
A doctrine (teaching) issued with the highest authority and solemnity; a core teaching of the Church
divine revelation
the truths of faith revealed by God that reason alone would not discover
physics
the branch of science concerned with the motion of objects and the properties of non-living matter and energy not dealt with in chemistry and biology
infallible
incapable of erring; not liable to prove false. It is a gift given to the Church by Christ whereby the Church is protected from error in matters of faith and morals.
theologians
experts who study theology, the science of divine things
exegetes
experts who interpret Sacred Scripture
quantum theory
a theory of matter and energy based on the concept of quanta (discrete values), especially quantum mechanics
system of wills
the system of God’s law (the supreme law), the laws of nature (scientific laws), and the free will of creatures
supreme law
Another name for divine or eternal law, God’s law
physical realm
the particles and bodies of physics
laws of nature
physical laws; also called natural law
free will
the spiritual power of rational souls to choose
intellect
the spiritual power of rational souls to think
angels
spiritual beings: souls without bodies with heavenly minds superior to human minds
humans
physical beings: souls with bodies
rational souls
souls that possess the spiritual powers of intellect and free will
instinct
natural tendency of a living thing: a fixed pattern of behavior
discursive
characterized by reasoned argument; logical; dealing systematically with a range of subjects
miracle
an event beyond the laws of nature and physics; it refers to our admiration for a manifest effect whose cause is hidden outside the order in which we (humans) know
nature
the part of creation made of matter and energy
supernature
a level of existence beyond nature
