Chapter 4

Question 0

ecumenical council

Answer 0

A worldwide, official assembly of the bishops under the direction of the Pope. There have been twenty-one ecumenical councils, the most recent being the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965).

Question 1

Blessed Trinity

Answer 1

The central mystery of the Christian faith. It teaches that there are three Persons in one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Question 2

creed

Answer 2

A statement of belief; sometimes a collection of creedal statements.

Question 3

divine providence

Answer 3

The sovereignty of God over events in the lives of individuals and throughout history.

Question 4

infinite

Answer 4

A term that means extending endlessly, having no end or limits.

Question 5

omnipotent

Answer 5

An attribute of God that he is everywhere, unlimited, and all-powerful.

Question 6

eternal

Answer 6

A term that describes existing without a beginning and forever.

Question 7

tongues

Answer 7

A term for the practice of “speaking in tongues”; a gift from the Holy Spirit that allows a person to speak in languages that were never learned.

Question 8

monotheism

Answer 8

From the Greek words monos (“one”) and theos (“God”); the belief in one, all-powerful God. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are three great monotheistic religions.

Question 9

polytheism

Answer 9

The belief, in opposition to Christian doctrine, that there are many gods.

Question 10

ruah

Answer 10

A Hebrew word meaning “wind” or “breath” often used in the Old Testament to refer to God’s mysterious and powerful life-giving presence.