Christianity Unit Test Review - religion Flashcards
Christianity vs. Catholicism:
Christianity: Broad religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Includes many denominations.
Catholicism: The largest denomination of Christianity, led by the Pope.
Life of Jesus (Basic Events):
(4)
-Born in Bethlehem, baptized by John the Baptist.
-Performed miracles, preached the Kingdom of God.
-Crucified under Pontius Pilate, resurrected on the third day.
-Ascended into heaven, sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the reign of King Herod, fulfilling Jewish prophecies. His family fled to Egypt to escape Herod’s massacre of infants and later returned to settle in Nazareth. Very little is known about his childhood, but he likely studied carpentry and lived a modest life.
The Trinity
One God in three persons: Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
Transfiguration
The Transfiguration reveals the presence of the Holy Trinity. Jesus, the Son, is transfigured before the disciples, showing his divine glory. The Father speaks from a cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son… listen to him,” affirming Jesus’ divine identity. The Holy Spirit is symbolized by the bright cloud that overshadows them, a common sign of God’s presence in Scripture. Together, this moment shows the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit acting in unity, giving a glimpse into the mystery of the Trinity—one God in three Persons.
Pentecost
At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down on the apostles as tongues of fire, and they began speaking in different languages, allowing them to preach to people from many nations. This event shows the Holy Trinity at work: God the Father sends the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus, the Son, had promised. The Spirit empowers the apostles to spread the Good News, revealing the unity and mission of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in guiding and growing the Church.
Kneeling
Sign of worship and humility; also practiced in bibical ties. the bible tells us that jesus and the apostles knelt to pray
-assists our whole person to be attentive to the lord to surrender too his will; showing He stands at the center of our lives and all creation
Genuflecting
Touching the right knee to the floor while bending the left knee. The sign of the cross
is made simultaneously with this gesture.
-Catholics only genuflect in front of the Holy Eucharist. The Holy Eucharist is the real body and blood of jesus
-eucharist is kept in a container or vault called a tabernacle
Apostles’ Creed
Early summary of Christian belief, more personal and shorter.
Nicene Creed
Longer, developed at the Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople. Emphasizes the divinity of Jesus and the Trinity. includes all important beliefs of the church.
Ecumenical
Meant to unify Christians across denominations. working with other religions for a
common goal, particularly Jews and Protestants and
Muslims
Paschal Lamb:
jesus’ sacrifice
fish (lethys)
-secret symbol of the early Christians before cross during times of persecution; less obvious/scared
-found in sacraments chapel of the catacombs
-miracle of loaves and fish
-jesus’ first disciples were fishermen
Chi Rho
-X-P represent first letter of title “Christos”
-form of the cross that the emperor constantine saw in his vision along with the greek words which mean “in this sign thou shalt conquer”
-Constantine: conversion to christianity
-seen on religious vestments and altar linens
alpha-omega
-alpha and omega first letter in greak alphabet and last
-being first and the last
-repersents beginning and end of time and god, in charge of creation and judgement day
-seen on religious vestments and altar linens
IHS
-I(iota), h (eta) s (sigma), first 3 greek letters for jesus
-called a Christogram - on tomb or doorpost
-jesus saviour of humans
-linens and chalice
-used at loyal for the jesuit order of monks
Cross
Symbol of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.
advent
The 4 week preparation period before Christmas / Jesus’ birth
epiphany
-epiphany means manifestation or appearance
-commemorates Christ to the Gentiles, by the visit of Magi (wise men) to infant Jesus.
-acknowledge him as king of the jews
lent
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days, ending with Easter. Traditionally, Lent is a time of penance, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, as well as giving up something (such as certain foods or habits) to focus on spiritual growth. It commemorates the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert, fasting and being tempted by Satan.
Lent serves as a reminder of our mortality and the need for repentance, as we remember that our bodies will return to ashes when we die.
pentecost
-50 days after easter
-holy spirit descends to disciples, who begin to spread the good news
sacraments
7 in Catholicism (baptism, eucharist, confirmation, reconciliation, anointing of the sick, marriage, holy order)
milstones
first communion, confirmation ect.
st paul
Born in Tarsus and originally named Saul
Was a Jewish Pharisee who persecuted Christians
Had a conversion experience on the road to Damascus after encountering Jesus
Became blind from the vision, was healed and baptized, and changed his name to Paul
Began preaching in his local area and later joined Barnabas to spread the Gospel
Went on three major missionary journeys across the Mediterranean region
Focused on preaching to Gentiles (non-Jews), earning the title “Apostle to the Gentiles”
Planned to go to Rome and Spain, but was arrested before completing his mission
Faced persecution from Jewish leaders and spent 2 years imprisoned in Caesarea
Later taken to Rome, where he was under house arrest for another 2 years
Was eventually executed in Rome, likely by beheading under Emperor Nero
Wrote 14 letters (Epistles) to early Christian communities — these are the earliest Christian writings
His letters covered issues like faith, salvation, love, leadership, circumcision, and kosher laws
Famous teachings include:
“Love is patient, love is kind…”
“We walk by faith, not by sight”
“Hope does not disappoint”
Persecutions early church
Martyrs are
“witnesses” who are
killed for their faith
Many were killed in
the Roman Colosseum
during periods of
persecution
Christians were forced
to hold secret
services. Some were
held in underground
catacombs
