Guided by the Revelation of Light Flashcards
Define call.
the Bible contains a number of stories of God calling people and imparting to them a mission.
Define covenant.
A binding agreement between two parties that spells out the conditions and obligations of each party. The biblical notion of covenant arose from this contractual notion, but it is far more. *God’s covenant is a bond of love that calls to us in our freedom to respond in love. God’s commitment to us is forever. God’s commitment is founded in love.
Define sin.
Referred to as transgression from God. It is a turning away from right actions. It is breaking the moral commandments.
Define vocation.
A call from God. Jesus calls all people into the family of God. God also calls each one of us personally to a way of life that is founded on the love of God and the love of neighbour. For some this way of life leads to priesthood; for others, consecrated religious life; for others, service in the contact of family or the broader community.
Define prophet.
A person who is called by God to perform a specific mission. A spokesperson, messenger for God.
Who is Moses?
A leader, founding father of the Israelites, the prophet, the lawgiver. God made a covenant with him to free the Israelites.
Who is YHWH?
The holy name given to God. The vowels are not given. In worship the name YHWH was replaced with Adonai: “my Lord.”
Five Traits of a Covenant
- The preamble
- The historical prologue
- The submission
- The witnesses
- The blessings and curses
Structure of a Call Story
- Confrontation with God
- Introductory Speech
- Imparting of a Mission
- Objection by the Prophet-to-be
- Reassurance by God
- The Sign
Define hermeneutics.
A way of interpreting texts and events to help us understand what they mean for us in the twenty-first century. (Ex. Jesus’ treatment of the minority)
Define exegesis.
The analysis of texts in their original context. Uncovering the historical, cultural, linguistic, etc., particularities that the original author was dealing with in order to better understand the original meaning and intent of the text.
Define parousia.
The second coming of Christ which is to take place at the end of time.
(Can be described as a completion: the full revelation of God.)
Define beatitudes.
A form of pronouncement the presupposes that a good or happiness has already been given is about to be received. The Sermon on the Mount contains a list of beatitudes; “blessed are the poor in spirit…”
Define exhortation.
Teachings.
Define eschatological.
“Pertaining to the end of time” or “the fullness of time”. Eschatological ethics is an ethics that insist that we can already live what God will realize or reveal at the end.
Define gospel ethics.
Ethics based on the New Covenant - a new way of relating to God and one another.
Define incarnation.
God made human in the person of Jesus.
Define Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Heaven.
It is not a place but a symbol or metaphor for God. God is not in a far off place but is acting among us here and now.
Define Sermon on the Mount.
The platform for life given to the disciples and us. It is the Old Torah revisited in the light of Jesus’ teachings. It is the heart of Christian teachings based on love of God and love of neighbour.
Define grace.
God’s self-gift of love in us and our participation in the relationship of love that is the Trinity.
What are the ethics of the Sermon on the Mount?
- Ethics of the Kingdom of God already in our midst but not yet fully revealed
- It is an ethics to “be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect”
- Ethics that makes us righteous
- It is an eschatological ethics. Eschatological = pertaining to the end of time or fullness of time
- It is a Gospel ethics
Define apostle.
A title given in the gospels to the twelve chief disciples of Jesus, and later also to St. Paul.
Define pentecost.
Descending of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles, the beginning or birthday of the Church.
What did St. Paul do?
St. Paul (former named Saul) Initially he tried to eliminate early Christians and even killed some. He was blinded by light from heaven (Jesus) and became a Christian. After regaining his sight he became the apostle to the Gentiles and converted many to Christianity. He was a great writer in the early church.
Describe the Early Formation of the Church.
50 years after Jesus’ death the disciples were loosely organized and they gathered on the day after Sabbath (Sunday) to share in the Bread and Wine as Jesus did at the last supper. They emphasized the organization of the church and translation of Jesus’ words into practices, teaching and moral behavior.
What is the Role of the Holy Spirit?
The promise of the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide the early disciples.
Describe the tasks of the Church in guiding moral life.
- Shapes moral character
- Guards and maintains moral tradition
- Community of moral deliberation whenever and wherever moral issues emerge
Describe the Four Groups responsible for Moral Tradition/Levels of Teaching Authority.
- The faithful
- Theologians
- Priests and pastoral workers
- Magisterium (teaching authority of the Roman Catholic Church) consisting of the pope and bishops
Describe the Period of Jewish Christianity.
(AD 30-130) Great enthusiasm and joy but with difficulties. Rich pretended to do good. Poor Jews received more goods from the Church than the poor Gentiles. People questioned what to do with sinners (allowing them to stay or get rid of them).
Describe the Period of Greek and European Christianity.
(AD 50-1964) First encounter with Greek philosophy. The evangelization of Northern Europe by Irish and Celtic Monks. The encounter with Islam and the rediscovery of Greek philosophy and civilization, Christianity divided. The European empire was created. Protestant reformation, first expressed through the “protest” of Martin Luther King.
Describe the Period of Global Christianity.
20th century. Karl Rahner (spoke of True Global Church) that is the Christian church to be found in all countries embracing a great variety of cultures. Global church = catholic = universal
Define the Trinity.
God is an external exchange of love. This central mystery of the Christian faith: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
