Module 3 Flashcards
What’s the bible?
A collection of many books by 40 different authors over 1500 years in Aramaic, Hebrew and Greek.
What does the Old Testament consist of?
Law (commandments revealed to Moses)
History (history of Jewish people)
Prophets (messages from God)
Writings (education of God’s nature, virtue and reality)
What does the New Testament consist of?
Gospels (good news of Jesus)
Letters (documents of development of the early church)
Revelation (end of the world)
Canonical
Authoritative parts of the bible approved by the Catholic Church.
Deuterocanonical books
Belonging to the second canon (a later addition to the bible)
Bible quote
“The Old Testament books retain a permanent value, for the old covenant has never been revoked.” (CCC125)
How many deuterocanonical books do Catholics have in their bible that Protestants do not? What other denomination has a different bible to us?
Seven. The Eastern Orthodox Church also include additional scriptures that Catholics don’t recognise.
When/ where were the deuterocanonical books affirmed?
At the council of Trent in 1545.
How do Catholics interpret the Bible?
They believe that it’s the inspired word of God, written by humans. ‘God’s message in human words.’
It’s influenced by the writer’s own personal beliefs and interests.
3 interpretations of the bible.
Inspired (Catholic)
Literal (fundamentalist)
Liberal
What’s the inspired interpretation of the bible?
Inspired word of God written down by humans. There’s truth in the message.
Interpretations of the bible quote
‘All scripture is inspired by God’ (2 Timothy 3:16)
What’s the literal interpretation of the bible?
That the bible is inerrant and that there’s a reason for any contradictions of it. If it goes against science, then the science is wrong. For example, the Big Bang/evolution is incorrect.
What’s the liberal interpretation of the Bible?
That it was written by inspired humans and contains spiritual truths, symbolism and poetry that overall invites closeness with God through sharing of human experience. Some parts are outdated and irrelevant to modern day life.
How is the bible used today?
Used many different ways, for example as a prayerful activity to read and understand it as a whole text. The teachings guide us as to how we interpret the bible. It’s a source of guidance and comfort.
Implications of the bible today
Most catholics are inspired ande don’t reject spiritual truths of genesis. Belief in the bible is held second to faith in Jesus. Used in mass ‘the word of the lord’.
Lectionary
Book containing readings to be read in mass.
The magisterium quote
“The task of interpreting the word of God is entrusted solely to the Magisterium of the Church”(CCC100)
The pontiff supreme
The pope (head of the Catholic Church) who is also bishop of Rome. Is elected by cardinals.
Magisterium
Teaching authority of the Church held together by the pope and his bishops
The role of the magisterium
They interpret the bible and apostolic tradition for Catholics in the modern day world.
They define dogmas and give conciliar teachings of the Church.
They communicate teachings to bishops through apostolic succession.
Help Catholics respond to modern day ethical dilemmas.
Apostolic succession
Belief that tradition from apostles has been handed down to pope and bishops.
Assumption
Taking of Mary (body and soul) up to heaven.
Dogma
Doctrines infallibly defined by the ecumenical council.
Ex cathedra
Authority of the pope inherited from St. Peter. Succession of St. Peter.
2 types of teachings from the pope
Ordinary and extraordinary
Ordinary teachings
Everyday teachings of the Church from bishops/popes.
Extraordinary teachings
Infallible teachings of the Church based on special matters in 2 ways. Conciliar and pontifical.
Conciliar extraordinary teachings of the Church.
Teachings defined by the ecumenical council after calling of all bishops together. (Vatican 2)
Pontifical extraordinary teachings
2 ex cathedra declarations were immaculate conception and the assumption.
Divergent beliefs of the magisterium
Protestants don’t follow the pope.
The second Vatican council
Large ecumenical council held in Vatican (st peter’s basilica) to discuss modern teachings and beliefs.
What are the 4 constitutions of Vatican 2
Sacrosanctum concilium (mass improvements ) Lumen Gentium (beliefs) Dei verbum (scripture) Gaudium te spes
What does sacrosanctum concilium promote?
More participation of the laity in mass
Vernacular language of mass
Eucharist in both forms
More bible use in mass.
Vatican 2 quote
“Active participation in (the liturgy) by the Christian people is their right and duty.” Sacrosanctum concilium
“Jesus perfected revelation by fulfilling it through his whole work of making himself present.” Dei verbum 4
What does the Lumen Gentium promote?
Salvation for nonchristians
Bishops should cooperate more
Role of Mary explanation
Importance of laity
What does the dei verbum promote?
Importance of bible and tradition
Inspired belief of bible
Word of God is a person through Jesus
Importance of gospels
What does Gaudium et spes promote?
Covers modern day issues (economics, poverty, social justice, culture, science, technology and ecumenism
The body of Christ
Individuals who form the Christian community.
The people of God
People who’ve found their faith in Jesus through baptism. Each member has a responsibility to contribute to the Church in different ways.
Church as the body of Christ quote
“The body is one and has many members.” 1 Corinthians 12:12
Divergent attitudes of the Church as the body of Christ
Catholics believe that the pope is the head rather than Jesus.
Orthodox Christians believe the authority of councils of bishops are the head, working with agreement from the people.
Protestants believe that the bible as God’s word is the head.
Where is the Church as the body of Christ mentioned?
Found in New Testament and catechisms. Christ’s words Make up the readings at mass.
How’s the church the body of Christ?
We evangelise as our mission as J instructed us to.
Held together via roles in the Church.
We are all on a journey to salvation as promised by Jesus.
We carry out Jesus’ teachings.
All baptised as one spirit.
Why’s the church as the body of Christ important?
Means that Jesus lives on through our passion and work.
Unites us as Catholics.
Is described in New Testament/ catechism
Highlights importance of mass.
Shows that Jesus is still active and came to save the world.
What are the four marks of the Church?
ONE
CATHOLIC
APOSTOLIC
HOLY
What does each mark of the Church signify?
ONE shows how we are all united as one faith.
CATHOLIC implies that we are a universal faith and open to everyone.
APOSTOLIC shows apostolic succession and the importance of tradition within the church.
HOLY describes church as image of holiness
Quote for four marks of the Church
“We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church” the Nicene creed
What does ONE signify in the 4 marks of the Church
Us as one body, united through mass.
Jesus is head of the one body.
Displays trinity and oneness of all three.
Is important as:
Division exists within Christianity w many denominations.
Mentioned in Vatican 2 in Gaudium et spes and Lumen Gentium.
Shows our duty to communicate.
What is the importance and meaning of CATHOLIC in the 4 marks of the Church?
Means we and Jesus are universally present.
Is important because:
The history shows strength of the Catholic Church after suffering of persecution.
Meaning and importance of APOSTOLIC in 4 marks of church.
Shows tradition and apostolic succession.
Is important because:
Links in with the magisterium and their duty to pass on faith.
Shows how we are all on a mission to follow Christ
Meaning and importance of HOLY in 4 marks of church.
Shows Church has a special purpose, means we produce holy dogmas. J and church is source of holiness.
Important because:
Gives opportunity for prayer and sacraments which are the ‘means to holiness’
Bring us closer w God.
Use saints as example
Shows that all those belonging to Christ are holy and perfected.
Why is Mary seen as a model of the Church?
Because of her faith, trust in God, discipleship and charity. She acts as a personal role model for all Christians and so is celebrated via feast days, prayers and Pilgrimages. Is embodiment of what it means to be Catholic.
Immaculate conception
The fact that Mary was born w/o sin.
How is Mary’s union w Jesus presented?
Teachings about her always include Jesus. Being the mother of J, she’s the mother of the church.
How does Mary present discipleship?
She’s technically the first disciple as believed in J before anyone else. Her sacrifice and service to him began before conception as risked much to have him.
Mary as a model of the church quote
“And Mary said; ‘behold, I’m the handmaid of the lord; let it be to me according to his will.’” Luke 1:38
How does Mary present faith and charity?
She gave her life and career to God. She accepted the risk of bearing Jesus. Obeyed command in Joseph’s dream. Encouraged J to solve problem at wedding Cana Watched Jesus at the foot of the cross.
How is Jesus seen as a role model when making moral decisions?
He has showed examples of forgiveness, servanthood, love for others and social justice. He was a faithful and obedient Jew.
How did Jesus show love for others?
He cared for the poor, ill and outcasts.
“Love one another, as i have loved you.” John
How did Jesus show forgiveness?
He was the key to salvation.
Forgave all those who crucified him, as mentioned in Luke.
How did Jesus show servanthood?
Known as the ‘servant king’.
Crucifixion was the ultimate act of servanthood.
Washed everyone’s feet at the last supper.
How does Jesus show social justice?
He cared for people’s physical and spiritual needs, even the outcasts such as lepers.
Told the parable of the sheep and the goat.
Quote for personal and ethical decision making
“Do not think that i have come to abolish the law or prophets: i have not come to abolish them but fulfil them” Matthew 5:17
This shows that Jesus learnt/obeyed the law as a faithful Jew.
Where do Catholics look for personal/ethical decision making?
CONSCIENCE
SCRIPTURE/TRADITION
THE MAGISTERIUM
What’s natural law?
A discoverable, unchanging moral law providing set rules for all. It’s believed to be endowed by God and holds the basis for all human conduct. Thomas Aquinas’ teachings fitted with this law, suggesting “good is to be sought, evil avoided.” (Summa Theologica).
This was worked out through human purpose.
Disadvantages:
Is v vague,
Different people may hold their own idea of what natural law should be
What’s virtue?
Is the moral character of a person for analysis of decisions. Thomas Aquinas refers to 2 virtues: Cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, temperance and fortitude) Theological virtues (faith, hope and charity)
What’s primacy of conscience?
Sacred obligation to follow informed conscience by Bible, magisterium and tradition.
Disadvantages:
Consciences can be wrong if not informed properly.
Divergent implications of personal and ethical decision making
“Good is to be sought, evil avoided.” (Theologica summa) is v unspecific and can be interpreted differently.
Modern issues have wide and diverse interpretations, some that may not be covered by bible, tradition or magisterium.
Other denominations don’t accept Catholic Church teaching. And make decisions based on their own church teachings. For example BAPTISTS. Focus on importance of ‘freedom of conscience’ as informed by the bible.
