Essential Catholic Theology: Scripture, Faith, and Morality
Unit 1: Scripture and Jesus
Jesus
- Son of God
- Messiah (Savior)
- Teacher and Healer
- Fully God and fully human
Gospels
- Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
- Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke
Exegesis
- The study and interpretation of Scripture
Parables
- Stories that teach moral lessons (e.g., The Good Samaritan)
Miracles
- Events demonstrating God’s power
Covenant
- A sacred promise between God and His people
New Covenant
- Jesus brings salvation and forgiveness
Radical Table Fellowship
- Jesus welcomed everyone, especially outcasts
Discipleship
- Following Jesus through faith and actions
Letters
- Written to early Christians, mostly by St. Paul
Apostolic Tradition and Succession
- Tradition: Teachings passed down from the Apostles
- Succession: Church authority passed to bishops
Short Answer
Q: What is the New Covenant?
A: God’s promise through Jesus offering salvation and forgiveness.
Q: What is discipleship?
A: Following Jesus and living by His teachings.
Unit 2: Profession of Faith
Incarnation
- God became human in the person of Jesus
Trinity
- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (One God, Three Persons)
Revelation
- God reveals Himself through Jesus, Scripture, and Creation
Grace
- God’s free gift of help and love
Creeds
- Formal statements of Catholic belief
Mary
- Annunciation: Gabriel visits Mary
- Immaculate Conception: Born without Original Sin
- Assumption: Taken into Heaven
Key Figures
- St. Peter: The first Pope
- St. Paul: Missionary who wrote many letters
Pentecost
- The Holy Spirit descends upon the Apostles; the birth of the Church
Faith
- Belief and trust in God
Human Nature
- Humans are rational, free, social, moral, and spiritual
Short Answer
Q: What is the Trinity?
A: One God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Q: What happened at Pentecost?
A: The Holy Spirit came to the Apostles, marking the beginning of the Church.
Unit 3: Christian Moral Development
Types of Sin
- Venial Sin: A less serious offense
- Mortal Sin: A serious sin requiring full knowledge, consent, and grave matter
Sin by Action
- Omission: Failing to do good
- Commission: Actively doing wrong
- Personal Sin: Individual wrongdoing
- Social Sin: Actions that harm society
Works of Mercy
- Corporal: Feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, visit the sick
- Spiritual: Teach, comfort, forgive, and pray
Social Justice
- Fair treatment for everyone
Catholic Social Teachings
- Human Dignity
- Family and Community
- Rights and Responsibilities
- Option for the Poor
- Dignity of Work
- Solidarity
- Care for Creation
Short Answer
Q: What is the difference between mortal and venial sin?
A: Mortal sin breaks our relationship with God; venial sin weakens it.
Q: What is social justice?
A: Creating fairness and upholding dignity for all people.
Unit 4: Family Life
Natural Law
- God’s law written into human nature
Intimacy
- Built on trust, honesty, respect, and commitment
Types of Love
- Agape: Selfless love
- Eros: Romantic love
- Philia: Friendship
- Storge: Family love
Healthy Sexuality
- Based on respect, responsibility, and self-worth
Infatuation
- A strong, usually temporary, attraction
Short Answer
Q: What is the difference between love and infatuation?
A: Love is deep and lasting; infatuation is a temporary attraction.
Unit 5: Prayer and Sacramental Life
Prayer
- Communication with God
- ACTS Prayer: Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, Supplication
The 7 Sacraments
- Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist
- Healing: Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick
- Service: Marriage, Holy Orders
Sacramental Symbols
- Baptism (Water), Confirmation (Oil), Eucharist (Bread and Wine), Marriage (Rings)
Short Answer
Q: What are the four categories of prayer?
A: Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.
Q: Name the three Sacraments of Initiation.
A: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.