Overview
This set covers key vocabulary from chapters 6-8 for a theology or religion final, including terms about Jesus' life, doctrine, and major Christian beliefs.
Jesus' Life and Titles
- The Annunciation is when Gabriel told Mary she would bear God's Son.
- The Nativity refers to the birth of Jesus Christ.
- The Passion is the suffering of Jesus.
- Crucifixion is how Jesus was executed, primarily by suffocation.
- Resurrection is Jesus rising from the dead, never to die again.
- Ascension is Jesus returning to His Father in heaven.
- Transfiguration is when Jesus' divine identity was revealed to Peter, James, and John.
- Messiah and Christ both mean "anointed one."
- Emmanuel means "God is with us."
- INRI abbreviates "Jesus of Nazareth, King of Jews."
- Jesus means "God saves."
Core Christian Doctrines and Events
- Incarnation is Jesus taking on flesh and becoming human.
- Trinity is the belief in one God in three persons: Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
- Paschal Mystery includes Jesus' passion, death, resurrection, and ascension.
- Parousia refers to the Second Coming of Christ.
- Redemption is the work of God the Son saving humanity.
- Sanctification is the Holy Spirit's work to make people holy.
- Grace is God's gift enabling us to share in His life and love.
Gospel and Scripture Terms
- Gospel means "Good News" and refers to Jesus' life, teachings, and writings in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
- Evangelist means a Gospel writer (MT, MK, LK, JN).
- Synoptic Gospels are Matthew, Mark, and Luke, called so because they present a similar view.
- Synoptikos is Greek for "seen together."
- Quelle or Q source is a hypothetical document of Jesus’ sayings used by Matthew and Luke.
- Miracle is a powerful act or sign of God's Kingdom performed by Jesus.
- Parable is a short story with a religious message, often with a twist.
Additional Key Terms
- Blasphemy is expressing hatred or contempt for God or holy things.
- Gentile is a non-Jewish person.
- Judah is the tribe of David and Jesus; the southern kingdom (Roman: Judea).
- Magi are wise men from the East who visited Jesus after his birth.
- Epiphany celebrates the Magi visiting baby Jesus and Christ’s manifestation.
- Fiat is Mary’s "yes" to God.
- Creation refers to God's act of making the world.
- God's Economy is God's work in the world.
- Mystery is a reality filled with God's invisible presence.
- Amen means to strengthen or confirm; "so be it."
Key Terms & Definitions
- Annunciation — The announcement to Mary that she would be the mother of God's Son.
- Crucifixion — Execution of Jesus by being nailed to the cross.
- Resurrection — Jesus rising from the dead.
- Ascension — Jesus returning to heaven.
- Incarnation — God becoming human in Jesus.
- Trinity — One God in three persons.
- Paschal Mystery — Jesus' passion, death, resurrection, and ascension.
- Parousia — The Second Coming of Christ.
- Gospel — The Good News of Jesus’ life and teachings.
- Synoptic Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, presenting similar accounts.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and memorize all vocabulary terms for the final exam.
- Study examples of each term in context from class notes or readings.