TH.03 Ch. 1 Review

Explain what it means to say that Jesus instituted the Church.

"The Lord Jesus inaugurated his Church by preaching the Good News, that is, the coming of the Reign of God, promised over the ages in the scriptures." Through the Incarnation of Jesus, the Kingdom of God broke into human history. (p. 10)

Deposit of Faith

"The heritage of faith contained in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, handed down in the Church from the time of the Apostles, from which the Magisterium draws all that it proposes for belief as being divinely revealed" (CCC, Glossary).

List five of the central theological themes in the Pauline letters.

Any five of the following: • There is only one God, the Father of Jesus Christ. • Salvation takes place through Jesus Christ. • The Death and Resurrection of Christ are at the heart of the Gospel. • Christ's Resurrection is for all people. • Salvation is a gift from God. It cannot be earned. It requires faith. • The Church is one body, of which Christ is the head. • Disciples become sons and daughters of the Father in union with Jesus and through the power of the Holy Spirit. • The Holy Spirit enables believers to call God Father. • Everyone has dignity and should be loved and treated as a brother or sister in Christ. • To be a disciple of Jesus requires a willingness to suffer for him. (p. 22)

Why is Pentecost considered the birthday of the Church?

Before Pentecost, the spreading of the Gospel was carried out by one person: Jesus Christ. However, following Pentecost, evangelization became a collective activity undertaken by an organized group—the Apostles. (p. 14)

. _______________ must be both personal and ______________________, meaning we cannot really answer God's call unless we ____________________ in Christ's Church. Faith is ____________________ and fortified by the Church's faith and makes it possible for us to know and ____________ God more fully and to live as a ____________________ of the one Body of Christ rather than in ____________________.

Faith must be both personal and communal, meaning we cannot really answer God's call unless we participate in Christ's Church. Faith is deepened and fortified by the Church's faith and makes it possible for us to know and love God more fully and to live as a member of the one Body of Christ rather than in isolation. (p. 8)

True or False? As the structure of the early Church began to evolve, a universally accepted canon of Scripture was developed as well as the basic outline of the Nicaean Creed.

False. As the structure of the early Church began to evolve, a universally accepted canon of Scripture was developed as well as the basic outline of the Apostles' Creed. (p. 15)

True or False? Both St. Peter and St. Paul were martyred during the persecution of Christians in about 65 by the emperor Decius.

False. Both St. Peter and St. Paul were martyred during the persecution of Christians in about 65 by the emperor Nero. (p. 23)

True or False? The Ascension marked the end of God's tangible involvement in history.

False. The Ascension did not mark the end of God's tangible involvement in history. (p. 13)

True or False? The Magisterium comprises all members of the clergy in communion with the pope, the successor of St. Peter.

False. The Magisterium comprises the bishops in communion with the pope, the successor of St. Peter. (p. 8)

True or False? The feast of Passover marked the beginning of a new era in God's relationship with humanity, when the Father and the Son gave the Holy Spirit to the Church so that the Church could continue the work of Christ in proclaiming and establishing the Kingdom of God.

False. The day of Pentecost marked the beginning of a new era in God's relationship with humanity, when the Father and the Son gave the Holy Spirit to the Church so that the Church could continue the work of Christ in proclaiming and establishing the Kingdom of God. (p. 13)

True or False? The early Christians remained unified by their celebration of Baptism and Confirmation and by sharing everything in common.

False. The early Christians remained unified by their celebration of the Eucharist and by sharing everything in common. (p. 16)

True or False? The forerunners of religious communities today began in the early Church when men and women set out to follow Christ more closely by strictly practicing the Jewish rites of purification.

False. The forerunners of religious communities today began in the early Church when men and women set out to follow Christ more closely by practicing the evangelical counsels. (p. 16)

True or False? The main attraction to the Christian Gospel for Gentiles was the Jewish opposition to their Roman overlords.

False. The main attraction to the Christian Gospel for Gentiles was that God had come to earth and revealed himself as a historical person. (p. 18)

True or False? The word church is connected to the Greek word ekklésia which is used in the New Testament and it refers to the community called to live and act in the same way as others.

False. The word church is connected to the Greek word ekklésia which is used in the New Testament and it refers to the community called to live and act in a way that was different from others. (p. 5)

Pentecost

From the Greek for "fiftieth day," a Jewish harvest feast occurring fifty days after Passover; the first Pentecost for Christians was when the Holy Spirit appeared to the Apostles in the form of wind and fire fifty days after Jesus' resurrection.

Messiah

From the Hebrew for "the Chosen One" or "the Anointed One"; the role that Jesus filled.

Paul undertook ____________ missionary journeys, described in the ____________________________. Along the way, Paul steadfastly ________________________ those who had not yet heard the ________________ and also reinvigorated the ________________ of those who had. During his journeys he wrote ________________ to many of the ____________ Church communities to stay in touch, and to offer ____________________________ and further Christian instruction. His fourth and final journey ended in ________________.

Paul undertook three missionary journeys, described in the Acts of the Apostles. Along the way, Paul steadfastly evangelized those who had not yet heard the Gospel and also reinvigorated the faith of those who had. During his journeys he wrote letters (or epistles) to many of the local Church communities to stay in touch, and to offer encouragement and further Christian instruction. His fourth and final journey ended in Rome. (p. 22)

God communicates ____________ and grace primarily through the _________________. The Acts of the Apostles shows how closely ____________ and his Church are ____________________. The Apostles understood that the Church herself is the ________________________ on earth, and each member of the Church is a ________________ of that body. The heart of the ________________ teachings then, as now, is this: Jesus ________________ you from your sins.

God communicates truth and grace primarily through the Church. The Acts of the Apostles show how closely Jesus and his Church are connected. The Apostles understood that the Church herself is the Body of Christ on earth, and each member of the Church is a member of that body. The heart of the Gospel teachings then, as now, is this: Jesus frees you from your sins. (p. 14)

covenant

The partnership between God and humanity that God has established out of his love. The New Covenant is offered through Christ; the blood that Christ shed on the Cross is a sign of the New Covenant.

The formal ________________________ maintained by the Church, including creeds, ____________________, and rituals, help us maintain our identity as ____________________ believers and help the Church maintain her ________________ as a model of faith. The Church's ________________________ has the task of defining and ____________________ these formal structures which make the _______________________ relationships with God among Catholics ______________ and tangible.

The formal structures maintained by the Church, including creeds, doctrines, and rituals, help us maintain our identity as individual believers and help the Church maintain her identity as a model of faith. The Church's Magisterium has the task of defining and interpreting these formal structures which make the communal relationships with God among Catholics visible and tangible. (p. 8)

apostolic succession

The handing on of the teaching, preaching, and office of the Apostles to their successors, the bishops, through the laying on of hands.

charism

A special gift or grace of the Holy Spirit that directly or indirectly builds up the Church, helps a person live a Christian life, or serves the common good.

faith

Both a gift from God that can only exist with God's preceding grace; and an act of a person's intellect, an assenting to the divine truth by command of the will that has been moved by that grace. Though only possible by grace and the interior helps of the Holy Spirit, faith is truly a human action. "Trusting in God and cleaving to the truths he has revealed are contrary neither to human freedom nor to human reason" (CCC, 154).

During the early days of the Church, Jesus' ____________________ did not see themselves as being distinct from the faith of other ____________ whom they were ________________________. In fact, the structure of the early Church reflected Jewish ________________. They used the ____________________ Law and Jewish ____________________ to defend Christ and his ____________________ and did not refer to themselves in any distinctive way, such as using the term _____________________ extensively

During the early days of the Church, Jesus' followers did not see themselves as being distinct from the faith of other Jews whom they were evangelizing. In fact, the structure of the early Church reflected Jewish worship. They used the Mosaic Law and Jewish traditions to defend Christ and his message and did not refer to themselves in any distinctive way, such as using the term Christian extensively. (p. 16)

For what reasons can we say that Jesus himself clearly instituted the Church?

Jesus specifically selected some with whom he would share the most, and he made it clear that this selection came with responsibilities. Jesus gave the Apostles authority to teach and baptize in his name. He also made it clear that this authority was to be used not to gain power, but to serve others and to help them grow spiritually. (p. 11)

Jesus' actions on earth were oriented to the ________________________, such as performing miracles, giving ____________ teachings, praying, and preaching the ________________________ of his offer of salvation and ___________________. Now, the Church is the focal point of the ____________________ of God's Kingdom on earth, although no one on earth will ____________ experience its presence until Christ's ________________ coming.

Jesus' actions on earth were oriented to the Kingdom of God, such as performing miracles, giving moral teachings, praying, and preaching the Good News of his offer of salvation and redemption. Now, the Church is the focal point of the presence of God's Kingdom on earth, although no one on earth will fully experience its presence until Christ's second coming. (pp. 10-11)

Ascension

Jesus' passage from humanity into divine glory in God's heavenly domain forty days after his Resurrection. It is from heaven that Jesus will come again.

Apostles

Jesus' twelve specially chosen and commissioned disciples, as well as other figures such as St. Paul; they earned this designation when they were sent forth to evangelize. The word apostle originates from the Greek for "to send forth."

What attracted Gentiles to the Christian Gospel?

Many of these Gentiles had already acquired a great respect for the moral teachings of Judaism, but understood they were generally not allowed to convert to the Jewish faith. Also, many Gentiles were attracted to monotheism, the belief in one God held by both Jews and Christians. And the newness of the Christian faith, along with Jesus' words of welcome to the poor and oppressed—to all people—appealed to many Gentiles. (p. 18)

Prior to the ________________________ of the Gentiles, the general ____________________ understanding of the time was that what the ________________ believed and practiced was unsuited to being associated with ________________ beliefs and practices. This began to change after Peter's encounter with ____________________ and eventually with the decision of the _______________________________________ causing a lasting ____________________ between Judaism and Christianity.

Prior to the evangelization of the Gentiles, the general religious understanding of the time was that what the Gentiles believed and practiced was unsuited to being associated with Jewish beliefs and practices. This began to change after Peter's encounter with Cornelius and eventually with the decision of the Council of Jerusalem causing a lasting division between Judaism and Christianity. (p. 20)

Explain what factors made Saul an ideal candidate to bridge the two worlds of Jews and Gentiles.

Saul had been a Pharisee before his conversion and was very knowledgeable about the Hebrew Scriptures and their references to a Messiah. Saul had grown up in Tarsus (in what is now Turkey), so he was likewise a Roman citizen and was familiar with the Gentile world. (pp. 21-22)

Explain what the Deposit of Faith contains and the ways it is transmitted.

The Deposit of Faith of the Church contains God's Revelation; all that Catholics believe is divinely revealed. The Deposit of Faith is transmitted in two ways: through Sacred Tradition and through Sacred Scripture. (p. 9)

Magisterium

The bishops, in communion with the pope (the successor of St. Peter), who are the living and teaching office of the Church. The Magisterium authentically interprets the Word of God, in the forms of both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition.

second coming

The final judgment of all humanity when Christ returns to earth. It is also known by its Greek name, Parousia, which means "arrival."

In what ways does the Holy Spirit form the Church?

The presence of the Holy Spirit gives life to the Church, builds up the Church, and sanctifies the Church. The Holy Spirit forms the Church, which is the very Body of Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit uses the Church to draw you to Christ, to reveal the good things Christ has done for you, and to make present the Paschal Mystery of his love in your life. (p. 17)

Paschal Mystery

The redemptive Passion, Death, Resurrection, and glorious Ascension of Jesus Christ, through which Jesus not only liberated humans from sin, but also gave them new life.

Kingdom of God

The reign or rule of God. The Kingdom of God began with the coming of Jesus. It will exist in perfect form at the end of time.

salvation history

The story of God's action in human history. Salvation history refers to the events through which God makes humanity aware of and brings humanity into the Kingdom of God. It began with the creation of the world and will end with the second coming of Christ.

Explain the ways the structure of the early Church reflected Jewish worship.

These first Jewish Christians made pilgrimages to the Temple in Jerusalem, attended services at their local synagogue, shared meals in their neighbors' homes, and followed the Mosaic Law. Jesus' followers, however, had a practice that distinguished them from other Jews: when they "broke bread" during meals, this was in keeping with Jesus' command to them at the Last Supper to "do this in memory of me" (Lk 22:19b).

Once the Apostles realized that Jesus might not return during their lifetimes, how did they plan for the future?

Thus, they began to make various practical resolutions regarding such matters as defining of roles within the Church, how to resolve conflicts that could arise, and how to determine the authenticity and inspired nature of the Gospel. (p. 15)

Explain what it means to believe in Christ.

To believe in Christ means to abandon yourself to him, to be shaped by him, and to let go of the things that prevent you from listening to and following him. (p. 7)

To counteract ____________ witnesses the Church taught that her ____________________ was given by Christ to his ____________________. Through this position of authority, the Apostles passed on through ____________________________ authority to bishops who they ordained through the ____________________________. Apostolic succession maintains the ________________, teaching, and mission of the Apostles as ________________________ to them by Christ. (p. 15)

To counteract false witnesses the Church taught that her authority was given by Christ to his Apostles. Through this position of authority, the Apostles passed on through apostolic succession authority to bishops who they ordained through the laying on of hands. Apostolic succession maintains the office, teaching, and mission of the Apostles as entrusted to them by Christ. (p. 15)

True of False? The Church is the culmination of salvation history.

True. (p. 10)

True of False? Because the Apostles did not live until "the end of the age," the Church believes the promise Jesus made to the Apostles will guide those who succeed the Apostles to the end of time.

True. (p. 11)

True or False? Apostolic succession protects the Church against the influx of ideas that are antithetical to Christianity. (p. 15)

True. (p. 15)

True or False? The gifts of the Holy Spirit are related to one another and show that the Church is one with Jesus.

True. (p. 18)

True or False? Disputes in the early Church arose over both how to evangelize and whom to evangelize.

True. (p. 20)

True or False? Saul, who came to be known as Paul, a strict follower of the Mosaic Law, was a harsh persecutor of the early Christians until his conversion on the way to Damascus when the Risen Jesus appeared to him.

True. (p. 20)

True or False? Christian faith and participation in the Church cannot be separated because where the Church is, there God is.

True. (p. 4-5)

True of False? We must respond to God's gift of faith before we can act as a member the Church.

True. (p. 7)

Explain why studying the history of the Church is much different from studying about any other long-standing human institution, such as a nation or government.

When God the Father created the whole universe and then created humans to share in his divine life, he had the Church in mind. The Church is the place where Jesus Christ, the Son of God, remains present. She is the place where God continues to share his Revelation to the world. This means that although the Church is in historical time, she also transcends history. The Church both takes part in human history and surpasses human comprehension. Through the years and generations, the Church has been and remains the bearer of the divine life even as she takes her place in human history. (pp. 3-4)

What promises did Jesus make to his Apostles?

When Jesus commissioned the Apostles, he promised that he would be with them to the end of time. He would guide their teaching and whom they baptized. (p. 11)

Fill in the Blank. While the _______________ is in history, she also ____________________ history. Through the Church, _______________ Paschal Mystery, salvation, and fulness of life became _________________________ to all people. Hence, if the Church is both the _______________ reality and spiritual reality of God's life on _______________, then it's clear people cannot ____________________ their response to God's call from their _________________________ to the Church.

While the Church is in history, she also transcends history. Through the Church, Jesus' Paschal Mystery, salvation, and fulness of life became accessible to all people. Hence, if the Church is both the visible reality and spiritual reality of God's life on earth, then it's clear people cannot separate their response to God's call from their relationship to the Church. (p. 5)