natural revelation
the process by which God makes himself known to human reason through the created world.
Scholastic theology
The use of philosophical methods to better understand revealed truth
ecumenical council
a gathering of bishops across the world
vatican council
the ecumenical that pope john the 23rd convened in 1962
salvation history
The pattern of specific event in human
history in which God clearly reveals his presence and saving actions.
divine revelation
A gift accomplished by the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit through the words and deeds of salvation history.
apostolic succession
the uninterrupted passing on of apostolic preaching and authority from the Apostles directly to all bishops
deposit of faith
the heritage of faith contained in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition.
magisterium
The Church’s teaching office, which has all bishops in communion with the Pope
dogma
Teachings recognized as central to Church teaching, defined by the Magisterium and accorded the fullest weight authority.
theophany
God’s manifestation of himself in a visible form to enrich human understanding of him.
original sin
the sin of the first human beings, who disobeyed God’s command by choosing their will affecting every person now born into the world.
vocation
all call from God to all members of the Church to embrace his holiness
covenant
A solemn agreement between human beings or between God making mutual commitments.
incarnation
to become flesh referring to the mystery of Jesus becoming man
salvation
to save referring to the forgiveness of sins and assurance of permanent union with God
conscience
The “interior voice” guided by human reason and divine law, that leads us to understand our actions and ourselves and prompts us to do good and avoid evil.