genocide
The systematic and planned extermination of an entire ethnic, religious, political, or cultural group of people
original holiness
The original state of human beings in their relationship with God, sharing in the divine life in full communion with him.
original justice
The state of complete harmony of our first parents with themselves, with each other, and with all of creation.
common good
The good that is collectively shared by a number of people and that is beneficial for all members of a given community. Social conditions that allow for all citizens of the earth, individuals and families, to meet basic needs and achieve fulfillment promo
the Fall
the biblical revelation about the origins of sin and evil in the world, expressed figuratively in the account of Adam and Eve in Genesis
original sin
The sin by which the first humans disobeyed God and thereby lost their original holiness and became subject to death. Original Sin is transmitted to every person born into the world, except Mary and Jesus.
social justice
the defense of human dignity by ensuring that essential human needs are met and that essential human rights are protected for all people
divine revelation
God's self communication through which he makes known the mystery of his divine plan
scripture
the term for any sacred writing, the Old and New testaments that make up the Bible and are recognized as the Word of God
tradition
the process of passing on the Gospel message
salvation history
The pattern of specific salvific events in human history in which God clearly reveals his presence and saving actions
covenant
a solemn agreement between human beings or between God and a human being in which mutual commitments are made
Old Law
divine law revealed in the Old Testament, summarized in the Ten Commandments , succeeded by the New Law of the Gospels
New law
divine law revealed in the new testament through the life and teaching of Jesus Christ and through the witness and teaching of the Apostles
paschal mystery
the work of salvation accomplished by Jesus Christ mainly through his Passion, death, Resurrection and Ascension
trinity
the central mystery of the Christian faith that God exists as a communion of three distinct and interrelated Divine Persons
Church
the entire people of God throughout the world, the diocese, and the assembly of believers gathered for the celebration of the liturgy especially the Eucharist
grace
the free and undeserved gift of God's loving and active presence in the universe and in our lives, empowering us to respond to his call and to live as his adopted sons and daughters
prophet
a person God chooses to speak his message of salvation
synoptic gospels
the name given to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke because they are similar in style and content
corporal works of mercy
charitable actions that respond to people's physical needs and show respect for human dignity
social doctrine
the body of teaching by the Church on economic and social matters that includes moral judgments and demands for action in favor of those being harmed