Chapter 3 Vocabulary –
Bible – The collection of Christian sacred writings, or Scriptures, accepted by the Church as inspired
by God, and composed of the Old and New Testament.
Creed – An official procession of faith, usually prepared and presented by a council of the Church and
used in the Church’s liturgy.
Faith – The belief in the existence of God.
Religion – The belief and practices followed by those committed and have full participation in the life
of the Church.
Gospel – The Good News.
Grace – The free will and underserved gift of God’s loving and active presence in the universe and in
our life.
Denominations – A group of religious organizations uniting under a single legal and administrative
body and subscribing to the same creed and moral code.
Ecumenism – The movement to restore unity among the Christian Churches and, ultimately, of all
humans throughout the world.
Catechism – A popular summary, usually in book form, of intended for use within programs of formal
catechesis.
Spirituality – The values, actions, attitudes, and behaviors that characterize a person’s relationship
with God and others.
Salvation – Liberation from sin and eternal union with God in heaven.
Tradition – To hand on.
Resurrection of the dead – The Christian dogma that all those deemed righteous by God will be
raised and will live forever with God in heaven.
Trinity – The central Christian mystery and dogma that there is one God in three persons: Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit – The third person of the Blessed Trinity; understood as the perfect love between God the
Father and the Son.
Apostles – One who is sent. Missionary’s of the Church during the New Testament period.
Nicene Creed – The formal statement or profession of faith commonly recited during the Eucharist.