Exam Review Quiz on Key Terms and Concepts in Christian Virtues and Social Teachings

In Christian living, the four cardinal virtues—Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance—serve as foundational ethical principles. Prudence involves making wise decisions, Justice focuses on fairness and giving each their due, Fortitude represents courage in facing challenges, and Temperance encourages moderation and self-control. Together, these virtues guide individuals in moral conduct and help cultivate a virtuous life aligned with Christian teachings. They are essential for developing character and fostering a just society.

The theological virtues, as defined in Christian theology, are faith, hope, and charity (or love). These virtues are considered gifts from God that guide believers in their relationship with Him. Justice, however, is classified as a moral virtue rather than a theological one. While justice is important in ethical behavior and social interactions, it does not pertain directly to the divine relationship emphasized by the theological virtues. Thus, justice stands apart from the trio of faith, hope, and charity.

The virtue of charity emphasizes selflessness and the importance of supporting others, particularly those in need. It encourages individuals to act with compassion and generosity, fostering a sense of community and interconnectedness. By prioritizing the well-being of others over personal interests, charity promotes social responsibility and collective welfare, aligning with the idea that true fulfillment comes from contributing positively to society. This focus on helping others reflects the core principles of empathy and altruism inherent in charitable acts.

Commutative justice focuses on the fairness and equity of transactions between individuals, ensuring that exchanges are just and balanced. It emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in interactions, where each party receives what is due to them without exploitation or deceit. This concept is foundational in legal and economic contexts, as it governs personal agreements and contracts, aiming to maintain mutual respect and trust in relationships.

Distributive justice focuses on the fair allocation of resources among individuals in a society. It emphasizes equitable distribution based on need, contribution, or entitlement, ensuring that everyone receives a fair share of societal benefits. This type of justice addresses issues such as wealth distribution, access to opportunities, and social welfare, aiming to rectify inequalities and promote fairness. By prioritizing how resources are shared, distributive justice plays a crucial role in fostering social cohesion and addressing disparities within communities.

The common good refers to the interests and well-being of the entire community rather than just individual gains. It emphasizes collective benefits that enhance social cohesion, equality, and overall quality of life. This concept prioritizes shared resources, public services, and policies that promote the welfare of all members of society, ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities and support. By focusing on the community's needs, the common good fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility among individuals, encouraging them to contribute positively to society as a whole.

Stewardship in Catholic social teaching emphasizes the responsible management of the Earth’s resources, highlighting the moral obligation to care for the environment. This principle encourages individuals and communities to use resources sustainably, ensuring that they are preserved for future generations. It reflects a belief in the interconnectedness of all creation and the need to protect the planet as a sacred trust, fostering a sense of responsibility towards ecological balance and social justice.

Free will refers to an individual's capacity to make choices without external constraints or coercion. It encompasses the idea that people can act according to their own desires, preferences, and reasoning, allowing them to determine their own actions and decisions. This concept is fundamental to discussions of personal responsibility, ethics, and autonomy, as it implies that individuals have the power to shape their own lives through the choices they make.

Natural law is a philosophical concept that asserts that certain rights and moral values are inherent in human nature and can be understood through reason. It aligns with God's will as it is often viewed as a reflection of divine order and purpose. Proponents believe that moral principles derived from natural law are universal and unchanging, rooted in the belief that a higher power has established these laws to guide human behavior towards justice and morality. This connection emphasizes the idea that human laws should be in harmony with divine moral standards.

In Catholic social teaching, the inherent worth of every human person is rooted in the belief that each individual is created in the image and likeness of God. This intrinsic dignity is fundamental and unchangeable, emphasizing that all people deserve respect and protection, regardless of their circumstances. Recognizing this dignity forms the foundation for promoting human rights and responsibilities, fostering community, and encouraging stewardship of creation, as it calls for a moral obligation to treat others with compassion and justice. Thus, the dignity and worth of a person are central to the Church's social teachings.

The Old Testament primarily chronicles the history of God's relationship with humanity before the arrival of Jesus Christ. It encompasses the creation of the world, the covenant with the Israelites, and the prophetic writings that foreshadow the coming of the Messiah. This narrative illustrates God's plan for salvation, highlighting key events and figures that shape the foundation of faith leading up to the New Testament. Thus, its primary focus is on the unfolding of salvation history prior to Jesus' ministry.

Original sin refers to the theological concept that humanity inherited a fallen state due to the first disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. This act of eating the forbidden fruit is seen as the original sin, which introduced sin and death into the world, affecting all of humanity. It signifies the loss of innocence and the beginning of a separation from God, necessitating redemption through faith and baptism in Christian belief.

The story of the flood is classified as a parable because it conveys moral or spiritual lessons through symbolic narrative rather than being a literal historical account. Parables often utilize familiar scenarios to illustrate deeper truths about human nature, ethics, or divine principles. The flood narrative serves as a cautionary tale about human behavior and the consequences of moral failings, encouraging reflection and introspection, which aligns with the characteristics of parables.

According to Catholic social teaching, goods are meant to serve humanity, enabling individuals to live with dignity and fulfill their spiritual and moral potential. This perspective emphasizes that material possessions should not be an end in themselves but rather a means to foster community, support the common good, and encourage a relationship with God. The focus is on using resources to uplift others and promote a just society, rather than merely accumulating wealth or status for personal gain.

In the biblical context, a prophet serves as a mediator between God and the people, conveying divine messages, warnings, and guidance. Their primary role is to communicate God's will, often addressing moral and spiritual issues within the community. Prophets played a crucial part in shaping the faith and practices of the people by interpreting God's intentions and encouraging adherence to His commandments. This function is central to the identity of a prophet, distinguishing them from roles such as military leaders, lawmakers, or artists.