Scripture
Is the Old Testament relevant for Christians today? Why/Why not?
Yes, because it is the word of God and because it prepares for Christ.
In the story of Noah, why did God send the flood?
Because of the sin/wickedness of mankind.
Was John the Baptist's ministry of baptism both a sign and a cause? Why/why not?
It was just a sign because it was not empowered by God's transformative words. It was a type of the Sacrament of Baptism.
What are the three valid ways water may be used in Baptism?
Immersion, pouring, and sprinkling.
What is venial sin?
Lesser offense against God
Either not a grave matter, or done without full knowledge or consent
Damages our relationship with God, but does not break it
What is the Old Testament?
A collection of divinely inspired books that form the first part of the Christian Bible, detailing God’s covenant with the Israelites before the coming of Jesus.
Why did God set Noah apart from the rest of humanity?
Because of his righteousness, i.e., his conformity to God's standard.
When Jesus was baptized by John, how did he undergo his baptism with real repentance?
By repenting for our sins; Jesus had no personal sins to repent of because He is sinless.
Limbo is a state of existence for those who die in original sin without Baptism, particularly unbaptized infants. Souls in limbo are deprived of the joy of eternal life with God but are not subjected to the punishment of hell. Limbo is NOT an official teaching of the Church.
What is mortal sin?
Grave violation of the Ten Commandments
Done with full knowledge and deliberate consent
Completely separates us from God
What is salvation history?
The story of God’s love and mercy revealed to us throughout human history, culminating in Christ.
Briefly summarize the story of the Crossing of the Red Sea.
The Egyptians regretted letting the Hebrews free because they lost their labor force. Pharaoh sent his army to pursue them. God parts the Red Sea so that the Hebrews may escape the Egyptians, walking through the Red Sea on dry land. The Egyptians chase the Hebrews into the Sea, but the waters crash back down upon them and drown them.
Why is Baptism necessary for salvation?
Jesus declared it was necessary (see John 3:5). It is the only ordinary means the Church knows of by which men can be saved.
What is the purpose of the "smells and bells," or the signs and ceremonies, that accompany the "central moment" of Baptism?
These enrich the central moment and help us celebrate it more reverently. The signs and symbols are not necessary for salvation, but they help us receive grace more fully.
Does Baptism restore both original holiness and original justice? Why/Why not?
Baptism does not restore original holiness; it restores our ability to act justly, but not our inclination to act justly.
What is the New Testament?
A colleciton of divinely inspired books that form the second part of the Christian Bible, detailing the culmination of the covenants with Israel and the redemption won by Christ.
Name two ways the Great Flood in the story of Noah is a type of Baptism.
1. Saved through the righteousness of Noah; we are saved through the righteousness of Christ in Baptism.
2. The flood washed away humanity's sin; Baptism washes away all of our sins.
3. The flood purified and renewed the human race; Baptism purifies and renews us.
What is Baptism of Blood?
When an individual receives the grace of baptism if they have unwavering faith in Christ and are killed because of their faith.
What is the role of parents and godparents in Baptism? In other words, what do they promise to do?
They promise to raise the child in the Catholic faith and guide the child's spiritual formation.
What is concupiscence?
The inclination to sin; this remains after Baptism.
What is typology? What is a type and what is an anti-type?
Typology: When a person, event, thing, etc.—usually from Old Testament times—foreshadows someone or something or event, etc., in the New Testament/New Covenant era.
Type: That which is doing the foreshadowing.
Anti-type: That which is being foreshadowed.
Name two ways the Crossing of the Red Sea is a type of Baptism.
1. The Red Sea "drowned"/destroyed the sin of Egyptian idolatry; Baptism destroys sin in our soul.
2. Crossing the Red Sea purified the Hebrews; Baptism purifies us.
What is Baptism of Desire?
When an individual receives the grace of baptism if they have an explicit or implicit desire for it, but are prevented from receiving the water sacrament due to circumstances beyond their control (e.g., death).
Why do Catholics baptize infants?
Children are born with fallen human nature and original sin. They need baptism to be freed from sin, to become members of the Church, to receive the indwelling of the Trinity, and to receive sanctifying grace.
Name all six effects of Baptism.
1. Forgiveness of sins
2. Spiritual life/made a new creature
3. Grace (namely sanctifying grace)
4. Membership in the Church
5. Fellowship with other Christians
6. An indelible spiritual mark called a character