Theology

Theology The Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching Church: A building used for public Christian worship. Bestow: To confer or present, usually an honor, right, or gift. Pentecost: a Christian festival that celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus following his Ascension; it is held on the seventh Sunday after Easter. Charism: An power of healing the Holy Spirit gives to a Christian for the good of the church. Charismatic: Relating to the charismatic movement in the Christian Church, divinely conferred. Hierarchic: Of, relating to, or arranged in a division of angels. Prefigure: Be an early signal or version of (something). Sanctify: Set apart as or declare holy; consecrate. Mandate: A formal order or duty to perform a task. Institute: A society or organization having a common factor (ex. a scientific, educational, or social one) Portents: A signal, indication, or warning that something, especially significant or disastrous, is likely to happen. Typology: The study of various types and symbols mentioned and in the bible. Apostolic: Regarding the apostles (the pope). Emissary: An individual who goes on a special mission, typically serving as a diplomatic representative. The Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching (continued) Gratuitous: Something that is uncalled for, lacks good reason, or is unwarranted. Profound: (of a state, quality, or emotion) immensely intense or great. Apostolic Succession: Refers to the uninterrupted transmission of spiritual authority. Apostolic Tradition: A tradition held within the church. Creed: A set of beliefs or aims which are intended to be a guide for someone's actions. Begotten: (usually of a man, occasionally of a man and a woman) bring (a child) into existence by reproduction NAME 3 WAYS CHRIST INSTITUTED THE CHURCH WITH EXAMPLES - In concert with His redemptive act, Jesus did three things that established the framework of His Church. First, He chose humans to carry out His work. He appointed Peter to be the visible head of the Church. Jesus said to Peter, "You are Rock and on this rock, I will build my Church." (Matthew 16: 18) Jesus said "build," as in to create a structure. Jesus built His structure on specifically chosen human beings Peter and the apostles. - Second, Jesus gave Peter and the apostles the power and authority to carry out His work. "Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven."(Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18) "Receive the Holy Spirit, whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven, whose sins you retain, they are retained."(John 20:23) - Third, Jesus gave Peter and the apostles commands as to what that work should be. At the last supper, He commanded, "Do this in memory of Me." (Luke 22:19) He commanded them to "Make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19), and to "Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15) NAME 3 WAYS NOAH’S ARK PREFIGURES THE CHURCH - Noah choosing the animals is like Jesus choosing people to serve at the church - Everyone in the ark was family just like how in the church we are all one family - There is One ark and in the church, there is only one god - In the ark they were saved by the water in the church we are saved by Christ - Outside the ark, there is destruction outside just like the church PENTECOST: WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE AND WHY - WHEN WAS PENTECOST ? - - WHO PREACHED THE GOOD NEWS TO THE JEW ? - - The day when the church celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit Peter WHAT HAPPENED ON PENTECOST ? - Tongues of fire (symbol of God's presence) - Strong wind - Apostles received the Holy Spirit - - Began to speak in many languages - The Holy Spirit came upon the disciples as Jesus promised WHAT IS THE MEANING OF PENTECOST ? - - WHAT BOOK OF THE BIBLE TELLS THE STORY OF PENTECOST ? - - Jerusalem WHO CAME FOR PENTECOST ? - - In an upper room of a house in Jerusalem WHAT CITY WAS IMPORTANT FOR PENTECOST ? - - Acts 2 WHERE WERE THE DISCIPLES ? - - Fiftieth (50th day after Passover) Jewish pilgrims came from all over the Middle East to Jerusalem WHAT DO THE JEWISH PEOPLE DO ON PENTECOST ? - Thank God for the grain harvest (barley, wheat, etc.) EXPLAIN THE SYMBOLS OF FIRE AND WATER - Water - - Birth and the fruitfulness of life given in the holy spirit Fire - The transforming energy of the Holy Spirit’s actions DEFINE “CHURCH” IN MULTIPLE WAYS - Visible - Spiritual - A Hierarchical Society - The Mystical Body of Christ EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENT WAYS THE CHURCH IS APOSTOLIC - She was built on the foundation of the apostles - The first person to picture Christ as a groom was John the Baptist (John 3:29) - In his understanding, Christ is a groom and His bride is the messianic community. - As the groom's friend, John rejoiced to attend the heavenly wedding feast where Jesus and His bride are united. - In Ephesians 5:22-33, Paul compared the relationship between Christ and the church to that of a husband and wife. - In the book of Revelation, he pictured the church as "the bride, the Lamb's wife" in her eschatological glory (Revelation 21:9). - Christ's intimacy with His bride is characterized by righteousness, purity, and faithfulness, and their marriage is worthy of the most wonderful wedding celebration ever, one that will begin the new age - With the help of the Holy Spirit, the Church preserves and hands on the teaching of the Apostles and their successors - The Church continues to be taught, made holy, and led by the Apostles through their successors EXPLAIN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT - The relationship between the Old Testament and the New Testament reflects both the continuity and discontinuity between the Christian and Israelite faiths. - In the Old Testament, the temple was the place where God revealed Himself to His people. - But when the Son of God came in human flesh, He referred to His own body as the temple (John 2:20-22). - The church is built upon only one foundation, Jesus Christ, and none other can be laid. - Christians believe God had one plan for salvation that was revealed first to the Israelites and then to all peoples through Jesus Christ. - Both Peter and Paul treated the church as a living building. - According to Paul, the church is built upon the foundation of Christ, "the chief cornerstone," as well as the apostles and prophets, whose words reveal Christ (Ephesians 2:20). - According to Peter, the Son has come to the earth in Christ as a "living stone," who was rejected by men but elected by God (1 Peter 2:4). - But the church as the body was also one of Paul's favorite metaphors; he utilized it extensively in Romans, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, and Colossians. EXPLAIN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT (continued) - This "body" of Christ has both a "head" and "members." - The "head of the body, the church," is Christ Jesus. - He is simultaneously the source, sustenance, and goal of all that exists (Colossians 1:15-18). - All things in creation have been placed "under His feet," for God "gave Him to be head over all things." - Through Christ's headship, we share fully in the divine life and in His rule. - All things are "under" Christ and "to" the church, "which is His body, the fullness of the One who fills all things in every way" (Ephesians 1:22-23). - The New Testament and Old Testament, then, tell one ongoing story of salvation. - The church as a priesthood has been given the privileged works of offering "spiritual sacrifices" through Him and of proclaiming His praises. - At the same time, the authors of the New Testament were proposing something radically new: - Jesus’ fulfillment of the Israelites’ hope in God’s promises. - Christ's bodily resurrection altered the dynamics of creation, and Christians possess surety for their resurrection through His resurrected body (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). - The key to understanding how the temple imagery is applied to the church is to remember that the propitiatory sacrifice of the Lamb of God sanctifies us as His temple through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit NAME THE 3 STAGES OF THE GOSPEL DEVELOPMENT The first stage of the period is Jesus' life The second stage of the period is Oral Tradition The third stage is the period of the Evangelists THE MISSIONARY MANDATE OF THE CHURCH Jesus' command is to work towards the salvation of all people Under the spirit's power, the church fulfills its mandate of preaching the gospel until the ends of the earth. NAME THE 5 SPECIFIC WAYS THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS THE CHURCH FULFILS HER MISSION Brings in Christ's faithful followers to share in communion with the father. Prepares men and approaches them with his grace Opens their minds to the understanding of his Resurrection Reveal their minds to the understanding of his Death Guides us into a specific vocation or task WHAT AND HOW ARE THE ORIGINS OF THE CHURCH Planned by God, the Father Instituted by God, the Son, Carried on by God, the Holy Spirit The church was foretoken in its creation, prepared for in the old covenant, founded by the words and actions of Jesus Christ. The father was determined to call together those who should believed in Christ in a holy Church God began when he called Abraham and promised that he would become the father of a great people. Christ is the light of all of humanity, as well as the heartfelt desire. By proclaiming his gospel, the light of Christ that shines out visibly from the church is brought to all THE BODY OF CHRIST Composed of those who belong to Jesus Christ through Baptism, Faith and Profession, Romans 12: 4-5 believers are on a common metaphor of the one body of Christ Ephesians 1: 22-23 Christ is shown as the head of the church and ruler of all things THE CITY OF GOD Hebrews 12: 22-24 gives an indication of the grandeur of the church in its ultimate perfection. The words, "you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem," are directed towards the church in its absolute fullness. THE KINGDOM OF GOD Jesus described the kingdom of God in many parables and with various emphases (Matthew 13). Jesus Christ, the present Lord Himself (Luke 17: 21), His church, which is present on earth, The kingly reign which will be revealed at the marriage feast in heaven (Revelation 19: 6-7), The kingdom of peace will be established on earth by Jesus Christ, the returning Lord The eternal kingly reign of God in his new creation, and the realm of eternal life THE FLOCK OF GOD The flock of God portrays the image of Jesus Christ as though he is the good shepherd. He calls sheep to Himself who are from other places–He continuously calls upon human beings to believe in Him and His church. In the end, there will be one flock and one shepherd (John 10: 11-16). 1 Peter 5: 2-4, the ministers of the church are called upon to shepherd the congregation as the "flock of God". NAME WAYS THE HOLY SPIRIT WORKS TO BUILD THE BODY OF CHRIST The Holy Spirit will call you to faith in Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:26; Eph. 1:18), and he will call you to a specific vocation or task. The Holy Spirit will empower you for service. Essentially, the Holy Spirit enables you to do what you’ve been called to, and must, do. From the pages of the Old Testament we observe the Holy Spirit’s empowering presence in the lives of Joshua (Num. 27:18), Saul (1 Sam. 11:6), David (1 Sam. 16:13), and many others, to accomplish what they were called to do. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be a witness (Acts 1:8), directs our evangelistic efforts (Acts 8:26, 29), and empowers our evangelistic efforts (Acts 4:38, 31; 6:10; 1 Thess. 1:5; 1 Pet. 1:12). The Holy Spirit’s aim is to glorify Jesus Christ by him enabling, guiding, and empowering the proclamations of the gospel. The Holy Spirit also works through us by giving us spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:11). He doesn’t give us these gifts for our benefit, either. He gives us gifts for the common good of the church (1 Cor. 12:7). He also gives us gifts to serve others with (1 Pet. 4:10). Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching The teachings, those specifically focused on societal aspects, of the Church are a treasure of wisdom, focused on building a society that is just and living lives of holiness amidst the many challenges of modern society. Modern Catholic teaching has been articulated through a series of various methods - tradition of papal, conciliar, and episcopal documents. The depth and richness of this tradition can be understood best through a direct reading of these documents. In these brief reflections, we highlight several of the key themes that are at the heart of our Catholic social tradition. Life and Dignity of the Human Person The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. Today, human life is under attack through abortion and euthanasia. The value of human life is threatened by cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and the death penalty used against prisoners. The intentional targeting of civilians in war or terrorist attacks is always wrong. Catholic teaching also encourages us to work towards avoiding war. Nations must protect the right to life by increasing effective methods to prevent conflicts, and thus resolve them by various peaceful means. Every person and life is precious, people hold more value than things, and the method of measurement of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of human life. Scripture - Genesis 1:26-31 God created man and woman in his image. - Psalms 139:13-16 God formed each of us and knows us intimately. - Proverbs 22:2 The Lord is the maker of both rich and poor. - Luke 10:25-37 The good Samaritan recognized the dignity in the other and cared for his life. - John 4:1-42 Jesus broke with societal and religious customs to honor the dignity of the Samaritan woman. - Galatians 3:27-28 All Christians are one in Christ Jesus. - 1 John 4:7-12 Let us love one another because love is from God. Tradition - When we fail to acknowledge as part of reality the worth of a poor person, a human embryo, a person with disabilities – to offer just a few examples – it becomes difficult to hear the cry of nature itself; everything is connected. (Pope Francis, On Care for Our Common Home [Laudato Si ], no. 117) - Just as the commandment "Thou shalt not kill" sets a clear limit in order to safeguard the value of human life, today we also have to say "thou shalt not" to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills. How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses two points? This is a case of exclusion. Can we continue to stand by when food is thrown away while people are starving? This is a case of inequality. Today everything comes under the laws of competition and the survival of the fittest, where the powerful feed upon the powerless. As a consequence, masses of people find themselves excluded and marginalized: without work, without possibilities, without any means of escape. Human beings are themselves considered consumer goods to be used and then discarded. We have created a "throw away" culture which is now spreading. It is no longer simply about exploitation and oppression, but something new. Exclusion ultimately has to do with what it means to be a part of the society in which we live; those excluded are no longer society's underside or its fringes or its disenfranchised – they are no longer even a part of it. The excluded are not the "exploited" but the outcast, the "leftovers". (Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel [Evangelii Gaudium], no. 153) - Every individual, precisely by reason of the mystery of the Word of God who was made flesh (cf. Jn 1:14), is entrusted to the maternal care of the Church. Therefore every threat to human dignity and life must necessarily be felt in the Church's very heart; it cannot but affect her at the core of her faith in the Redemptive Incarnation of the Son of God, and engage her in her mission of proclaiming the Gospel of life in all the world and to every creature (cf. Mk 16:15). (St. John Paul II, The Gospel of Life [ Evangelium vitae ], no. 3) Call to Family, Community, and Participation The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society -- in economics and politics, in law and policy -- directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. Marriage and the family are the central social institutions that must be supported and strengthened, not undermined. We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable. Scripture - Genesis 2:18 It is not good for man to be alone - Genesis 4:8-15 I am my brother’s and sister’s keeper. - John 15:12-17 This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. - 1 Peter 4:8-11 Serve one another with the gifts you have received. - 1 John 3:16-18 We ought to lay down our lives for one another. - 1 John 4:19-21 Those who love God must love their brothers and sisters. Tradition - Family - "The family is thus an agent of pastoral activity through its explicit proclamation of the Gospel and its legacy of varied forms of witness, namely solidarity with the poor, openness to a diversity of people, the protection of creation, moral and material solidarity with other families, including those most in need, commitment to the promotion of the common good and the transformation of unjust social structures, beginning in the territory in which the family lives, through the practice of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy." (Pope Francis, On Love in the Family [Amoris Laetitia. . . ], no. 290, quoting the Final Report of the Synod of Bishops, 10/24/15) - Economic and social policies as well as organization of the work world should be continually evaluated in light of their impact on the strength and stability of family life. The long-range future of this nation is intimately linked with the wellbeing of families, for the family is the most basic form of human community. Efficiency and competition in the marketplace must be moderated by greater concern for the way work schedules and compensation support or threaten the bonds between spouses and between parents and children. (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Economic Justice for All, no. 93) Community / Participation - People in every nation enhance the social dimension of their lives by acting as committed and responsible citizens, not as a mob swayed by the powers that be. Let us not forget that “responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation.” (Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel [Evangelii Gaudium. . . ], no. 220, quoting United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, Nov. 2007, no. 13) - Subsidiarity respects personal dignity by recognizing in the person a subject who is always capable of giving something to others. (Pope Benedict XVI, Charity in Truth [ Caritas in Veritate. . . ], no. 57) - In order that the right to development may be fulfilled by action: (a) people should not be hindered from attaining development in accordance with their own culture; (b) through mutual cooperation, all peoples should be able to become the principal architects of their own economic and social development. (World Synod of Catholic Bishops, Justice in the World [Justicia in Mundo. . . ], no. 71) - But God did not create man as a solitary, for from the beginning “male and female he created them” (Gen. 1:27). Their companionship produces the primary form of interpersonal communion. For by his innermost nature man is a social being, and unless he relates himself to others he can neither live nor develop his potential. (Second Vatican Council, The Church in the Modern World [Gaudium et Spes. . . ], no. 12) Rights and Responsibilities The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities--to one another, to our families, and to the larger society. Scripture - Ruth 2:2-23 Boaz cares for Ruth, a widow and a foreigner, giving her far more than the law requires. - Proverbs 31:8-9 Open your mouth to speak on behalf of those in need. - Isaiah 1:16-17 Seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. - Jeremiah 22: 13-16 A legitimate government upholds the rights of the poor and vulnerable. - Jeremiah 29:4-7 Seek the welfare of the city, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. - Matthew 25: 31-46 Just as you did it to the least of these, you did it to me. - 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 God’s gifts are given to be shared. - James 2:14-18 Faith without works is dead. Tradition - Many of the poor live in areas particularly affected by phenomena related to warming, and their means of subsistence are largely dependent on natural reserves and ecosystemic services such as agriculture, fishing and forestry. There are no other financial opportunities or resources which can enable those communities to adapt to climate change and the rise of natural disasters, as well as their access to social services and protection is very limited. Changes in climate are difficult for animals and plants to adapt to, leading them to migrate. In turn this impacts the livelihood of the poor, who are then forced to leave their homes, with great uncertainty for their future and that of their children. There has been a tragic rise in the number of migrants seeking to flee from the growing poverty caused by environmental degradation. The lack of responsibility and action towards these tragedies involving our brothers and sisters emphasizes the loss of that sense of responsibility for our fellow men and women upon which all civil society is founded. (Pope Francis, On Care for Our Common Home [Laudato Si. . . '], no. 25) - We must speak of man's rights. Man has the right to live. He has the right to bodily integrity and to the means necessary for the proper development of life, particularly food, clothing, shelter, medical care, rest, and, finally, the necessary social services. In consequence, he has the right to be looked after in the event of ill health; disability stemming from his work; widowhood; old age; enforced unemployment; or whenever through no fault of his own he is deprived of the means of livelihood. (St. John XXIII, Peace on Earth [Pacem in Terris. . . ], no. 11) Tradition (continued) - In human society one man's natural right gives rise to a corresponding duty in other men; the duty, that is, of recognizing and respecting that right. Every basic human right draws its authoritative force from the natural law, which confers it and attaches to it its respective duty. Hence, to claim one's rights and ignore one's duties, or only half fulfill them, is like building a house with one hand and tearing it down with the other. (St. John XXIII, Peace on Earth [Pacem in Terris. . . ], no. 30) - As for the State . . . It has also the duty to protect the rights of all its people, and particularly of its weaker members, the workers, women and children. It can never be right for the State to shirk its obligation of working actively for the betterment of the condition of the working man. (St. John XXIII, Christianity and Social Progress ( Mater et Magistra. . . ), no. 20) Option for the Poor and Vulnerable A basic moral test of any society is how our most vulnerable members are treated. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt 25:31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first. Scripture - Leviticus 25:35 When someone is reduced to poverty, we have an obligation to help. - Exodus 22:20-26 You shall not oppress the poor or vulnerable. God will hear their cry. - Leviticus 19:9-10 A portion of the harvest is set aside for the poor and the stranger. - Job 34:20-28 The Lord hears the cry of the poor. - Proverbs 31:8-9 Speak out in defense of the poor. - Sirach 4:1-10 Don’t delay giving to those in need. - Isaiah 25:4-5 God is a refuge for the poor. - Isaiah 58:5-7 True worship is to work for justice and care for the poor and oppressed. - Matthew 25:34-40 What you do for the least among you, you do for Jesus. - Luke 4:16-21 Jesus proclaims his mission: to bring good news to the poor and oppressed. - Luke 6:20-23 Blessed are the poor, theirs is the kingdom of God. - 1 John 3:17-18 How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s good and sees one in need and refuses to help? Tradition - Love for others, and in the first place love for the poor, in whom the Church sees Christ himself, is made concrete in the promotion of justice. (St. John Paul II, On the Hundredth Year [Centesimus Annus. . . ], no. 58) - The obligation to provide justice for all means that the poor have the single most urgent economic claim on the conscience of the nation. (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Economic Justice for All, no. 86) - The primary purpose of this special commitment to the poor is to enable them to become active participants in the life of society. It is to enable all persons to share in and contribute to the common good. The "option for the poor," therefore, is not an adversarial slogan that pits one group or class against another. Rather it states that the deprivation and powerlessness of the poor wounds the whole community. The extent of their suffering is a measure of how far we are from being a true community of persons. These wounds will be healed only by greater solidarity with the poor and among the poor themselves. (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Economic Justice for All, no. 88) - The needs of the poor take priority over the desires of the rich; the rights of workers over the maximization of profits; the preservation of the environment over uncontrolled industrial expansion; the production to meet social needs overproduction for military purposes. (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Economic Justice for All, no. 94) - "He who has the goods of this world and sees his brother in need and closes his heart to him, how does the love of God abide in him?” Everyone knows that the Fathers of the Church laid down the duty of the rich toward the poor in no uncertain terms. As St. Ambrose put it: “You are not making a gift of what is yours to the poor man, but you are giving him back what is his. You have been appropriating things that are meant to be for the common use of everyone. The earth belongs to everyone, not to the rich.” (Blessed Paul VI, On the Development of Peoples [Populorum Progressio. . . ], no. 23) The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers The economy must be of service to the people, not the people to the economy. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the dignity of workers must be respected as well--the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative. Scripture - Genesis 2:1-3 God rests on the seventh day. - Deuteronomy 5:13-15 The Sabbath is for everyone all are allowed to rest from their work. - Deuteronomy 14:28-29 The Lord blesses our work so that we may share its fruits with others. - Sirach 34:20-22 To deprive an employee of wages is to commit murder. - Jeremiah 22:13 Woe to him who treats his workers unjustly. - Matthew 20:1-16 All workers should be paid a just and living wage. - Mark 2:27 The Sabbath was made for people, not people for the Sabbath. - James 5:1-6 Those who become rich by abusing their workers have sinned against God. Tradition - The economic sphere is neither ethically neutral, or inherently inhuman or opposed to society. It is part and parcel of human activity and precisely because it is human, it must be structured and governed in an ethical manner. (Pope Benedict XVI, Charity in Truth [Caritas in Veritate. . . ], no. 36) - In many cases, poverty results from a violation of the dignity of human work, either because work opportunities are limited (through unemployment or underemployment), or "because a low value is put on work and the rights that flow from it, especially the right to a just wage and to the personal security of the worker and his or her family." (Pope Benedict XVI, Charity in Truth [Caritas in Veritate. . . ], no. 63) - All people have the right to economic initiative, to productive work, to just wages and benefits, to decent working conditions, as well as to organize and join unions or other associations. (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, A Catholic Framework for Economic Life, no. 5) - Work is, as has been said, an obligation, that is to say, a duty, on the part of man. . . Man must work, both because the Creator has commanded it and because of his own humanity, which requires work in order to be maintained and developed. Man must work out of regard for others, especially his own family, but also for the society he belongs to, the country of which he is a child, and the whole human family of which he is a member, since he is the heir to the work of generations and at the same time a sharer in building the future of those who will come after him in the succession of history. (St. John Paul II, On Human Work [Laborem Exercens]. . . , no. 16) - Work is a good thing for man-a good thing for his humanity-because through work man not only transforms nature, adapting it to his own needs, but he also achieves fulfillment as a human being and indeed, in a sense, becomes "more a human being.” (St. John Paul II, On Human Work [Laborem Exercens. . . ], no. 9) Solidarity We are a family regardless of our racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences and backgrounds. We are the protectors of our brothers and sisters, wherever and whoever they may be. Loving our neighbors is of even more importance in such a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Pope Paul VI taught that if you want peace, work for justice. The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict. - Genesis 12:1-3 God blessed Israel so that all nations would be blessed through it. - Psalms 72 Living in the right relationship with others brings peace. - Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, they will be called children of God. - Matthew 5:21-24 Be reconciled to one another before coming to the altar. - Romans 13:8-10 Living rightly means to love one another. - 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 If one member of Christ’s body suffers, all suffer. If one member is honored, all rejoice. - Colossians 3:9-17 Above all, clothe yourself with love and let the peace of Christ reign in your hearts. - 1 John 3:16-18 The love of God in us is witnessed by our willingness to lay down our lives for others as Christ did for us. Tradition - To love someone is to desire that person's good and to take effective steps to secure it. Besides the good of the individual, there is the good that is linked to living in society: the common good. It is the good of "all of us", made up of individuals, families and intermediate groups who together constitute society. ... To desire the common good and strive towards it is a requirement of justice and charity. (Pope Benedict XVI, Charity in Truth [Caritas in Veritate. . . ], no. 7) - [Solidarity] is not a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people, both near and far. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good; that is to say, to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all. (St. John Paul II, On Social Concern [Sollicitudo rei Socialis. . . ], no. 38) - Interdependence must be transformed into solidarity, based upon the principle that the goods of creation are meant for all. That which human industry produces through the processing of raw materials, with the contribution of work, must serve equally for the good of all. (St. John Paul II, On Social Concern [Sollicitudo rei Socialis. . . ], no. 39) Tradition (continued) - We have to move from our devotion to independence, through an understanding of interdependence, to a commitment to human solidarity. That challenge must find its realization in the kind of community we build among us. Love implies concern for all especially the poor - and a continued search for those social and economic structures that permit everyone to share in a community that is a part of a redeemed creation (Rom 8:21-23). (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Economic Justice for All, no. 365) - The solidarity which binds all men together as members of a common family makes it impossible for wealthy nations to look with indifference upon the hunger, misery and poverty of other nations whose citizens are unable to enjoy even elementary human rights. The nations of the world are becoming more and more dependent on one another and it will not be possible to preserve a lasting peace so long as glaring economic and social imbalances persist. (St. John XXIII, On Christianity and Social Progress [ Mater et Magistra. . . ], no. 157) Care for God's Creation We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored. Scripture - Genesis 1:1-31 God made the heavens and the earth and it was good. - Genesis 2:15 Humans are commanded to care for God’s creation. - Leviticus 25:1-7 The land itself must be given a rest and not abused. - Deuteronomy 10:14 All of heaven and earth belong to the Lord. - Daniel 3:56-82 Creation proclaims the glory of God. - Matthew 6:25-34 God loves and cares for all of creation. - Romans 1:20 Creation reveals the nature of God. - 1 Corinthians 10:26 Creation and all created things are inherently good because they are of the Lord. Tradition - The notion of the common good also extends to future generations. The global economic crises have made painfully obvious the detrimental effects of disregarding our common destiny, which cannot exclude those who come after us. We can no longer speak of sustainable development apart from intergenerational solidarity. Once we start to think about the kind of world we are leaving to future generations, we look at things differently; we realize that the world is a gift which we have freely received and must share with others. Since the world has been given to us, we can no longer view reality in a purely utilitarian way, in which efficiency and productivity are entirely geared to our individual benefit. Intergenerational solidarity is not optional, but rather a basic question of justice, since the world we have received also belongs to those who will follow us. (Pope Francis, On Care for Our Common Home [Laudato Si'. . . ], no. 159) - The environment is God's gift to everyone, and in our use of it we have a responsibility towards the poor, towards future generations and towards humanity as a whole. . . Our duties towards the environment are linked to our duties towards the human person, considered in himself and in relation to others. It would be wrong to uphold one set of duties while trampling on the other. (Pope Benedict XVI, Charity in Truth [Caritas in Veritate]. . . , nos. 48, 51) Tradition (continued) - Equally worrying is the ecological question which accompanies the problem of consumerism and which is closely connected to it. In his desire to have and to enjoy rather than to be and to grow, man consumes the resources of the earth and his own life in an excessive and disordered way. . . . Man, who discovers his capacity to transform and in a certain sense create the world through his own work, forgets that this is always based on God's prior and original gift of the things that are. Man thinks that he can make arbitrary use of the earth, subjecting it without restraint to his will, as though it did not have its own requisites and a prior God-given purpose, which man can indeed develop but must not betray. Instead of carrying out his role as a co-operator with God in the work of creation, man sets himself up in place of God and thus ends up provoking a rebellion on the part of nature, which is more tyrannized than governed by him. (St. John Paul II, On the Hundredth Year [Centesimus Annus. . . ], no. 37) - The dominion granted to man by the Creator is not an absolute power, nor can one speak of a freedom to "use and misuse," or to dispose of things as one pleases. The limitation imposed from the beginning by the Creator himself and expressed symbolically by the prohibition not to "eat of the fruit of the tree" (cf. Gen 2:16-17) shows clearly enough that, when it comes to the natural world, we are subject not only to biological laws but also to moral ones, which cannot be violated with impunity. A true concept of development cannot ignore the use of the elements of nature, the renewability of resources and the consequences of haphazard industrialization - three considerations which alert our consciences to the moral dimension of development. (St. John Paul II, On Social Concerns [Sollicitudo rei Socialis. . . ], no. 34) Theology 11 The Ten Commandments - An In-Depth Examination CCC’s : 2070 - The Ten Commandments are a part of God’s revelation. - They emphasize the duties and the rights essential to all human beings. - Express natural law (the law implanted in us by God). - Express eternal law (God’s ordinance of all things). 1) “I am the Lord your God; you shall not have strange gods before me” 2141 FAITH - Our first duty towards GOD is to believe in His and bear witness to him. - The sin of incredulity violates faith. - HOPE Incredulity: The willful refusal of the truth. CCC’s : 2084 - - Hope is the conflict expectation of divine blessing and the beatific version of GOD; it is also the fear of offending God’s love and of incurring punishment. - The Sins against Hope are despair and presumption. - Despair: The complete abandonment of all hope for one’s salvation. - Presumption: The expectation of salvation without doing anything to deserve it. LOVE AND CHARITY - All people are obliged to love GOD with a sincere heart and to love others. - Sins against charity include: Indifference, Ingratitude, Lukewarmness, Acedia (Spiritual Sloth), and Hatred of GOD. HONORING THE FIRST COMMANDMENT - - ADORATION - Adoring and acknowledging GOD as Creator and Savior. - Acknowledging the “Nothingness” of oneself without GOD. PRAYER - - SACRIFICE - - Lifting up one’s mind towards GOD. Genuine outward sacrifice only occurs when it expresses one’s spiritual sacrifice. PROMISES AND VOWS - Vow: An act of devotion in which the Christian dedicates himself to GOD or promises him some good work. SINS AGAINST THE FIRST COMMANDMENT - Superstition - Idolatry - Divination and Magic - Irreligion - Atheism - Agnosticism 2) “You shall not take the name of the lord your God in vain” CCC’s : 2142 - 2167 - Respect for God’s name is an obligation because it is holy. - The 2nd Commandment helps govern one’s speech in sacred matters. - His name should not be introduced in one’s speech except to bless, praise, or glorify it. ABUSE OF GOD’S NAME - - FORBIDDEN - This extends to the Virgin Mary and all of the Saints. - A promise made in God’s Name (OATH) must be honored. BLASPHEMY - - PERJURY - - Any utterance against God: Inwards or outward, of hatred, or defiance of GOD. Making a promise under oath with no intention of keeping it. VAIN - Unimportant, ordinary. - Using God’s name casually without praise or glory. 3) “Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day” CCC’s : 2168 - 2195 - Sunday is a day of SOLEMN rest. - Catholics celebrate on Sundays to honor the day of resurrection. - Sundays and holy days of obligation call for the faithful to participate in mass. - Unless excused for a serious reason (for example: Illness and Care of Infants). - Neglecting one’s Sunday obligation is a Grave sin. A DAY OF GRACE AND REST FROM WORK - Sunday is set aside for all to enjoy rest, Leisure time with GOD, Family, Friends, etc. - No work or activities that hinder the worship owed to GOD or prevent appropriate relaxation. - Do not make unnecessary demands on others that would hinder them from observing the Lord’s Day. 4) “Honor your Father and your Mother” CCC’s : 2197 - 2243 OBJECTIVES 1. Explain how the fourth commandment acts as a “bridge” to the other commandments. 2. Explain the importance of family in God’s plan. 3. Name sins against the fourth commandment. 4. List ways to honor the fourth commandment. 5. Explain how the fourth commandment extends to all legitimate forms of authority. 6. Describe what it means to be in the world, not of the world. 7. Apply the fourth commandment to the role of citizenship. INTRODUCTION - The first three Commandments focus on love of God; the last seven focus on love of neighbor. - The Fourth Commandment prepares the faithful to love our neighbor by first teaching us how to love those closest to us, our families. It is a bridge! - The Fourth Commandment extends beyond our families to all legitimate authority. - Any person or institution that is responsible for your care and well-being (i.e. teachers, babysitters, police, government, etc.). BIBLICAL VIEWS ON FAMILY - Extended family was considered the central social institution. - Many generations resided in the same home/ close proximity. - Family Roles Clearly Defined: - Father earned a living; head of the family. - Mother managed household; subordinate to husband. - Children obeyed their parents. - Sons traditionally adopted father’s trade. - Parents passed on teachings on the Covenants and the Law. - Besides respect to God, respect for and loyalty to one’s family was the strongest value in biblical cultures. OLD TESTAMENT PASSAGES HONORING PARENTS - Proverbs 19:26 - Proverbs 30:17 - Sirach 3: 1-16 JESUS AND THE TRUE MEANING OF FAMILY - Jesus was obedient to his earthly parents. - He introduced a radical understanding of the Fourth Commandment. - Read For Further Explanation… - Mark 3: 20 - 21 - Mark 3: 33 - 35 - Jesus is teaching that all people are part of a spiritual family. - Loyalty to God is more important than blind loyalty to one’s blood relatives. - In conflict between love of God and love of family, love of God is more important. - The New Law taught by Jesus does not contradict the Fourth Commandment; rather, it helps us to understand its true meaning. - We are called to respect and honor our parents and other family members because we are all a part of God’s family HONORING PARENTS - The surface meaning of the Fourth Commandment is clear: respect and honor parents - The New Law teaches that parents have a responsibility to love and respect their children - Teachings On The Roles Parents and Children Have Towards One Another Can Be Found In: - Colossians 3:18-21, 23 - Ephesians 5:21-6:4 ATTITUDES THAT LEAD TO HONORING PARENTS - RESPECT - The foundation of any healthy relationship - Comes naturally to children when they receive parental love and respect - Mutual respect becomes challenging as children develop desires and beliefs that are different than those of their parents - GRATITUDE - Appreciate the sacrifices that are made, even though our parents are obligated to make them - Find daily opportunities to express thanks for providing us with what we need to grow physically, spiritually, and mentally - OBEDIENCE - The Fourth Commandment requires that we listen to our parents with an open and patient attitude, doing our best to understand their point of view, even when we don’t see their wisdom - The only exception to the obedience requirement is when a parent, teacher, or other authority asks you to do something that goes against one’s duties towards God - FOUR CHALLENGES OF OBEDIENCE - PROTESTING - - BARGAINING - - “If you let me go out on Friday, I’ll do the laundry for a month.” DELAYING - - “I don’t want to.” ”I’ll do it in ten minutes” CHALLENGING - “Why do I have to be home at ten?” - Begins with regular chores and being helpful when needed without complaining: - - ASSISTANCE Babysitting younger siblings, carrying groceries, cleaning spills, etc. As we grow, we are called to assist aging parents and care for them in ways they can no longer care for themselves, giving them the moral and material support they need. THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT AND THE COMMON GOOD RESPECT FOR THE COMMON GOOD - All organizations should support the common good - - Common Good = The Benefit Of All A person’s faith should strongly influence his/her public life - School, politics, service organizations, clubs, etc. - All public groups and organizations are called by God to respect natural law - Leaders are called to safeguard the fundamental rights of the human person and to respect and promote human freedom - They must be committed to the common good and must work towards this through morally acceptable means - Respect for legitimate requests of leaders of public and political groups is required by the Fourth Commandment - - Respect for legitimate authority leads to peace - Traffic laws - School safety - Etc. When any public group is not in line with God’s law, it cannot fulfill its role in his plan of salvation. BEING IN THE WORLD, NOT OF THE WORLD - There are times when government and public groups act in direct opposition to moral law. - - Unjust wars - Slavery - Denying freedom of religion - Unjust laws - Greed - Favoritism - Prejudice - Misinformation When faced with such corruption, Christians are called to be IN the world, not OF the world by: - Giving witness (living) to our faith in all we say and do - This can only happen when Christians interact with people who do not always share Christian beliefs...(being IN the world). - We must challenge values that are contrary to God’s values...(not being OF the world) Romans 12:2 - Being in the world and not of the world can be challenging: - Making uncomfortable choices that make you stand out. - Making extra effort to speak to leaders respectfully about things you disagree with choosing not to be a part of groups because their practices contradict your values. - Making these choices leads to integrity and peace of mind. FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP - In order to build a society based on truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom, Christians must: - - Obey civic laws - Vote - Pay taxes - Giving our opinion on public policies and issues. Catholics must first be faithful to God in their role as citizens. - - Political ideas must be informed by our faith. Unless a law is truly unjust, we are obligated to follow it. - In most democratic countries (like the U.S.), most laws protect the common good and therefore deserve our respect and obedience. What if a law is truly unjust? What if obeying a law actually works against promoting the common good? - If we have a properly formed conscience, we are obligated not to follow unjust laws. - Civil disobedience = Disobeying immoral demands of a civil authority or refusing to follow an immoral law. We must be involved in the political process and work towards the creation of just laws and the abolition of unjust laws by: - Encouraging/ voting for political candidates who respect natural law and the common good. - Educating ourselves on political issues. - Influencing lawmakers to vote for laws that promote the common good - Unless a law is truly unjust, we are obligated to follow it. - In most democratic countries (like the U.S.), most laws protect the common good and therefore deserve our respect and obedience. 5) “You shall not kill” CCC’s : 2258 - 2330 OBJECTIVES 1) Explain why life is sacred. 2) Describe the rights and responsibilities of legitimate defense of self and others. 3) Identify the goal of punishment. 4) Name and describe examples of intentional homicide. 5) Summarize the Church’s teachings on abortion. 6) Summarize the Church’s teachings on euthanasia. 7) Summarize the Church’s teachings on suicide. 8) Define and explain the sin of scandal. 9) Summarize the importance of respecting the health of self and others. 10) Summarize the value of science, technology, and bodily integrity. 11) Summarize the Church’s teachings on war and peace. HUMAN LIFE IS SACRED - Because from it involves the creative action of God - Because it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its only purpose and end. MURDER IN THE SACRED SCRIPTURE - First introduced in “Cain and Abel” - - reveals the presence of anger and envy in man, consequences of original sin The deliberate murder of an innocent person is gravely contrary to the dignity of the human being and to holiness. This law is universal. - - All are bound to it. In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord recalls the commandment, "You shall not kill," and adds to it the proscription of anger, hatred, and vengeance. LEGITIMATE DEFENSE - "The act of self-defense can have a double effect: the preservation of one's own life; and the killing of the aggressor. . . . The one is intended, the other is not." - It is legitimate to insist on respect for one's own right to life. - Someone who defends his life is not guilty of murder even if he is forced to deal his aggressor a lethal blow. - Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for one who is responsible for the lives of others. PUNISHMENT - Since the state is responsible for the protection of the common good, efforts to curb the spread of harmful behavior to people's rights and to the basic rules of civil society are legitimate. - All punishment inflicted by authority must be proportionate to the gravity of the offense. - When it is willingly accepted by the guilty party, it assumes the value of expiation. - In addition to defending public order and protecting people's safety, punishment must contribute to the correction of the guilty party. - It should be medicinal INTENTIONAL HOMICIDE - Any type of direct and intentional killing is gravely sinful. - Infanticide, fratricide, parricide, and the murder of a spouse are especially grave crimes by reason of the natural bonds which they break. - It is never permissible to intentionally do something to indirectly bring about someone’s death. - Exposing someone to mortal danger without serious reason. - Refusing assistance to someone in serious danger. ABORTION - From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person. - Formal cooperation in an abortion constitutes a grave offense, under the canonical penalty of excommunication. - A medicinal, spiritual penalty that deprives the guilty Christian of all participation in the common blessings of ecclesiastical society. - Its purpose is not vengeance; it is meant to awaken an individual’s conscience to repentance (canon 1312 & 1331). - Since it must be treated from conception as a person, the embryo must be defended in its integrity, cared for, and healed, as far as possible, like any other human being. EUTHANASIA - It is an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering. - Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible. - Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. - It is morally unacceptable WHAT EUTHANASIA IS NOT… - Discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate. - - This would not be the same thing as helping someone end their life. - This is a refusal of overzealous treatments. HOWEVER, even if death is thought imminent, the ordinary care owed to a sick person cannot be legitimately interrupted. SUICIDE - God is the master of life. - We are obliged to accept life gratefully and preserve it. - We are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us. - It is not ours to dispose of. - Suicide is contrary to love of self. - Suicide is contrary to love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. - If suicide is committed with the intention of setting an example, especially to the young, it also takes on the gravity of scandal. - Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide. - We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. - - By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for repentance. We must pray for the souls of those who have taken their own lives. SCANDAL - Scandal is an attitude or behavior which leads another to do evil. The person who gives scandal becomes his neighbor's tempter and damages virtue and integrity; he may even draw his brother into spiritual death. - Scandal is a grave offense if by deed or omission another is deliberately led into a grave offense. - Anyone who uses the power at his disposal in such a way that it leads others to do wrong becomes guilty of scandal and responsible for the evil that he has directly or indirectly encouraged. RESPECT FOR HEALTH - Health is a gift from God that must be cared for. - - It is part of caring for the common good. Temperance requires us to avoid every kind of excess: abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, medicine, etc. - It is a grave offense to endanger the safety of others by excess of alcohol and speed on the road, air, or at sea. - The use of drugs inflicts serious damage on one’s health and life. - Use of drugs for non-therapeutic reasons is a grave offense. LIFE - SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - Scientific, medical, or psychological experiments on human individuals or groups can contribute to healing the sick and the advancement of public health. - Science and technology are precious resources when placed at the service of man and promote his integral development for the benefit of all. - They must respect the dignity of the human person and God’s plan. - Organ donation after death is considered to be a noble act and is encouraged as an act of generous solidarity as long as consent is given. BODILY INTEGRITY - Kidnapping, hostage-taking, terrorism, and torture are all grave offenses which expose people to intolerable pressures and violate their human dignity. - These practices, no matter what their purpose, are not necessary to maintain order, and they violate justice and charity. RESPECT FOR THE DEAD - The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. The burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy - The Church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body. PEACE AND WAR - "To desire vengeance in order to do evil to someone who should be punished is illicit". - This differs from a desire for justice, which seeks to correct, not punish. - Peace is not merely the absences of war; it is the work of justice and the effect of charity - All citizens and all governments are obliged to work for the avoidance of war. - However, governments cannot be denied the right of lawful self-defense, once all peace efforts have failed. STRICT CONDITIONS FOR LEGITIMATE DEFENSE BY MILITARY FORCE - The damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave, and certain; - All other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective; - There must be serious prospects of success; - The use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated. 8) “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” CCC’s : 2464 - 2513 OBJECTIVES 1) Make connections between life and truth 2) Explain why lying is a sin 3) Describe what it means to bear witness to the truth 4) Name and describe sins against the eighth commandment 5) Determine when a person is and is not entitled to the truth DID WE SKIP SOMETHING !? - No. - The 5th and 8th commandments go hand in hand with one another because they both forbid destruction of the most basic elements of God’s divine order: - Life and truth. - Often, if one breaks the 5th commandment, he is also breaking the 8th commandment. - And vise versa (the other way around). THE 5TH AND 8TH COMMANDMENTS - Lying is a sin because it is an offense against God, who is himself truth and wills truth. How does lying break the 5th commandment? - A lie is an attempt to destroy or conceal what is true. - A lie destroys trust, confidence, peace, and love. How does murder break the 8th commandment? - If God is truth, then what he creates is true. Life is a truth! - If we deliberately destroy a life, then we have committed an offense against truth. - An offense against truth is a lie. - Therefore, murder is a form of lying. LIVING IN THE TRUTH - All people are called to live in truth, despite personal/religious beliefs. - Man, by nature, seeks truth and is bound to live by it once found. - Truthfulness gives another his/her just due; people could not live with one another if there were not mutual confidence that they were being truthful. TO BEAR WITNESS TO THE TRUTH - The Christian is not to "be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord." In situations that require witness to the faith, the Christian must profess it without Equivocation: - Ambiguous or non-committal language intended to avoid the truth - Like St. Paul before his judges, we must keep "a clear conscience toward God and toward men." - The highest form of witnessing to truth and our faith is martyrdom. OFFENSES AGAINST TRUTH - False Witness and Perjury - When it is made publicly, a statement contrary to the truth takes on a particular gravity. - When it is under oath, it is perjury. - Acts such as these contribute to: - The condemnation of the innocent. - The exoneration of the guilty. - The increased punishment of the accused. OFFENSES AGAINST TRUTH (continued) - Respect for the Reputations of Others - Respect for the reputation of persons forbids every attitude and word likely to cause them unjust injury. - Rash Judgment - Assuming as true, without sufficient foundation, the moral fault of a neighbor; - - Christians should always strive to judge one’s actions favorably. Detraction - Without objectively good reason, disclosing another's faults and failings to persons who did not know them. - Calumny - Remarks contrary to the truth which harm the reputation of others and gives occasion for false judgments concerning them. - Flattery, Adulation, and Complaisance - Every word or attitude is forbidden which by flattery, adulation, or complaisance encourages and confirms another in malicious acts and perverse conduct. - Boasting and Bragging - Boasting or bragging is an offense against truth. So is irony aimed at disparaging someone by maliciously caricaturing some aspect of his behavior. - Lying - A lie consists in speaking or acting in falsehood with the intention of deceiving. - The most direct offense against truth. - The gravity of a lie is measured against the nature of the truth it deforms, the circumstances, the intentions of the one who lies, and the harm suffered by its victims. - Since it violates the virtue of truthfulness, a lie does real violence to another. It affects his ability to know, which is a condition of every judgment and decision. It contains the seed of discord and all consequent evils. Lying is destructive of society; it undermines trust among men and tears apart the fabric of social relationships. - All Offenses Against Truth Require Reparation. - To repair or make amends. RESPECT FOR THE TRUTH - We do not have an unconditional right to be told the truth in all matters. - Often, we must judge when it is appropriate to disclose truth to others who ask for it. - The common good and respect for privacy are sufficient reasons for being silent when asked for the truth. - No one is bound to reveal the truth to someone who does not have the right to know it. - Examples: - Confession - Professional Secrets - such as, those of political office holders, soldiers, physicians, and lawyers. THE USE OF SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MEDIA - The information provided by the media is at the service of the common good. - Society has a right to information based on truth, freedom, justice, and solidarity. TRUTH, BEAUTY, AND SACRED ART - Created "in the image of God," man also expresses the truth of his relationship with God the Creator by the beauty of his artistic works. Indeed, art is a distinctively human form of expression; beyond the search for the necessities of life which is common to all living creatures, art is a freely given superabundance of the human being's inner riches. Arising from talent given by the Creator and from man's own effort, art is a form of practical wisdom, uniting knowledge and skill, to give form to the truth of reality in a language accessible to sight or hearing. To the extent that it is inspired by truth and love of beings, art bears a certain likeness to God's activity in what he has created. Like any other human activity, art is not an absolute end in itself, but is ordered to and ennobled by the ultimate end of man. 6) “You shall not commit adultery” CCC’s : 2331 - 2400 OBJECTIVES 1) Define and describe the virtue of chastity 2) Name and describe offenses against chastity 3) Explain the two-fold purpose of marriage 4) Name and describe offenses against marriage MALE AND FEMALE HE CREATED THEM - The capacity and responsibility of love and communion is inscribed on the human heart. It is the vocation of every man and woman. - The union of man and woman in marriage is a way of imitating in the flesh the Creator's generosity and fecundity - The gift of fertility; the ability to procreate THE VOCATION TO CHASTITY - CHASITY - Chastity: The successful integration of sexuality within the person and thus the inner unity of man in his bodily and spiritual being. - Is expected of all people, both married and single - Requires practicing self-mastery over one’s passions: - “The alternative is clear: either man governs his passions and finds peace, or he lets himself be dominated by them and becomes unhappy.” - Is opposed to any behavior which would impair it. - Lustful thoughts, words, images, acts - Falls under the virtue of temperance - Is a gift from God - Is personal and cultural - Blossoms in friendships - Self-mastery is a long and exacting work. One can never consider it acquired once and for all. OFFENSES AGAINST CHASTITY - LUST - Disordered desire for or inordinate enjoyment of sexual pleasure. - Sexual pleasure is morally disordered when sought for itself, isolated from its procreative and unitive purposes. - MASTURBATION - - FORNICATION - - The deliberate stimulation of the genital organs in order to derive sexual pleasure. Sexual acts between an unmarried man and an unmarried woman. PORNOGRAPHY - Removing real or simulated sexual acts from the intimacy of the partners, in order to display them deliberately to third parties. - RAPE - - The forcible violation of the sexual intimacy of another person. PROSTITUTION - Reducing a person to an instrument of sexual pleasure through the exchange of sexual acts for money or favor - HOMOSEXUAL ACTS - Sexual acts between two persons of the same gender WHAT DO THE OFFENSES HAVE IN COMMON ? - In each instance, sexual pleasure is sought outside of the moral order and in which the total meaning of mutual self-giving and human procreation in the context of true love is achieved. - In other words, they often procreative and unitive purposes of marriage. CHASITITY AND HOMOSEXUALITY - Our brothers and sisters who identify as homosexual must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. - Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard is immoral. - All people are called to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their conditions. - Homosexual persons, like all people, are called to chastity. - By the support of friendship, prayer, and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection. THE LOVE BETWEEN HUSBAND AND WIFE - Sexuality is ordered to the conjugal love of man and woman - The spouses' union achieves the twofold end of marriage: the good of the spouses themselves (unitive) and the transmission of life (pro-creative). - Hence, all of the listed offenses against chastity are sins because they contradict the two-fold purpose of marriage. - This two-fold purpose is also referred to as fidelity and fecundity - When spouses give themselves to one another, they are no longer two, but one flesh. - Fecundity is a good, a gift and an end of marriage. By giving life, spouses participate in God's fatherhood. OFFENSES AGAINST MARRIAGE - ADULTERY - - DIVORCE - - Sexual acts between blood relatives or adults and the children in their care COHABITATION - - Multiple, simultaneous spouses INCEST - - Legal separation/dissolution of a marriage. POLYGAMY - - Marital infidelity Unmarried couple living together as married people “OPEN” MARRIAGE - One or more spouses openly engages in sexual acts with others MORE ABOUT DIVORCE - If civil divorce remains the only possible way of ensuring certain legal rights, the care of the children, or the protection of inheritance, it can be tolerated and does not constitute a moral offense. - But both husband and wife are to remain chaste and celibate. - A court cannot undo what God himself has done - Divorce is immoral also because it introduces disorder into the family and into society. It brings grave harm to; - The deserted spouse, - The children traumatized by the separation of their parents and often torn between them - And because of its contagious effect which makes it truly a plague on society. 9) “You shall not covet your neighbor's wife” CCC’s : 2514 - 2533 OBJECTIVES 1) Define covetousness and concupiscence 2) Name the three types of concupiscence 3) Make connections between the sixth beatitude and the ninth commandment 4) List ways to overcome struggles of the flesh 5) Explain the virtue of modesty COVETOUSNESS + CONCUPISCENCE - Covetousness: A disordered inclination or desire for pleasure or possessions - Concupiscence: Disordered desire for that which is contrary to the will of God as the result of Original Sin: The reason why we have a tendency to sin if left to our own devices. - Can refer to ANY type of intense human desire 3 TYPES OF CONCUPISCENCE / COVETOUSNESS ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN - Lust of the Flesh - Lust of the Eyes - The pride of Life THE SIXTH BEATITUDE, COMMANDMENT AND THE NINTH COMMANDMENT - The sixth beatitude proclaims, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." "Pure in heart" refers to those who have attuned their intellects and wills to the demands of God's holiness, chiefly in three areas: - Charity - Chastity - Love of Truth and Orthodoxy of Faith. - There is a connection between purity of heart, of body, and of faith. - The "pure in heart" are promised that they will see God face to face and be like him. - It lets us perceive the human body - ours and our neighbor's - as a temple of the Holy Spirit, a manifestation of divine beauty. OVERCOMING STRUGGLES OF THE FLESH - The virtue and gift of chastity, for chastity lets us love with upright and undivided heart - Purity of intention which consists in seeking the true end of man - Purity of vision, external and internal; by discipline of feelings and imagination; by refusing all complicity in impure thoughts that incline us to turn aside from the path of God's commandments - By prayer - Your ability to overcome temptation cannot be accomplished solely by your own will- the strength needed to overcome sexual impurity is granted by God. But ONLY if you seek his intervention. A CALL TO MODESTY - Purity requires modesty - Modesty protects the intimate center of the person. - It means refusing to unveil what should remain hidden. - It guides how one looks at others and behaves toward them in conformity with the dignity of persons and their solidarity. - It encourages patience and moderation in loving relationships - It inspires one's choice of clothing. - It keeps silence or reserve where there is evident risk of unhealthy curiosity. It is discreet. - There is a modesty of the feelings as well as of the body. - It protests against the voyeuristic explorations of the human body in certain media - Modesty inspires a way of life which makes it possible to resist the allurements of unchaste fashion and the pressures of prevailing ideologies 7) “You shall not steal” CCC’s 2401 - 2463 OBJECTIVES 1) Explain the meaning of “you shall not steal.” 2) Describe the concept of universal destination of goods. 3) Determine whether it is moral to own private property. 4) Name offenses against the seventh commandment. 5) Explain the concept of commutative justice. 6) Evaluate the morality or immorality of gambling. 7) Describe our moral obligations towards creation. 8) Explain the seventh commandment as it relates to Jesus’ command to love of the poor. RESPECT FOR GOODS - The seventh commandment forbids unjustly taking or keeping the goods of one's neighbor and wronging him in any way with respect to his goods. - It commands justice and charity in the care of earthly goods and the fruits of men's labor. - Christian life strives to order this world's goods to God and to fraternal charity. - The common good THE UNIVERSAL DESTINATION AND THE PRIVATE OWNERSHIP OF GOODS - The goods of creation are destined for the whole human race. - However, the earth is divided up among men to assure the security of their lives, endangered by poverty and threatened by violence. - The appropriation of property is legitimate for guaranteeing the freedom and dignity of persons and for helping each of them to meet his basic needs and the needs of those in his charge. - The right to private property, acquired or received in a just way, does not do away with the original gift of the earth to the whole of mankind. - The universal destination of goods remains primordial - - Primordial: existing from the beginning of time Political authority has the right and duty to regulate the legitimate exercise of the right to ownership for the sake of the common good. RESPECT FOR PERSONS AND THEIR GOODS - The seventh commandment forbids theft, - Usurping another's property against the reasonable will of the owner. OTHER THINGS FORBIDDEN BY THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT - Deliberate retention of goods lent or of objects lost - Business fraud - Paying unjust wages - Forcing up prices by taking advantage of the ignorance or hardship of another - Work poorly done - Tax evasion and unjust/exorbitant taxes - Forgery of checks and invoices - Excessive expenses and waste - Willfully damaging private or public property COMMUTATIVE JUSTICE - Contracts are subject to commutative justice which regulates exchanges between persons and between institutions in accordance with a strict respect for their rights. - It requires safeguarding property rights, paying debts, and fulfilling obligations freely contracted. - Without commutative justice, no other form of justice is possible. One distinguishes commutative justice from legal justice which concerns what the citizen owes in fairness to the community, and from distributive justice which regulates what the community owes its citizens in proportion to their contributions and needs. GAMBLING - Games of chance (card games, etc.) or wagers are not in themselves contrary to justice. They become morally unacceptable when: - They deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others. - A person becomes enslaved to it (addiction) - Unfair wagers and cheating at games constitute grave matter, unless the damage inflicted is so slight that the one who suffers it cannot reasonably consider it significant. RESPECT FOR THE INTEGRITY OF CREATION - Animals, like plants and inanimate beings, are by nature destined for the common good of past, present, and future humanity. - Man's dominion over inanimate and other living beings granted by the Creator is not absolute; - It is limited by concern for the quality of life of his neighbor, including generations to come; it requires a religious respect for the integrity of creation. - God entrusted animals to the stewardship of humans. - Hence it is legitimate to use animals for food, clothing, and medical research done for the common good. - It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly. - It is likewise unworthy to spend money on them that should as a priority go to the relief of human misery. - One can love animals; one should not direct to them the affection due only to persons. LOVE FOR THE POOR - It is by what they have done for the poor that Jesus Christ will recognize his chosen ones. - Love for the poor is incompatible with immoderate love of riches or their selfish use - "Not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life. The goods we possess are not ours, but theirs." "The demands of justice must be satisfied first of all; that which is already due in justice is not to be offered as a gift of charity" - St. John Chrysostom - Those who are oppressed by poverty are the object of a preferential love on the part of the Church 10) “You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods” CCC’s : 2534 - 2557 OBJECTIVES 1) Explain the meaning of “you shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.” 2) Summarize the root of covetousness. 3) Name offenses against the tenth commandment. 4) Determine why detachment from material goods is important. - The tenth commandment unfolds and completes the ninth, which is concerned with concupiscence of the flesh. - It forbids coveting the goods of another, as the root of theft, robbery, and fraud, which the seventh commandment forbids. - "Lust of the eyes" leads to the violence and injustice forbidden by the fifth commandment. - The tenth commandment concerns the intentions of the heart; with the ninth, it summarizes all the precepts of the Law. THE DISORDER OF COVETOUS DESIRES - The tenth commandment forbids greed and the desire to amass earthly goods without limit. - It forbids avarice (greed) arising from a passion for riches and their attendant power. - It also forbids the desire to commit injustice by harming our neighbor in his temporal goods - Our thirst for another's goods is immense, infinite, never quenched. Thus it is written: "He who loves money never has money enough."- Roman Catechism - It is not a violation of this commandment to desire to obtain things that belong to one's neighbor, provided this is done by just means THE DISORDER OF COVETOUS DESIRES - Envy is a capital sin. It refers to the sadness at the sight of another's goods and the immoderate desire to acquire them for oneself, even unjustly. When it wishes grave harm to a neighbor it is a mortal sin: - St. Augustine saw envy as "the diabolical sin."327 "From envy are born hatred, detraction, calumny, joy caused by the misfortune of a neighbor, and displeasure caused by his prosperity." POVERTY OF HEART - In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple. - Luke 14:33 - The precept of detachment from riches is obligatory for entrance into the Kingdom of heaven. - Christians are called to “direct their affections righty.” - Lumen Gentium 42 - Desire for true happiness frees man from his immoderate attachment to the goods of this world so that he can find his fulfillment in the vision and beatitude of God. - “I want to see God" - St. Gregory of Nyssa - This expresses the true desire of man.