HRE4O – Church and Culture HRE4O Units of Study Unit 1: The Christian Person –Identity Unit 2: Relationships Unit 3: Social Justice Unit 1: The Christian Person – Identity Who Am I Development of a Healthy Self-Image/Psychological Identity Emotional Identity Intellectual Identity Sexual Identity Moral Identity Spiritual Identity Christian Anthropology Who Am I Assignment #1 Complete the “self-inventory” found on page 2 and keep in your notebook Assignment #2 Think of someone close to you – they could be someone in your family, a friend or someone not related to you that you look up to or admire. Make a list of 5-7 strengths/qualities of that person that you admire. Assignment #3 1. Define “Identity” in your own words. HRE4O Page 1
Transcript
HRE4O – Church and Culture
HRE4O
Units of Study
Unit 1: The Christian Person –IdentityUnit 2: RelationshipsUnit 3: Social Justice
Unit 1: The Christian Person – Identity
Who Am IDevelopment of a Healthy Self-Image/Psychological IdentityEmotional IdentityIntellectual IdentitySexual IdentityMoral IdentitySpiritual IdentityChristian Anthropology
Who Am I
Assignment #1
Complete the “self-inventory” found on page 2 and keep in your notebook
Assignment #2
Think of someone close to you – they could be someone in your family, a friend or someone not related to you that you look up to or admire. Make a list of 5-7 strengths/qualities of that person that you admire.
Assignment #3
1. Define “Identity” in your own words.
2. Complete the “Being Human – A Profile” on Page 3
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Self-Inventory:
Name:Age:Sex:Date and place of birth:Courses selected this year:
Part-time job:
Other activities (sports, clubs, interests)
Describe your personality:
Talents/gifts:
Dreams:
Life Experiences:
Immediate Family:
Family Background (parents, culture)
Religious Beliefs:
Philosophy of life (looking at others, God, Life)
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Being Human – A Profile
Directions: On the chart below, list five words that describe you for each element of humanity. Use the questions to help you.
Rational
What do you wonder about? What do you know?
Emotional
How would you describe my feelings and how you deal with life?
Describe your friends, family, and favourite social activities.
Aesthetic
List your favourite arts activities (painting, writing, dance, singing, etc.) or favourite art pieces (painting, poem, songs, etc.).
Moral
What are beliefs you have about what is right and what is wrong?
Spiritual
Describe your relationship with God. What do you do to take care of yourself spiritually?
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Assignment #4 My Temperaments Assessment
Go to the following website and take the Myers-Briggs Temperament Test.
www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp
Do the Jung Typology Test.
My four-letter Temperament Profile: ____ ____ ____ ____ Example: ENTJ
Decoding Your Temperament Profile
Each of the four letters in your Temperament Profile represents an aspect of your personality, which is useful for making rough generalizations into the way you perceive yourself and others.
Check each of the four letters in your Temperament Profile against the eight possibilities below.
1. I or E?
The first letter of your profile discerns whether you have a tendency for Introversion or Extraversion. The two types differ in how the relate to people and to what degree they value time by themselves.
Introverts
People classified as introverts prefer to be generally quieter and keep to themselves. This does not mean that they do not talk to or avoid people, rather the introvert is a better listener than talker, and keep their feelings more private than extraverts.
Introverts are not as likely to have lots of fun in large crowds, and will tend to find a quiet corner and socialize with a smaller group of people within the crowd. Introverts are more likely to have solitary, favourite hobbies that they like to pursue or quiet places where they can relax on their own.
Extraverts
Unlike introverts, extraverts are energized by large groups of people, and prefer being around others rather than being on their own. This does not mean that they do not like being alone from time to time, but for extraverts, being in contact with others is an easier thing to do.
Extraverts let others know what is on their minds, and tend to make poorer listeners than introverts.
All individuals are at times introverts and at times extraverts, the two types simply distinguish which of the two you tend towards most of the time.
2. N or S?
The second letter of your profile is used to determine whether you are more likely to be an Intuitive or Sensing person. This refers to whether you are more likely to be concerned with internal or external influences.
Intuitive
The intuitive person is more strongly concerned with their inner workings of their mind than what is going on in the world around them. Although they are more likely to be aware of their thoughts, feelings and ideas, they do not ignore the outside world entirely.
The intuitive is more likely to become absorbed in their own ideas, daydream, wonder about different possibilities and imagine things differently than a sensing person.
An intuitive person is more likely to “drift off” and lose track of what is going on right around them, and as such does not have as good observational skills as a sensing individual. This type of individual is more easily able to ponder such questions as “What if? than sensing persons.
Sensing
The sensing person does just that – use their senses; sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell are attuned to the world around them. These individuals have evolved to observe the world around them with greater detail, and see practical aspects of their environment, such as where there is danger and where to find food.
Sensing people are more concerned with the present and the tangible world around them rather than the future and possibilities of what could be. Just as an intuitive person is able to sense the world around them rather than just inside them, so a sensing person is also able to observe their inner self. However, their self-observation will not be as deep or accurate, or as enjoyable as it would be for the intuitive individual. Intuitive people, because of their concern with inner thoughts and possibilities, are sometimes seen by sensing people as dreamers and unrealistic. In turn, sensing people tend to be seen by intuitive persons as unimaginative and too focused on the routine of life.
Both types have their own qualities and capabilities, but tend to simply focus on one aspect of life while paying little attention to the other.
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3. T or F?
The third letter of your Temperament Profile gauges to what degree you rely on Thinking or Feeling. Obviously, you both think and feel, but your type in this category indicates to which of the two you pay more attention.
Thinking
As the name implies, thinking individuals pay more attention to their thoughts than to their feelings. These individuals use their prior knowledge and calculation to reach a decision more so than their feelings.
These types of individuals are more likely to disguise their feelings, being embarrassed with public displays of emotion, and not wishing to be seen as being out of control, which can sometimes result in them being thought of as cold or indifferent.
Feeling
Feeling individuals are more likely to make a decision using more of their emotions and desires than their thoughts. These persons do not hide their feelings, and make them known to the people around them. They do not necessarily react more strongly or more often with their emotions than the thinking individuals, they simply make their feelings better known.
Thinking and feeling individuals tend to complement each other well in relationships, one bringing perspective that the other does not necessarily focus on.
4. P or J?
The final letter in your profile indicates if you are more of a Judging type or Perceptive type individual. This type differentiates between your ability to adapt, perform routine tasks and keep to schedules.
Perceptive
Those individuals who are classified as perceptive adapt much more easily to change than judging types. This kind of person likes to keep their options open, delaying decisions until they have to be made. This can, however have negative impacts on their ability to plan in advance, which they are less likely to do; perceptive individuals are much more likely to “wing it”.
Poor planning and open options often result in missed deadlines, which these persons tend to see as mere suggestions than absolutes. They tend to perform poorly in tasks that they do not like or do not see as being important; for example
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they will participate in art class because it’s fun, but will not help in the clean-up afterwards as readily.
Judging
The judging type indicates a preference for advance planning and rigidity, which limits their ability to adapt. These individuals are more likely to make themselves schedules and agendas and stick to them.
They are not as likely to see options that open up, but are mostly focused on the task ahead of them, which they see as being very important to finish. Concluding a task is very important to this type of person, and they will not be comfortable until a job is done right. Just as they like order in their schedules, these people like to keep the area they live and work in clean and tidy
Unlike thinking and feeling individuals, the perceptive and judging types do not tend to get along well. Perceptive people tend to see the judging types as being too much in a hurry and as obsessed with neatness.
The judging types sometimes see their opposites as lazy and indecisive. These differences usually arise from a lack of understanding of the other type.
My Temperaments
Now that you have decoded your individual character preferences and learned of the various strengths and weaknesses associated with your types, use Table 3-1 on the following page to find famous persons with the same character preferences. The most common jobs held by people of the same character preferences are also listed. Table 3-2 lists the least common jobs held by each of the various personalities.
Table 3-1. Famous persons and most common professions based on character preferences.
ISTJGeorge Washington Evander HolyfieldMilitary OfficerJudiciaryPolice OfficerIncome Tax OfficerBusiness ExecutiveHuman Resource Manager Medical PractitionerComputer ProgrammerBiologistPharmacistsReal Estate Agent
ISFJQueen Elizabeth II Jerry SeinfeldLibrarianCuratorPhysical TherapistArtistReal Estate AgentInterior DecoratorMusicianTeacherPersonal CounsellorComputer OperatorAdministrator
INFJMother Teresa Nelson MandelaScientistPsychologistPlaywrightNovelistsPhotographerMusicianActorArtistSocial WorkerEducation Consultant Translators
INTJA. Schwarzenegger Jane AustenInventorEngineerJudgeComputer ProgrammerProfessorDentistEconomistEnvironmental Planner New Business Developer PsychologistCivil Engineer
ISTPClint Eastwood Tom CruisePolice OfficerPilotFire FighterElectrical EngineerAthlete CoachesAthleteRace Car DriverMechanicComputer programmers and Network AnalystsPrivate Detectives
ISFPDonald Trump Christopher ReeveFashion DesignerPsychologistSocial WorkerArtistMusicianPhysical TherapistRadiologistSurveyorConsultant TeacherSupervisor
INFPW. Shakespeare Julia RobertsPsychologistSocial WorkerWriterTeacherMusicianResearcherHuman Resource DeveloperPoetNovelistArt Director
INTPAlbert Einstein Tiger WoodsAstrologistGenealogistNeurologistStrategic PlannerMathematicianLawyerWriterArchitectSoftware DesignerArtistDatabase Administrator
ESTPMadonna Ernest HemingwayPoliticianDiplomatFire Fighting OfficerSales RepresentativePilotNews ReporterInsurance AgentPublic AdministratorAircraft EngineerParamedic
ESFPGoldie Hawn Woody HarrelsonFashion DesignerArtistActorMusicianPhotographerPublic Relation OfficerStock BrokerSales Representative
ENFPMark Twain Robin WilliamsWriterPoliticianDiplomatActorJournalistEngineerComputer ProgrammerMusicianArtist
ENTPAlexander the Great Thomas EdisonForeign ServiceJudiciaryPsychologistScientistSales Manger Computer ExpertJournalistActorPhotographerReal Estate Agent
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Police Investigation Officer
Social ConsultantReal Estate Agent
Human Resource Manager
Advertiser
ESTJRev. Billy Graham Simon PeterManagement OfficerMilitary OfficerAccounts OfficerAudit OfficerFinance OfficerProject ManagerPublic AdministratorInformation OfficerElectrical EngineeringDatabase AdministratorSales RepresentativeTeacher
ENFJAbraham Lincoln Michael JordanPersonal ConsultantPoliticianSocial WorkerTeacherSales RepresentativeHuman Resource ManagerEvent CoordinatorComedianArtistJournalistLibrarianSmall Business Executive
DetectiveBookkeeperHairdresserSecurity GuardCleaning ServicesFactory SupervisorClerical SupervisorSchool Bus DriverConstruction Worker
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Assignment #5 Virtues and Vices
Virtues: Are positive character traits that are good for the person and for others.
Vices: Are practices or behaviors or habits considered immoral, depraved, or degrading in the associated society. In more minor usage, vice can refer to a fault, a defect, an infirmity, or merely a bad habit.
From the list of virtues in the following table, evaluate 10 virtues and evaluate how you live out this virtue in your life as either NEVER or OFTEN and propose its opposite vice.
First impressions often have a powerful influence on how we perceive (see) people and events. They often determine the way we think or behave in a certain situation.
Perceiver’s Role (Personality):
Our personalities contribute to our expectations in life, our understanding of things, events and people and our reactions to these situations.
Example: A person who thinks they are stupid will approach a difficult class directly from someone who doesn’t thinks of themselves that way.
Life Experiences:
These experiences teach is how to think and act towards people and events.
Object of Perception:
Some things in our environment attract our attention.
Example: Walk into a room and notice a beautiful person and not notice what the room looks like
Example: Notice a moving car in a parking lot, but not the parked ones.
Background and Surroundings:
Dancing under a full moon may be difficult than dancing in daylight in terms of romance.
Selective Memory:
We choose to remember certain things and block out others that we find unpleasant.
Give a copy of the “How Do You Perceive Yourself?” to a classmate, a friend or a family member and have them mark circle mark on the line closer to the extremes if they feel very strongly or towards the middle if they feel neutral about how they perceive you. You also rate yourself as to how you perceive yourself and when you are finished, compare the two charts and in a paragraph discuss the differences and similarities
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between your perception of yourself and the perceptions of others about you. There is no right or wrong, this is a perception that you or another person has.
How do you Perceive Yourself?
Instructions: Mark on each line the position that most closely identifies your position on each personality trait.
Development of a Healthy Self-Image/Psychological Identity
Healthy Self-Image
Assignment #1
Healthy self-image is a good notion of oneself – your abilities and worth, to think well of oneself and to be content.
Part A: Looking at the characteristics or qualities that people with a healthy self-image have, identify people you know who may have these qualities.
Characteristic/Quality PersonHave confidence/pride (comfortable/secure with themselves)Cares about others, are loving peopleGives support and praiseFree spiritedSatisfied with lifeOutgoing, enthusiasticHave a healthy family lifeResponsibleGood morals/values/judgementKnow what they want and what is goodAccept themselves, both strengths and weaknessesWilling to seek help when requiredBelieve God loves then and cares for themExpect positive experiences from life, has a positive attitude, hopefulHas no need to see attention or recognition (humble/modest)Accepts compliments without justifying their talents or successesFeels good about their accomplishmentsGood leadership skillsMakes own decisionsHonest, truthfulForgiving to self and othersTakes initiative, is independentPerseveresThankful/gratitudeWell-adjusted
Part B: Now looking at your own characteristics/qualities, put a star on three (3) points that you do well, place a checkmark () on three (3) points you need to work on the most and place an asterisk (*) on the characteristics/qualities that are the most important to you.
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Obstacles to a Healthy Self-Image
Assignment #1
Think about the following question:
What could cause a person to have a poor self-image?
Part A: Looking at the statements below of some obstacles that people with a poor self-image may have, identify people you know who may face these obstacles (this does not need to be handed in to your teacher).
Obstacle PersonFamily and others put you down, even if it is in a “joking” way (“stupid”, “Idiot” = rejection)Stress – family, school, work, friendsUnrealistic expectations by media, commercials, society or significant othersUnrealistic expectations of ourselves that are either too high or too lowLack of supportBelieve “I’m not good enough” for self and/or othersA poor family environment (not cared for or spoiled)Abuse: physical, sexual, psychological, etc.Appearance (weight, hygiene) or chemical imbalancePessimistic attitude, no purpose in lifeNegative people around, event or experienceFears – failure, school, belonging, appearance, etc/A very poor self-image can lead into depression (“poor me” syndrome)
Part B: Now looking at your own obstacles, put a star on a point that most affects you now, place a checkmark () on the obstacles that you believe have the greatest affect towards having a healthy self-image.
Steps to a Healthy Self-Image
Assignment #1
Think about the following question:
What would be helpful in order to develop a healthy self-image?
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Part A: Looking at the statements below that are helpful in order to develop a healthy self-image, identify people you know who may possess these qualities (this does not need to be handed in to your teacher).
Qualities PersonMake friends with people who affirm themThink positive, expect hope (it’s never too late t o change your attitude)Turn to religion, the Word of God (i.e. “You are the way, the truth and the life”)Be aware of their limits, weaknesses, strengths, accomplishments, etc.Forgive themselves (acknowledge pain, reconciliation/ forgiveness)Let go of the past, move on, don’t dwell on past failures, bad experiencesBe a fair judge and be realisticHelp others so as to get positive feedback and forget their sorrowsAccept complimentsCherish and accept themselves for who they are and develop their talentsTreat others as you want to be treatedBe able to retreat from bad situationsGet help, support, even professionalHave someone who believes in themPhysical fitness/healthy food and appearanceReward themselves for their successes
Part B: Now looking at your own qualities, put a star on three (3) points that would be most helpful to improving your own self-image.
Part C: Look at the following and reflect (does not need to be submitted to your teacher) on the meaning of this passage from the Bible.
Reflection: Isaiah 43:1-13 (New International Version)1 But now, this is what the LORD says-- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3 For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. 4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life. 5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. 6 I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.' Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth-- 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."
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Emotional Identity
Understanding the Impact of Feelings and Developing the Ability to Express and Deal with Them
Feelings
A feeling is a response to a person, a situation or an event Feelings are neither right nor wrong: they just “are” Feelings involve our whole bodies – physical symptoms help us identify feelings Each person’s feelings are unique and special It is helpful to determine what triggered the feeling
Assignment #1
Write a brief conversation using one of the following conflict situations, be sure to include in your conversation statements that will help you identify intense feelings with your characters.
Parent and teen (teen has missed his/her curfew once again) Boyfriend and girlfriend (someone has been caught cheating on the other) Brother and sister or sister and sister, or brother and brother (one sibling has taken
a possession of the other sibling without permission)
Owning One’s feelings
Denial of feelings is a common problem in our culture. Repressed feelings can be destructive. Bottled-up emotions usually explode eventually, either at the wrong time or directed at an inappropriate target. Illness, depression and even suicide may be the result of repressed feelings.
Assignment #2
Think of a situation when you felt strongly about a person or a situation, especially if you were confused or upset. What did you do?
Did you admit your feelings? Describe your symptoms (e.g.: tense, uptight stomach, etc)
What caused/triggered this feeling? How did you react? Appropriately? Inappropriately? Explain What would you prefer to do the next time you are in this situation? Why? (Use
your imagination to find a solution)
Intellectual Identity
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Defining intelligence:
A body of knowledge/information that someone possesses (ability to learn and understand/take-in)
The capacity and power for knowing (retain and desire to use) The capacity for rational thought, reasoning, logic (apply/adapt)
In life, we need to learn from our experiences, the wisdom of others, the facts, the truths and our reflections.
Decisions:
To decide is to choose or make a choice (major/minor/routine/habit) Making decisions helps us to become responsible, independent and mature
Assignment #1
Why do you think some people never learn from their mistakes?
Assignment #2
What do you think might happen if we do not take/make decisions?
Moral Identity
Assignment #1
1. Define Moral: What does it mean to do good?2. Where does Got fit in? Is what God wants us to do “Moral”?3. What dreams do you think a loving God has for us?
Assignment #2
1. What/Who determines our moral? Place a check mark (or marks) on the points that you feel determine our morals
Laws Values TruthsSociety Media Religion/GodCulture Parents AuthorityExperience Universal moral principles Informed conscience
2. Is our society becoming more or less moral? Explain.
Quest for Meaning in our Lives (Values)
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All humans have by nature a thirst for understanding about their lives and the need to question and uncover an existential meaning about life. We may wonder about the “why” of our life. Why am I here on the earth? What is my purpose for life and how do I achieve meaning in my day to day life?
Victor Frankl, a famous psychiatrist, has developed a form of therapy called logotherapy that helps people to understand the meaning and purpose of life. He suggested that if people had a sense of meaning or a “Why” for their lives they could handle anything that came their way in life. People who had no purpose or sense of meaning in life had more difficulty in coping with the challenges that come their way. Our choice of values helps us to have lived or cherished beliefs about life that in turn can help us achieve meaning and purpose in our lives
Assignment #3
Personal Values Inventory
Directions: In the following survey you will read a series of paired statements. For each pair, circle the statement you most identify with.
1 To be reasonably sure about the future for myself and my family12 To do things well
3 To have people think well of me5 To have as much freedom as possible to do the things I want to do
11 To have as many good things as possible12 To do things well
6 To do new and different things often11 To have as many things as possible
7 To have friends10 To have things neat orderly and organized
6 To do new and different things often8 To arrange for a family atmosphere that makes for a satisfying family living
3 To have people think well of me9 To do what is right according to my beliefs
8 To arrange for a family atmosphere that makes for a satisfying family living10 To have things neat orderly and organized
4 To do things for family and others
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11 To have as many good things as possible
10 To have things neat orderly and organized12 To do things well
2 To have influence with people11 To have as many good things as possible
4 To do things for my family and others10 To have things neat orderly and organized
2 To have influence with people12 To do things well
4 To do things for my family and others12 To do things well
4 To do things for my family and others7 To have friends
5 To have as much freedom as possible to do the things I want to do8 To arrange for a family atmosphere that makes for a satisfying family living
4 To do things for my family and others5 To have as much freedom as possible to do the things I want to do
9 To do what is right according to my beliefs11 To have as many good things as possible
1 To be reasonably sure about the future for myself and my family2 To have influence with people
9 To do what is right according to my beliefs10 To have things neat orderly and organized
6 To do new and difference things often7 To have friends
4 To do things for my family and others6 To do new and different things often
2 To have influence with people5 To have as much freedom as possible to do the things I want to do
4 To do things for my family and others8 To arrange for a family atmosphere that makes for a satisfying family living
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2 To have influence with people9 To do what is right according to my beliefs
1 To be reasonably sure about the future for myself and my family8 To arrange for a family atmosphere that makes for a satisfying family living
5 To have as much freedom as possible to do the things I want to do.10 To have things neat orderly and organized
7 To have friends9 To do what is right according to my beliefs
1 To be reasonably sure about the future for myself and my family11 To have as many good things as possible
3 To have people thing well of me10 To have things neat orderly and organized
2 To have influence with people8 To arrange for a family atmosphere that makes for a satisfying family living
3 To have people think well of me4 To do things for my family and others
2 To have influence with people6 To do new and difference things often
2 To have influence with people3 To have people think well of me
7 To have friends8 To arrange for a family atmosphere that makes for a satisfying family living
5 To have as much freedom as possible to do the things I want to do12 To do things well
3 To have people think well of me11 To have as many good things as possible
6 To do new and difference things often12 To do things well
9 To do what is right according to my beliefs12 To do things well
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1 To be reasonably sure about the future for myself and my family10 To have things neat orderly and organized
3 To have people think well of me8 To arrange for a family atmosphere that makes for a satisfying family living
5 To have as much freedom as possible to do the things I want to do.6 To do new and different things often
6 To do new and different things often10 To have things neat orderly and organized
1 To be reasonably sure about the future for myself and my family5 To have as much freedom as possible to do the things I want to do
3 To have people think well of me6 To do new and different things often
5 To have as much freedom as possible to do the things I want to do7 To have friends
10 To have things neat orderly and organized11 To have as many good things as possible
2 To have influence with people4 To do things for my family and others
8 To arrange for a family atmosphere that makes for a satisfying family living9 To do what is right according to my beliefs
8 To arrange for a family atmosphere that makes for a satisfying family living12 To do thing well
On the following page is the Personal Values Inventory Score Sheet. You are to count up the number of times you circled each number that corresponds to the category, then when you have completed that part you are to rank your categories according to the number of circles. Rank from 1-12 with 1 being the category where you had the most circles.
In this assignment you will explore various New Testament passages that speak about the early Christian community.
“Let us go back again to the early church where we see members of the christain communities opening themselves in love to others. Today we might look at our lives and see what we can do as Christain people to extend our Catholic community to the wider world community.
Read five (5) of the following passages that describe the life of the early Christian community. Briefly, summarize what happened and what we could do today to live a life like the early followers did.
Read the “Definition of Church” and “The six (6) Images of the Church” on the following pages and in a paragraph relate the readings to living a complete Christian life.
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Definition of Church
The church is the Body of Christ: St. Paul often refers to the Christian Church as the Body of Christ This means that our relationship with Christ is spiritual and physical St. Paul says that Christ is the Head of His Body and we are the hands, feet, eye,
etc.
The Church is a Sacrament of Christ A sacrament is “a visible sign of invisible grace” Through its many actions the Church is a sign of Christ’s continued activity
among us.
The Church is One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic
One: the Holy Spirit joins all believers into a unified community There can only be one Church of Christ and the Catholic Church is the fullest
expression of Christ’s church though that does not exclude other Christian Churches as being expression of the same thing.
Holy: The church is Holy because it receives its holiness from Christ. St. Paul refers to Christians as “Saints” and through this holiness it is not perfect,
it is real The Church is holy because of Jesus, despite having sinners in its midst
Catholic: (the word Catholic means “Universal”) The church is universal because the fullness of God (Jesus) dwells within it.
Where Christ is, all creation is. The Church is also universal because it is sent to all nations of the world.
Apostolic: The church is founded on the apostles and their mission Jesus said that he would build his Church on Peter (“you are rock [Peter] and on
this rock I will build my Church” – Mt 16:18) Through the sacrament of Holy Orders (the laying on of hands at a Bishops
ordination) all Bishops are linked to the apostles.
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Christian Faith
What does it mean to be a Christian? We are called to live out our Christian life in four main ways, each stemming from our Baptism:
a) Belief in Jesus – an active life, not passive (trust)b) Belief in prayer – to listen, be attentive or be aware of God’s presence so as to
build a personal relationship with God/Jesusc) Belief in building community – through proclaiming the Gospel or act in love. We
need to develop a sense of belonging/caring and to be nourished by the community. Thus, worship and celebration are needed.
d) Belief in living a moral life – (“sainthood” = sacred/holy) to be compassionate, confront injustices/immorality, be forgiving, etc.
The Metanoia experience that we have provides us with a greater faith. What does it mean to have faith? Faith means no only to believe but to put your trust in something or someone. It means to have a deep conviction. To have faith in Jesus Christ, therefore, means to put your trust in His words which He has spoken within the Scriptures. It means to realize that all that God has promised is true, that Jesus Christ is indeed risen and that the Holy Spirit dwells within us.
To have faith in the Trinity means that we are called to insecurity as we have to believe in what we cannot see except without “spiritual eyes.” We are called to put our trust in the unknown; we are called to risk. To have faith means that we must also be involved. The story on the following page illustrates this.
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Answers the following questions:
1. What does it mean to have faith?
2. Do you know a person of faith? What are some of his/her characteristics that make you believe this?
3. In what way are you a person of faith? Explain.
4. What does the story of The Tightrope Walker tell us?
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As Christians, we look at three vocations: the single life, the religious life (vowed or ordained) and the married life. Also, we may have a “call” of service to others (e.g. teaching, medicine, law (that has special meaning for us. Our ultimate Christian vocation is eternal life.
We may have more than one vocation. Also, vocation may be temporary or permanent. For example, we may move from the single vocation of a few years to either marriage or the religious life.
Vocation may not always be our choice. What God calls us to do is respond to our life situations.
