Moral Theology Lectures I–III: Christian Ethics, Alcohol, and Discernment

What is Moral Theology primarily concerned with?

Moral Theology is primarily concerned with morals, conduct, goodness, and evil from a Christian perspective.

What is the will of God for human beings?

The will of God for human beings is their sanctification.

Why does God give human beings His commandments?

God gives human beings His commandments to lead them toward holiness and sanctification.

What is the Natural Law?

The Natural Law is God's commandments naturally written in the human heart and conscience.

Who received the Ten Commandments from God?

Moses received the Ten Commandments from God.

Where did Moses receive the Ten Commandments?

Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.

How many commandments are primarily concerned with man's relationship with God?

There are four commandments primarily concerned with man's relationship with God.

How many commandments are primarily concerned with man's relationship with his neighbor?

There are six commandments primarily concerned with man's relationship with his neighbor.

Which commandment deals specifically with respecting parents?

The commandment that deals specifically with respecting parents is 'Honor your father and mother.'

What is the relationship between the Natural Law and the Moral Law?

The Natural Law and the Moral Law have the same divine source, but are expressed differently.

What is the Christian Law described in the lesson?

The Christian Law is described as the Law of Perfection and Love.

According to Jesus, what is the first and greatest commandment?

The first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.

What is the second great commandment?

The second great commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself.

What is the core of Christianity?

The core of Christianity is love.

According to 1 John 4:20, a person who claims to love God must also:

A person who claims to love God must also love his brother.

What should Christians do toward their enemies according to Jesus' teaching?

Christians should love their enemies and pray for them.

Which of the following is one way to grow in love for God?

One way to grow in love for God is to continually remember God.

What can decrease a person's love for God?

Excessive love of the world can decrease a person's love for God.

What is the greatest of faith, hope, and love?

The greatest of faith, hope, and love is love.

In whose image and likeness did God create human beings?

God created human beings in His own image and likeness.

What did God give human beings to help them understand right and wrong?

God gave human beings intellect, wisdom, and conscience to help them understand right and wrong.

What happened to humanity's understanding of God's commandments after sin entered the world?

After sin entered the world, people began to forget God's commandments.

What does the 'Law of Love' lead human beings toward?

The 'Law of Love' leads human beings toward becoming sons and daughters of God.

Which person recognized that committing adultery would be a sin against God before the written Law was given?

Joseph recognized that committing adultery would be a sin against God before the written Law was given.

What does the story of Cain and Abel demonstrate about Natural Law?

The story of Cain and Abel demonstrates that human beings had an awareness that murder was wrong before the written Law.

What happened because of God's love and the work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament?

Christians received new capabilities for living according to God's will because of God's love and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Why is love important in the Christian life?

Love is important in the Christian life because it is the core of Christianity and fulfills the Law.

What does the lesson teach about a person who says, 'I love God,' but hates his brother?

The lesson teaches that such a person is contradicting the command to love others.

Which of the following is a way to strengthen one's love for God?

Remembering God's blessings and giving thanks is a way to strengthen one's love for God.

What should Christians be filled with instead of being drunk with wine according to Ephesians 5:18?

Christians should be filled with the Holy Spirit instead of being drunk with wine.

What is the main problem with alcohol?

The main problem with alcohol is that its misuse can lead to serious harm.

In John 15, Jesus uses the image of the vine to describe:

In John 15, Jesus uses the image of the vine to describe Himself.

What can be a harmful result of excessive alcohol consumption?

A harmful result of excessive alcohol consumption can be loss of consciousness and poor judgment.

What lesson is illustrated by the statement, 'Whoever starts with a glass ends with a bottle'?

B. A harmful habit can begin small and gradually become an addiction.

Which biblical person became drunk after drinking wine and was found uncovered in his tent?

A. Noah.

According to the lesson, what should a person do when trying to quit drinking?

C. Seek God's help and admit the need for help.

Why did St. Paul advise St. Timothy to use a little wine?

C. For his stomach infirmities.

According to the lesson's explanation of the wedding at Cana, what was the purpose of Jesus' miracle?

C. To perform a miracle by transforming water into wine.

Which statement best summarizes the Christian view presented in the lesson?

C. Alcohol is not considered defiled, but its misuse is strongly warned against.

Complete the sentence: 'Do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with ...'

the spirit.

Complete the sentence: 'In John 15, Jesus said, 'I am the true vine, and My Father is the ...'

vinedresser.

What are two harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption?

Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the body and lead to health problems, and it can also cause addiction, loss of consciousness, and poor judgment.

What are some practical and spiritual steps recommended for someone who wants to quit drinking?

The lesson recommends avoiding the first drink, seeking God's help, and practicing repentance, confession, fasting, prayer, and Holy Communion.

Explain the lesson's answers to the two biblical examples of wine: St. Paul's advice to Timothy and Jesus turning water into wine at Cana.

St. Paul advised Timothy to use a little wine for medical reasons, while Jesus' miracle at Cana should not be used to justify drunkenness.

According to the lesson, why do human beings often want to know the future?

B. Because fear and anxiety make them seek security.

How should a Christian respond when worried about the future?

C. Rely on God and ask Him for guidance.

Why is seeking supernatural knowledge from Satan considered a serious sin?

B. It means relying on Satan instead of God.

How does the Bible describe Satan in John 8:44?

C. A liar and the father of lies.

What does the lesson teach about horoscopes?

C. Christians should not rely on them or follow them.

What happened when Aaron's rod confronted the rods of the Egyptian magicians?

B. Aaron's rod swallowed their rods.

What was one of Saul's serious sins before his death?

B. He consulted a medium instead of seeking God.

According to Romans 8:14, who are called sons of God?

A. Those who are led by the Spirit of God.

Complete the sentence: 'The spiritual person relies completely on God and does not ...'

fear the future.

Complete the sentence: 'The Bible warns Christians against ...'

mediums, sorcery, fortune-telling, and other attempts to know the future.

Why does fear cause people to want to know the future?

Fear and anxiety make people want to know what will happen so they can prepare themselves and feel secure.

Why should Christians avoid fortune tellers, mediums, horoscopes, and palm readers?

These practices attempt to obtain knowledge of the unknown from sources other than God.

What can we learn from St. Paul and the slave girl?

Christians should not seek or accept spiritual guidance from Satan, even when the information appears to be true.

What happened with Saul and the woman with the familiar spirit?

Saul went to a medium for guidance instead of seeking God, which was a serious sin.

How should Christians deal with uncertainty about the future?

Christians should live in peace and trust God, asking for His guidance in prayer.