The Human Person's Responsibility Toward God and Community (Theology 3 Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key theological concepts, biblical references, and Catholic social teaching from the notes.

Morality

Principle concerning the distinction between good and evil; a system of values and rules of conduct.

Christian Morality

Living a moral life in the light of the Christian faith; faith lived in daily life; focuses on response to God who created us.

Imago Dei (Image of God)

The belief that God created humans in His image, endowing them with intellect and will.

Intellect

The spiritual power of cognition; the ability to know and distinguish good from bad.

Will

The capacity to freely choose and to act according to God’s law of love.

Unity of Body and Soul

A view of the human person as a single being who is both corporeal and spiritual.

Freedom and Moral Responsibility

Freedom rooted in reason and will to act or not act; accountability for deliberate actions.

Stewardship

Recognizing that the earth and all creatures belong to God and we are caretakers of His creation.

Desire for God

The dignity of the human person rests on being called to communion with God.

Laudato Si’

Pope Francis’s encyclical teaching that caring for the environment is a spiritual duty as well as an ethical one.

Embodied Spirit

The unity of body and soul; the body is not a shell and the soul is not imprisoned in it.

Genesis 2:7 (Breath of Life)

God formed man from the dust and breathed life into him.

Catholic View of the Body and Soul

Respect the body (health, purity, modesty) and nurture the spirit (prayer, grace, moral life) to live with integrity.

Aristotle’s View on the Soul

Soul is the form of the body; they belong together.

Aquinas’s View on the Body and Soul

Unity of body and soul; resurrection matters.

Descartes’s View on Mind and Body

Mind/soul = self; body = machine; dualism.

Marcel’s View on the Body

Body is personal and sacred, not a tool

Stein’s View on the Body

Body expresses the soul’s inner truth.

Body as Temple of the Holy Spirit

The body is sacred; it should not be rejected or neglected; it is the dwelling of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19).

CCC 364

The human body shares in the dignity of the image of God.

Soul

The spiritual and immortal principle of life; gives life to the body and includes mind, emotions, conscience, and spirit.

Laudato Si’ and Embodied Responsibility

We are part of creation—body and soul—and must protect and care for it.

Spiritual Dimension

Aspects of faith involving prayer, worship, silence, and forgiveness.

Physical Dimension

Bodily practices: exercise, sleep, healthy food, rest.

Emotional Dimension

Journaling, honest conversations, boundaries, and processing emotions.

Social Dimension

Helping others, speaking kindly, respecting others’ time and space.

Ecological Dimension

Recycling, reducing waste, mindful consumption, care for life and creation.

Faith

Confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1-3).

Response to God

Faith as a personal adherence, freely choosing to believe and entrust life to God; requires reason and trust.

Characteristics of Christian Faith

Total and Absolute; Trinitarian; Loving, Maturing, and Missionary; Informed and Communitarian; Enculturated.

Dimensions of Faith

Believing (doctrines); Doing (morals); Entrusting (worship).

Human Person: A Social Being

Humans find meaning in Relationships; love of neighbor is a command; 'zoon politikon' idea; interdependence.

Responsibility in Community

We are not the center; we serve, forgive, and participate for the common good.

Jesus: Perfect Model

Dined with sinners and wept with his friends; showing love through presence and solidarity.

Filipino Values

Bayanihan (communal unity), Pakikipagkapwa (seeing others as peers), Pakikiramay (sharing in others’ sorrow).

Genesis 2:18

It is not good for the man to be alone; creation of woman; foundation for complementary relationships.

Complementary Relationship

Foundational bring together man and woman for marriage and mutual support.

Compendium No. 149 (SDC)

Human beings grow in relationships; emphasizes interdependence, community involvement, and the common good.

Family

A group of people who love and care for each other; the original cell of society.

Domestic Church

Christian family that teaches the gospel by word and deed.

Christian Family

A community of persons equal in dignity, symbolizing the unity of the Blessed Trinity.

Moral Responsibilities in the Family

Children and youth: obedience and respect; siblings: support and care; parents/guardians: guidance and formation; parents' duties include prayer and sacraments.

Parental Guidance by the Holy Spirit

Parents allow themselves to be led by the Holy Spirit to help children become who God created them to be.

Disciple

A baptized follower who takes upon themselves the name of Christ and follows Him.

Discipleship

Living a life of devotion to Jesus; faith lived out daily.

Disciple as Learner, Follower, Messenger

Learner: follow Jesus as teacher; Follower: obey Jesus; Messenger: share His message.

Lifelong Learners of Jesus

Spend time with Jesus, listen and learn His teaching, become like Him.

Three Levels of Learning as Messenger

Expose ourselves to Jesus’ teaching; practice it; teach and share it.

Catholic Social Teaching: Life and Dignity of the Human Person

Protect human life at all stages and advocate for those whose dignity is mistreated.

Call to Family, Community, and Participation

The family should be protected and strengthened to contribute to society.

Rights and Responsibilities

Human dignity protected when rights are respected and responsibilities are met.

Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

A preferential care for the poor, oppressed, and sick.

Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers

Right to decent work, fair wages, good conditions, property, and initiative.

Solidarity

We are all brothers and sisters in God’s family.

Care for Creation

As stewards, protect people and the planet; work wholeheartedly as for the Lord.