St. Augustine of Hippo & St. Oscar Romero

counter-cultural

In imitation of Jesus, Christian discipleship is considered

Countercultures

are groups whose values, norms, and behaviors are in direct, active opposition to the dominant or mainstream culture, often seeking to challenge and change those established norms

sacrifice of one’s desire

While modern culture often encourages "following your heart," discipleship demands

Self-Denial vs. Self-Gratification

Modern culture emphasizes personal happiness and immediate satisfaction. Discipleship calls for "taking up one's cross," which means surrendering personal desires to follow God's will.

Humility vs. Pride

Discipleship prioritizes ___ and service, viewing strength in weakness and greatness in being a servant

Absolute vs. Relative Truth

In a culture that views truth as subjective ("your truth"), discipleship asserts that absolute truth is found in Christ and requires aligning one's life with biblical standards.

Renouncing Power and Wealth

Mainstream success is often measured by influence and material gain. Discipleship teaches that ____ power and holding possessions loosely leads to true spiritual wealth.

Slow Formation vs. Instant Results

Digital culture is "stimulus-rich" and demands fast success. Spiritual growth is slow, disciplined work that often requires silence and long-term commitment.

Sacrificial Love vs. Self-Interest

While many prioritize "looking out for number one," disciples are called to love their enemies and serve others without expecting anything in return

Mild / Aesthetic Opposition (Lifestyle & Subculture):

These groups may look different (tattoos, piercing, clothing) and adopt nonconformist lifestyles, but their opposition to the mainstream is more stylistic than political.

Moderate / Value-Based Opposition (Subculture with Edge):

Groups that challenge specific, but not all, societal values. They may form tight, distinct communities with their own, often "anti-language," rules that exist to contrast with the dominant culture.

Radical / Structural Opposition (Counter-Culture Proper

These movements aim to overturn, completely replace, or exit from mainstream societal structures, including political, economic, and social norms.

Totalitarian/Oppositional Lifestyles (Isolationist)

Groups that completely reject modern mainstream society, sometimes separating themselves geographically and socially.

Active Counterculture

directly challenge, confront, or work to change the established social order.

Passive Counterculture Examples

often reject mainstream society by withdrawing from it, forming alternative communities, or focusing on personal/spiritual transformation rather than direct confrontation.

Key Characteristics

Rejection of Norms, Alternative Lifestyles, Cycle of Mainstreaming

St. Paul the Apostle

The life of ______ was profoundly counter-cultural, challenging the social, religious, and political norms of both the Jewish world and the Greco-Roman Empire. His transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a champion of a message of salvation through faith in a crucified Messiah (rather than adherence to law or power) placed him in direct opposition to the status quo

evangelion

(good news) is a concept originally attached to the Lords/ Emperors who were

bringers of “imperial blessings” and were considered as the Good News themselves.

"there is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female” (Galatians 3:28)

This phrase is a cornerstone of Christian theology regarding inclusivity and the breaking down of prejudice

apocalyptic perspective, interior life, material blessings

3 impoverished meanings of the Reign of God / God's presence

penitential

is a book or bset of church rules bconcerning bthe Christian sacrament of bpenance, a "new manner of reconciliation bwith God" that was first developed by Celtic monks in Ireland in the sixth century AD. It consisted of a list of sins and the appropriate penances prescribed for them, and served as a type of manual for confessors. These also served an important role in the education of priests as well as in the disciplinary and devotional practices of the laity.

Opus Dei

Romero was a strong advocate of the spiritual charism of

liturgy

means “public work” and in classical Greece designates the obligation that the city imposes on the citizens who have a certain income to provide a series of services for the common interest—it evolved from public to personal meaning

Fiducial Aspects of Faith

pious, interior life, devotional

Illuminative Aspects of Faith

intellectual, doctrinal;

Performative Aspects of Faith

action-oriented; socially involved

The Sabbath (Shabbat)

A weekly, mandatory day of rest from sundown Friday to

sundown Saturday, focusing on synagogue attendance, prayer, and rest

Passover (Pesach) & Unleavened Bread

Commemorating the Exodus from Egypt.

Shavuot (Pentecost/Feast of Weeks)

Celebrating the harvest

Sukkot (Tabernacles/Booths):

Commemorating the wilderness wanderings