Church & Community - (Exam Revision)

indulgence

payment to the Catholic Church believed to reduce punishment for sins

How were indulgences abused prior to the Protestant Reformation?

- some clergy exploited indulgences for financial gain, granting excessive pardons and falsely claiming papal authority to forgive sins for money

- indulgences became a revenue source, requiring donations for church-building or hospitals

What other abuses were occurring before the Protestant Reformation?

- the Church exploited wealth through tithes, benefiting clergy and Rome

- many clergy neglected their duties, prioritising wealth and comfort

- nepotism - the giving of Church positions to members of one's family

- absenteeism - the practice of Bishops never visiting their dioceses

- pluralism - the practice of Bishops being in charge of many dioceses at the same time

Who was Martin Luther?

a german monk who studied theology and became a lecturer of the Bible

What was Martin Luther's role in the Protestant Reformation?

Luther challenged Church practices (sale of indulgences), believing that the Bible was the only authority and that salvation came through faith alone, not good works or indulgences; he created the 95 Theses

What are some differences between Martin Luther's teachings and the Catholic Church's teachings?

- Luther rejected the Catholic Church's authority, highlighting the Bible as the only source of truth and salvation through faith alone.

- Luther denied the Pope's infallibility, challenged indulgences, and recognised only two sacraments (Baptism & Eucharist

What was the Council of Trent?

a meeting of Roman Catholic leaders, called by Pope Paul III, in response to the issues of the Protestant Reformation

What was one change the Council of Trent implemented?

all clerics must reside in their posts, which corrected Church officials who never spent time in their parishes, but paid others to look after them while taking the profit

Gaudium et Spes

'the joys and the hopes'

Who was the Pope who called the Second Vatican Council?

Pope John XXIII

What are the dates of the Second Vatican Council?

1962 - 1965

What was the purpose of the Second Vatican Council?

to modernise the Catholic Church, update church practices, and improve relations with other religions and society

What does a Papal Social Teaching refer to? Give an example

- teachings of the Pope throughout the history of the Church that have dealt with the social issues of human life

- provides a moral framework for dignity and compassion in society, guiding Catholics in social and economic issues

- the Church's commitment to prioritising the needs and rights of the most vulnerable in society

encyclical

- a formal letter by the Pope which teaches faith and morality

- provides guidance to the Catholic Church and the Church's teachings on contemporary issues

What are some common issues addressed in encyclicals?

- human rights

- social justice

- role of the Church in the world

Who was the author of the encyclical 'Peace on Earth' (Pacem in Terris)?

Pope John XXIII

What is the fundamental principle discussed in 'Peace on Earth'?

the inherent dignity and equality of all human beings; everyone must be treated with respect regardless of their characteristics

Why are all human beings considered to have dignity according to 'Peace on Earth'?

- all humans have dignity because they are created in the image and likeness of God

- this dignity is not earned or based on human qualities, but is an essential part of their being

- it implies that every human being has inherent worth and value, regardless of their beliefs or circumstances

mission

the Church's work to share the Gospel, serve those in need, and promote justice and peace

What are examples of how missions can be carried out?

- spiritual missions (evangelism)

- educational missions (teaching)

- cultural missions (discipleship)

(ERQ - section 1) How does one Australian Catholic Organisation carry out the principles of Catholic Social Teaching in their work? Identify two CST principles that align with their mission

- Vinnies demonstrates key Catholic Social Teaching principles through its charitable works and advocacy

- two CST principles reflected in their mission are the Preferential Option for the Poor (1) and the Dignity of the Human Person (2)

- (1) this principle calls Catholics to prioritise the needs of the most vulnerable in society. Vinnies lives out this principle through practical programs that provide direct aid to those experiencing homelessness, poverty, or social disadvantage

- (2) this principle is at the core of Vinnies' advocacy and outreach. This principle teaches that all people are created in the image of God and deserve respect and equal treatment, regardless of their circumstances. Vinnies upholds this by treating every individual they assist with compassion and without judgment

(ERQ - section 2) Outline specific examples of how the organisation implements them within their works/programmes

- (1) their Vinnies Vans deliver food, hygiene items, and emotional support to people sleeping rough in major Australian cities. These services are not just about handouts, but about building trust and dignity in those often overlooked by society. The Society also offers financial assistance, emergency housing, and food vouchers, ensuring the poor are given immediate relief and long-term support

- (2) their Refugee and Migrant Support programs, helping newly arrived Australians settle into the community with access to housing, legal aid, and English classes, ensuring that their basic rights and human dignity are respected. Vinnies regularly advocates for social justice by calling on the government to address issues such as affordable housing and fair welfare systems, speaking out for the voiceless in society

- Vinnies exemplifies Catholic Social Teaching through both action and advocacy. By prioritising the poor and upholding human dignity, they actively bring CST principles to life, making a difference in the lives of countless Australians

What factors led to the Protestant Reformation?

- fear of Purgatory

- the Black Death

- abuses of indulgences

- corruption in the Church

- teachings of Martin Luther

What role did the Catholic Church play in Europe before the Reformation?

- held significant political, religious, and economic power

- influenced rulers, enforced beliefs, and amassed power through tithes, taxes, and land

Why did Martin Luther translate the Bible into German?

a way for ordinary people to read and interpret the Bible for themselves

What invention helped spread the Reformation ideas quickly?

the printing press

95 Theses

a list of arguments written by Martin Luther criticising the Catholic Church

Purgatory

a place where souls are purified before entering heaven

Diet of Worms

a meeting where Martin Luther was asked to recant his criticisms of the Catholic Church

What was one major effect of the Protestant Reformation?

it led to the creation of many different Christian denominations

What are some differences in beliefs between Catholics and Protestants?

- belief in one God

- belief in Purgatory

- Protestants believe salvation comes through faith alone

- Catholics believe salvation comes from both faith and good works

predestination

the belief that God has already chosen who will be saved

Counter-Reformation

The Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation

the Black Death

a deadly plague that swept through Europe

What happened as a result of Martin Luther's teachings?

- the Reformation spread across Europe, with various leaders adapting Luther's ideas

- Lutheranism took hold in Germany and Scandinavia

- Zwingli spread Protestantism in Switzerland

heresy

a belief that goes against official tenets of a particular religion

salvation

the state of being saved from sin and its consequences

good works

actions or deeds that align with God's love, kindness, and teachings

Pacem in Terris

Peace on Earth

church council

a meeting of Church leaders to settle problems or disputes, and to give spiritual guidance to Christians