Catholic Christianity part 1

The Trinity

The Trinity means 'one God in three persons' (CCC 253).

Nicene Creed

The declaration of faith and the belief in the Trinity is an important part of this declaration.

Baptism

Baptism is performed 'in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.'

Eucharist

Eucharist (Mass) contains repeated references to the Trinity.

Father

The Father is the Creator.

Son

The Son is the Redeemer.

Holy Spirit

The Spirit is the Sanctifier (giver of grace).

Doctrine

A doctrine is a fundamental teaching or a set of core beliefs within a religion that guides its followers.

Creed

A creed is a formal statement of the core beliefs and doctrines of a particular religion, often recited in worship to unify the community and ensure doctrinal consistency.

Biblical Evidence of the Trinity

The word 'Trinity' never appears in the Bible, but the idea is revealed.

Arius

Arius argued Jesus was not equal to God and was only of similar substance (homoiousios).

Athanasius & Alexander

They argued Jesus is fully God and of the same substance (homoousios) as the Father.

Council of Nicaea

Declared Jesus is consubstantial (homoousios) → of the same substance as the Father.

Council of Constantinople

Declared the Holy Spirit is also fully God.

Creation ex nihilo

Creation ex nihilo means 'out of nothing' (only God can create).

Genesis 1:1

'In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.'

John 1:1-3

'The Word… all things were made through him.'

Genesis 1:2

'The Spirit of God was moving over the waters.'

The Fall

Adam and Eve disobey → Original Sin enters the world.

Literalists

Literalists believe in a 7-day creation, word-for-word truth.

Liberal Christians

Liberal Christians interpret the creation story as having symbolic/mythical meaning.

Catholics' View on Creation

Catholics believe science (Big Bang, evolution) explains how, while Genesis explains why.

God as Creator

Reveals God's characteristic of creating the world, as shown in Genesis 1: 'Let there be light.'

God as Benevolent

Shows that God made a good world for us, as indicated in Genesis 1: 'God saw the light was good.'

God as Omnipotent

Demonstrates God's all-powerful nature, as seen in Genesis 1: 'Let the waters be gathered … and the dry land disappear.'

God as Eternal

Indicates that Jesus Christ has always existed, as stated in John 1: 'in the beginning was the Word.'

Humanity in the Image of God (imago Dei)

Humans are rational, capable of knowledge, have free will, and can form a relationship with God.

Dominion

Responsibility given to humans over creation, as referenced in Genesis 1:26: 'Let them have dominion over… every living thing.'

Stewardship

The act of caring for creation for future generations, rather than exploiting it.

Catholic Belief on Creation

Creation is good because it reflects God; humans are stewards, not owners of creation.

The Incarnation

The belief that God became human in Jesus, who is fully God and fully man.

Biblical Basis for the Incarnation

John 1 states: 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.'

Importance of the Incarnation for Catholics

Demonstrates God's love and forms the basis for salvation through Jesus.

The Paschal Mystery

Refers to the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.

Meaning of 'Paschal'

'Paschal' comes from Passover, symbolizing freedom from sin and death through Jesus.

The Last Supper

Jesus shares bread and wine, establishing the Eucharist and symbolizing his sacrifice.

The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

Judas betrays Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, illustrating human sin and obedience.

The Trial of Jesus

Jesus is condemned for blasphemy and shows perfect obedience by remaining silent.

The Crucifixion

Jesus dies on the cross, and his death atones for sin, restoring the relationship with God.

The Resurrection

On the third day, Jesus rises from the dead, proving his divinity and victory over sin.

The Ascension

Jesus is taken into heaven, where he reigns with the Father and sends the Holy Spirit.

Significance of the Paschal Mystery

Reveals how salvation is achieved and restores humanity's relationship with God.

Salvation

Being saved from sin and separation from God, achieved through Jesus' obedience and death.

Grace

The free and undeserved gift of God's love. Enables Catholics to live in friendship with God. Received through the Sacraments, especially Baptism and Eucharist.

Eschatology

The study of end times. Refers both to what happens after death and to the final end of the world.

Particular Judgement

An immediate judgement by God that each soul faces at death.

Final Judgement

The judgement that occurs at the end of time when Christ returns and all will be raised.

Resurrection of the Body

The belief in a bodily resurrection, where the body will be transformed into a new, glorified form.

Heaven

Eternal union with God; free from suffering and sin.

Hell

Eternal separation from God for those who freely reject him.

Purgatory

A state of purification for souls not yet ready for heaven, linked to prayers for the dead and Mass intentions.

Free Will

The ability to choose good or evil, affecting eternal destiny.

Catholic Belief on Life After Death

Catholics believe death is not the end but the beginning of eternal life with God.

Hope in Eternal Life

Inspires hope in eternal life and strengthens faith in God's mercy.

Moral Living

Encourages moral living and obedience to God's law.

Participation in Sacraments

Inspires participation in the sacraments and prayer for the dead.

Meaning of Suffering

Earthly life is preparation for eternity.

Jesus' Resurrection

Shows victory over death and offers eternal life to all believers.

Eternal Life

Life that continues after death with God.

Faith in Christ

Teaches that faith in Christ brings eternal life.

God's Mercy

Allows people to be cleansed of sin before eternal life.

Earthly Life

Temporary, but God has prepared an eternal home in heaven.

Clothed with Heavenly Dwelling

Believers will one day be 'clothed with their heavenly dwelling.'