[THEO] M2: Falling Inlove & The Bible

The Bible

Can be viewed as a collection of narratives that tell stories not just about history and events, but also about humanity's relationship with God. These narratives can be interpreted as a form of love story, expressing God's love for his creation and humanity's response.

Falling Inlove

It is not a conscious choice—it is a strong emotion where a person feels that the feel-good will last forever.

Love Stories in the Bible: Covenant and Relationship

The concept of covenant, a binding agreement between God and his people, forms a core theme throughout the Bible. This covenant establishes a loving relationship with God, with promises of faithfulness and blessings (Exod. 19:5-6).

Love Stories in the Bible: Redemption and Sacrifice

Stories like the Exodus narrative depict God's act of rescuing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, demonstrating his love and commitment to his people (Exod. 14). Similarly, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross can be seen as an ultimate expression of God's love for humanity (John 3:16).

Love Stories in the Bible: Restoration and Renewal

The Bible also tells stories of God's forgiveness and restoration after humanity's failings. This can be seen in narratives like Hosea's marriage to a promiscuous wife, reflecting God's unwavering love despite human infidelity (Hosea 1-3).

The Ultimate Expression of Love: Jesus Christ

The central figure of Jesus Christ embodies God's love in human form (John 3:16). His teachings emphasize love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39).

The Ultimate Expression of Love: Jesus' Sacrifice

Jesus' sacrifice on the cross represents the ultimate act of love, offering redemption for humanity's sin (Romans 5:8).

Falling in Love

May result to something disastrous just like the Filipino saying, “para kang kumuha ng bato para ipukpok mo sa iyong ulo!”

Staying in Love

Not the same with falling in love because staying in love requires deciding and willingness to commit. They further emphasized that love is not only pakiramdam but also paninindigan.

The Language of Love

The language that is being used to expound love is another constant concept. Language can express love in a poetic or symbolic manner describing love in a deeper and meaningful way.

Blaise Pascal

“the heart has reasons unknown to reason.”

Antoine Saint Exupery

“What is essential is invisible to the eye. It is only with the heart that one sees rightly.”

Chapman (1992)

Explained that to understand love and the person you love, you must know each other’s love languages.

Unconditional Love

Examples of Love in the Bible: God’s Love – Romans 5:8 describes God's love for us even when we don't deserve it.

Sacrificial Love

Examples of Love in the Bible: God’s Love – John 3:16 highlights God's ultimate act of love in sacrificing his son, Jesus.

Faithful Love

Examples of Love in the Bible: God’s Love – Deuteronomy 7:9 emphasizes God's enduring love for his people.

Marital Love

Examples of Love in the Bible: Human Love – The Song of Solomon is a poetic expression of romantic love.

Familial Love

Examples of Love in the Bible: Human Love – Stories like Ruth and Naomi showcase devotion and loyalty within families.

Friendship

Examples of Love in the Bible: Human Love – David and Jonathan's bond in 1 Samuel 18 exemplifies strong friendship.

Parallels to Love Languages

Some biblical concepts align with the five love languages proposed by Dr. Chapman

Words of Affirmation

Verses that express encouragement, praise, and blessings can be seen as acts of love through words (Proverbs 10:12).

Acts of Service

Helping others in need aligns with showing love through actions(Matthew 25:35-40).

Receiving Gifts

Giving of gifts can symbolize love and care (Matthew 2:11).

Quality Time

Spending focused time with someone demonstrate love and prioritizing the relationship (Mark 6:31).

Physical Touch

Appropriate expressions like hugs or pats can express love and affection (Romans 16:16).

Love is a Commandment

Jesus emphasizes loving God and others as the greatest commandments (Mark 12:30-31).

Love is Universal

Extending love to everyone, including enemies (Matthew 5:44).

Love is Action

Demonstrated not just through words but through actions and sacrifice (1 John 3:18).

The BIBLE is a faith-book

A Catechism of the Bible: An Introduction –The BIBLE is a _____, written by and for believers, an encounter with & experience of God.

The BIBLE is an account of life

A Catechism of the Bible: An Introduction –The BIBLE is ______, preserved in memory, turned into a text. It records events seen as designed and influenced by God.

The BIBLE is an event of community

A Catechism of the Bible: An Introduction –The BIBLE is an ______: Narratives, Genealogies, Laws/Codes, Prophetic oracles, Poetry, Epistles, Apocalypses, Sayings, Biographical sketches.

Nihil Obstat

How to distinguish Catholic books from others: “nothing hinders”​ Given by a Censor Liborum, it is an attestation a book contains nothing damaging to faith or morals.​

Imprimatur

How to distinguish Catholic books from others: “let it be printed”​ Given by the author’s diocesan bishop or the bishop of the place in which the book is published.

Imprimi Potest

How to distinguish Catholic books from others: “it may be printed”​ Given by the major religious superior if the author is a member of a religious congregation.​

Byblos

papyrus

Biblion

scroll, book ; ​(plural – biblia)​

codex

Later on, people discovered that sheets of papyrus can be put on top of each other folded in the middle, and bound, resulting in an easy-to-use book called a ______.

biblia

Latin-speaking Christians then borrowed the term _____ but treated it ​ as a singular noun.​

bibliotheca divina (divine library)​

Jerome used the term ________ Library of Books​.

“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ.”​

They say that if we know nothing about the Bible then we are ignorant about our faith as Christians. 

Sacred Scripture

Latin word scriber = inscribed in papyrus by the Scribes. It is 100% Word of God and 100% Word of Man, written by men through inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

• The Bible is the Word ABOUT God.

• The Bible is the Word FROM God.

• The Bible is the Word BY God.

The Richness of the “Word” of God – (3)

JESUS, the WORD OF GOD, is himself THE MESSAGE of GOD to humankind.

Difference of the Christian Bible

(2)

Books in the Bible – Hebrew Bible = Old Testament; Christian Bible = New Testament.

Testament

means covenant: solemn agreement between God and Israel fulfilled and universalized by Jesus Christ.

Proto-Canonical Books

Books of the Bible: 66 books = 39 Hebrew Bible + 27 New Testament.

Deutero-Canonical Books

Books of the Bible: 73 books = 46 Hebrew Bible + 27 New Testament.

Protocanonical

Always received by Christendom without dispute.

Deuterocanonical

Contested in some quarters, later secured in Catholic Church; called “Apocrypha” by Protestants.

Pentateuch (5 Books of Moses)

The Catholic Bible: The Old Testament (46 Books) – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. Foundation of faith, covenant, laws, Israel’s journey.

Historical Books (16 Books)

The Catholic Bible: The Old Testament (46 Books) – Joshua to 2 Maccabees. Chronicles Israel’s history; some books as biblical novellas with spiritual insights.

Wisdom Books (7 Books)

The Catholic Bible: The Old Testament (46 Books) – Job to Sirach. Filled with prayers, insights, questions about God, life, death, good, and evil.

Prophets (18 Books)

The Catholic Bible: The Old Testament (46 Books) – Isaiah to Malachi. Address social justice, God’s judgment, and hope; prophets speak God’s truth on His behalf.

Deuterocanonical Books (7 Books)

Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, 1 & 2 Maccabees. Found in Catholic Bible, not in Hebrew Bible.

Four Gospels

The Catholic Bible: The New Testament (27 Books) –Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. Narrate Jesus’ life, teachings, miracles, death, resurrection.

Acts of the Apostles

The Catholic Bible: The New Testament (27 Books) – Attributed to St. Luke, chronicles spread of Christianity.

14 Pauline Epistles

The Catholic Bible: The New Testament (27 Books) – Romans to Hebrews. Letters addressing theology, conduct, church organization.

Book of Revelation

The Catholic Bible: The New Testament (27 Books) – Attributed to St. John. Apocalyptic, depicts triumph of God over evil.

7 General Epistles

The Catholic Bible: The New Testament (27 Books) – James to Jude. Guidance and encouragement.

Ang Bible Pinoy Version

A Filipino Bible translation launched in 2023 by PBS. Uses contemporary Filipino (Taglish) to make scripture accessible, especially for young adults. Uses dynamic equivalence approach, prioritizing meaning and intent.