8th Grade Study Guide

Part 1 — Key Terms

Kingdom of God — is God’s reign, or rule, over all things. Christ brought it to earth when He established the Church.
Answer: Kingdom of God
Charity — is self-giving love. It is the Theological Virtue by which we love God above all things for His own sake and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.
Answer: Charity
Society — is a group of people that are united by a common purpose that transcends, or is greater than, each of them individually.
Answer: Society
The common good — is the sum total of social conditions that allow people—both as individuals and groups—to live as they ought to live more fully and easily.
Answer: The common good
Chastity — is the moral virtue that helps us manage our desires for bodily and spiritual pleasure in the way that God intends it. It especially involves self-mastery of sexual feelings.
Answer: Chastity
Trinity — is the Christian mystery revealed to us by God that He is three Persons in One God: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Answer: Trinity
The soul — is the innermost part of a person. It gives life to a body.
Answer: The soul
Solidarity — is a direct demand of Christian brotherhood, because of which we care for our fellow Christians and share their burdens.
Answer: Solidarity
Agapé — is sacrificial or self-giving love. It is the highest form of love, the love God has for us and that He calls us to.
Answer: Agapé

Part 2 — Human Dignity, Soul and Society

1. Do all human beings possess equal dignity? Explain your answer.

Yes, I think this because every person is created in the image of God. It does not depend on a person’s age, abilities, or status.

2. Why does Catholic teaching reject the idea that some people are born with less dignity than others?

Catholic teaching rejects the idea that some people are born with less dignity than others because every human life is sacred and each person is created in the image and likeness of God.

3. When does a human person cease being a person?

They say the soul and consciousness may continue even when the brain is no longer functioning normally.

4. Is it true experiences that people have reported during a near-death experience?

People have reported leaving their body, seeing a bright light or going through a tunnel, and meeting deceased loved ones or spiritual beings.

5. What is terminal lucidity, and why may it be evidence that the soul is not merely physical?

Terminal lucidity is when a person who was mentally impaired suddenly becomes clear and alert shortly before death. It may mean the mind or soul is more than a physical brain.

6. Why is government necessary for human society?

Government is necessary to maintain order, protect people’s rights, enforce justice, and the common good.

7. What is the only legitimate purpose of government?

The only legitimate purpose of government is to promote the common good.

8. Are citizens morally required to obey an unjust law? Explain.

No, people are not morally required to obey an unjust law because they are not morally bound to obey laws that go against God’s law and human dignity.

9. Why are society and community part of human nature?

Humans are naturally social because we need other people for relationships, support, and to grow as people.

10. Why are all human beings called to participate in society?

They are called to participate in society because everyone has a responsibility to use their gifts and abilities to help others and contribute to the common good.

Part 3 — Love, Family and Christian Life

1. Why is love of neighbor inseparable from love of God?

This is because Jesus teaches us to love God and love our neighbors. When we truly love God, we should also share that love with others.

2. Is chastity only for married people? Explain who is called to practice chastity.

No. Everyone is called to practice chastity. Married people, single people, and those called to religious life all practice chastity.

3. What happened to the widow’s flour and oil after she gave Elijah food and drink?

The flour and oil did not run out. God provided enough for her and her household during the famine.

4. According to Pope St. John Paul II, for a family to be a family…

According to Pope St. John Paul II, for a family to be a family, each member has to become in a special way,the servant of the others.

5. Why did God send a son when St. Benedict planned to leave?

God sent a sign when St. Benedict planned to leave because He wanted him to stay with her so she wouldn’t be alone.

6. Give one healthy example and one way it can become disordered.

Eros refers to a passion or desire. Example: wanting to be close to someone. God desires us to use our desires for good.

7. Why is giving a warm blanket to a homeless person an example of eros? What type of love does this show?

Giving a warm blanket to a homeless person is an example of love because it is not a passion or desire; it is agape because it is selfless love and caring for someone in need.

The Body of Christ, Solidarity and the Holy Spirit

1. Who are the members of the Body of Christ?

The members of the Body of Christ are baptized Christian’s who believe in God which is us. We are all connected like parts of one body.

2. What does it mean for everyone to share spiritual goods?

Everyone can practice solidarity and participate in sharing spiritual goods, like prayers and penance.

3. Why is walking in nature not, by itself, an act of solidarity?

Walking in nature is not an act of solidarity because God wants us to all be together as a society.

4. What does Jesus tell His disciples to do if they love Him?

Jesus tells His disciples to make sacrifices and offer themselves to help their fellow Christians, to keep His commandments, and to love one another.

5. Who is the Advocate promised by Jesus?

The Advocate promised by Jesus is the Holy Spirit.

6. When did Jesus promise the Advocate to His disciples?

He promised the Advocate at the Last Supper.

7. According to Jesus, who cannot accept the Holy Spirit?

People who cannot receive the Holy Spirit are those who do not believe in or accept God.

8. Is the Kingdom of God present on earth? Explain how it is present.

Yes, the Kingdom of God is present on earth through Jesus, the Church, the sacraments, and people who live according to God’s will.

Part 5 — Extended Response

1. What are some ways you and your family can practice solidarity with one another and with all Christians? Give at least three specific examples.

Some ways my family and I can practice solidarity with one another is by helping each other when someone is in need, praying for others, sharing what we have, helping the less fortunate, and volunteering for our community.