BEING A HUMAN PERSON IN CHRIST_clved4_lesson1_q1

Being a Human Person in Christ

Introduction

  • Key questions about the moral life and the human person.

  • Importance of understanding human nature through reason and faith.

Genesis 1:26-27

  • God created mankind in His image and likeness.

  • Mankind's role: to rule over creation (fish, birds, livestock, wild animals).

The Human Person as a Moral Agent

  • Human persons are central to moral life.

  • Understanding of human dignity through reason and Christian faith, centered on Jesus Christ.

The Christian Perspective

  • Full awareness of human dignity is found in Christ.

  • Through Christ, humanity understands existence and worth.

Essential Dignity Based on Origin, Meaning, and Destiny

  • All persons created by God in His image through Jesus Christ.

  • All are redeemed by Christ's blood and sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

  • Call to be children of God, destined for eternal life.

Love and Existence

Reasons for Existence

  1. Came into Existence through Love

    • God created humans to share His goodness.

    • Humans are not slaves; they were created to experience God's love.

  2. Born through Love

    • Love between spouses is essential for procreation.

    • Children are created out of love.

  3. Become Truly Human through Love

    • Love is intrinsic to human nature.

    • Acting contrary to love is acting against our nature.

Dignity of the Human Person

Created in God's Image

  • Doctrine of Imago Dei: humans bear God's image and likeness.

  • Attributes:

    • Spiritual and Immortal Soul: Created by God, not a product of generation.

    • Intellect and Reason: Ability to think and improve.

    • Freedom and Free Will: Capacity for self-determination and moral choice.

The Misconception of Dignity

  • Dignity is not solely based on abilities; even those unable to think or choose have dignity.

  • Infants and those with disabilities retain their status as images of God.

Integral Nature of Persons

  • Humans are a unity of body and soul.

  • Our actions reflect the goodness and love of God.

Redemption and Sanctification

In Christ

  • Through Christ, the divine image is restored.

  • Purposes of Christ's incarnation:

    • Salvation from sin.

    • Revelation of God’s love.

    • Model for living a holy life.

Role of the Holy Spirit

  • The Holy Spirit sanctifies through baptism and dwells in each person.

  • Encourages love, truth, and service to others.

Children of God

  • Christ's incarnation allows us to call God 'Father'.

  • Elevation of dignity through divine sonship.

Destiny of Eternal Life

  • Humans are called to a fullness of life beyond earthly existence.

  • Our ultimate dignity lies in our eternal communion with God.

Nature of the Human Person Based on Experience

Key Characteristics

  1. Open and Relational

    • Growth through relationships.

    • Created as social beings.

  2. Conscious Beings

    • Awareness of self through actions.

    • Self-awareness through knowledge and choices.

  3. Embodied Spirits

    • Unity of body and soul; both are good and honorable.

    • Body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.

  4. Historical Realities

    • Individuals with past, present, and future.

    • Journey towards a common destiny with God.

  5. Unique, Yet Equal

    • All possess the same dignity despite differences.

    • Equality based on rational soul and divine creation.