Chapter 1: God's Original Plan — Key Points

Original Sin and Its Ripple Effect

  • Sin originates from Adam and Eve's disobedience; its effects spread.

  • Original Sin weakens human nature, leading to concupiscence (tendency to sin).

Salvation History

  • Salvation history is the pattern of God's saving actions and revelation.

  • The Bible shows God's consistent presence despite human unfaithfulness, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Consequences of Sin

  • Sin results in loss of unity, harmony, justice, and damaged relationships.

  • The first parents lost original holiness and justice, disrupting their union with God.

  • Humanity lacks the intended freedom and holiness, with a distorted, self-centered outlook.

God

’s Plan and the Good News

  • Sin does not triumph; God's love offers eternal life through his Son (John 3:16).

  • God cared for Adam, Eve, and Cain.

  • The course focuses on studying God's revelation, love, and salvation plan through the Bible, particularly fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ: The Way, The Truth, The Life

  • Jesus declared: "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).

The Bible and Interpretation

  • The Bible guides understanding God's revelation, love, and salvation history.

  • Focus on the Bible's origin, interpretation of its stories, and teachings, especially the Old Testament's meaning today and the New Testament's revelation of God's plan in Jesus.

Key Terms

  • concupiscence: the tendency toward sin as a result of Original Sin.

  • salvation history: pattern of God's saving actions across history.

  • original holiness and justice: the state intended for humanity before sin.

  • canonization: the act by which the Church officially recognizes a deceased Catholic as a saint.

Saint Damien of Molokai

  • Belgian priest who volunteered to serve and care for leprosy patients on Kalaupapa, Hawaii.

  • Died in 1889; canonized in 2009.

Reflection Prompt

  • Describe a time when you witnessed one sin leading to other sins.