Comprehensive Study Guide for Scripture, Scripture, Faith, and Moral Development

Unit 1: Scripture and Jesus

The Bible and Christian Scriptures
- The Canon of Scripture: This term refers to the complete and official list of sacred books contained within the Bible.
- Translations: The course and Canadian Catholic liturgical use specifically approve the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible.
- New Testament Authorship: St. Paul is credited with writing the majority of the letters found in the New Testament.
- Inspiration and Inerrancy: The Bible is understood to be "inspired" by God and "inerrant" in matters of faith and salvation.
The Four Gospels
- The Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as synoptic Gospels because they share a similar vision of the life and teachings of Jesus and can be "seen together."
- Gospel of Mark:
  - Themes: Represents Jesus as the "Suffering Savior" to Christians in Rome.
  - Structure:
    - Introduction: John the Baptist and Jesus ( $1:1-15$ ).
    - Early Ministry: Healing and preaching to Jews in Galilee ( $1:16-6:52$ ).
    - Expanded Ministry: Outside Galilee to non-Jews ( $6:53-8:21$ ).
    - Central Section: Jesus and disciples "On the Way" to Jerusalem ( $8:22-10:52$ ). This includes three passion predictions ( $8:31; 9:31; 10:32-34$ ) framed by two healings of blind men.
    - Final Ministry: Jerusalem, including the Apocalyptic Discourse ( $11:1-13:37$ ).
    - Passion Narrative: Last Supper, trials, and crucifixion ( $14:1-15:47$ ).
    - Conclusion: Report of the Empty Tomb ( $16:1-8$ ).
  - Unique Material: The introductory verse ( $1:1$ ); Jesus' family coming for Him ( $3:19b-21$ ); Parable of the Seed Growing of Itself ( $4:26-29$ ); Deaf man in Decapolis ( $7:31-37$ ); Blind man of Bethsaida ( $8:22-26$ ); and the young man running away after Jesus' arrest ( $14:51-52$ ).
- Gospel of Matthew:
  - Themes: Represents Jesus as the "Teaching Savior" for the Jewish people.
  - Structure: Organized into a Genealogy/Infancy narrative, followed by five major discourses (Sermon on the Mount, Missionary Instructions, Parables, Community Instructions, and Eschatology).
  - Unique Material: The Infancy Narrative ( $1:18-2:23$ ); numerous teachings in the Sermon on the Mount ( $5:17-43; 6:1-19$ ); Parable of the Weeds ( $13:24-30$ ); Peter walking on water ( $14:28-31$ ); and the Great Commission ( $28:16-20$ ).
- Gospel of Luke:
  - Themes: Represents Jesus as the "Compassionate Savior" for the Gentiles.
  - Structure: Includes a Literary Preface, Infancy Narrative, Galilean Ministry, a long Journey to Jerusalem, Jerusalem Ministry, Passion Narrative, and Resurrection/Ascension.
  - Unique Material: The census ( $2:1-5$ ); the Boy Jesus in the Temple ( $2:41-52$ ); Parable of the Good Samaritan ( $10:25-37$ ); and the Walk to Emmaus ( $24:13-35$ ).
- Gospel of John:
  - Themes: Represents Jesus as the "Life-Giving Savior" for all people; uses high-level language and symbolic imagery.
  - Structure:
    - Prologue: The Logos Hymn ( $1:1-18$ ).
    - The Book of Signs: Seven miracles including Wedding at Cana and Raising of Lazarus ( $1:19-12:50$ ).
    - The Book of Glory: Foot washing, Farewell Discourses, Passion, and Resurrection ( $13:1-20:31$ ).
    - Epilogue: Appearance at the Sea of Tiberias ( $21:1-25$ ).
Acts of the Apostles and the Early Church
- Author: Written by the evangelist Luke.
- Purpose: Traces the spread of Christianity from Jewish origins in Jerusalem to a worldwide status, ending in Rome.
- Key Events:
  - Pentecost: The Holy Spirit descends, empowering disciples to carry the faith beyond their own communities.
  - Early Community Life: Believers lived in solidarity, selling possessions and redistributing profits so there was no needy person among them ( $Acts 2:37-47, 4:32-37$ ).
Exegesis and Interpretation
- Definition: Father Felix Just, S.J. defines exegesis as the "careful investigation of the original meaning of texts in their historical and literary contexts."
- Contextual vs. Literal: Literal reading looks only at the words; contextual reading considers the author's intention, social conditions, and cultural symbols. For example, in the Parable of the Lost Sheep, a literal view is about livestock, while a contextual view is about God's risk-taking love for sinners.
The Paschal Mystery and Covenants
- Paschal Mystery: Refers to the Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus.
- Covenant: A sacred agreement based on promises and responsibilities. The scriptural phrase is: "I will be their God, and they shall be my people" ( $Jer 31:33$ ).
- New Covenant: Instituted in the person of Christ, fulfilling the Old Covenant made with the Jews. It is an eternal agreement destined for heaven.
Discipleship and Parables
- Etymology: The word "disciple" comes from "discipline." Discipleship involves following, discipline, and belief.
- Radical Table Fellowship: Jesus defied social ranks by inviting the poor, sinners, and outcasts to the "banquet" of the Kingdom.
- Parable Themes:
  1. Description of the King (God's nature).
  2. Kingdom Responses (how to act).
  3. Relationship with Neighbors.
  4. Fulfillment of the Kingdom (the future).
- Miracle Types:
  1. Healing (physical suffering).
  2. Exorcisms (evil spirits).
  3. Restoration of Life (after death).
  4. Nature Miracles (control over forces).

Unit 2: Profession of Faith

Faith and Revelation
- The Trinity: Catholics believe in ONE God in three distinguishable yet inseparable persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- The Incarnation: Jesus is the incarnation of the Son, the second person of the Trinity.
- Revelation: God communicates with humankind in stages (Creation, Covenants, Prophets), reaching completion in Jesus.
Titles for Jesus
- Jesus: Means "God saves."
- Christ: Means "Anointed One" or "Messiah."
- Son of God: Signifies a unique, eternal relationship with the Father.
- Lord: Indicates divine sovereignty.
The Christian Creeds
- Apostles' Creed: A summary of the faith of the apostles, used in the Rosary and child Baptism.
- Nicene Creed: Developed at the Council of Nicaea ( $325$ CE) and Constantinople ( $381$ CE); more detailed and used at Sunday Mass.
- Key Concept: Consubstantial with the Father (of the same substance).
Mary, Mother of God
- Role: First disciple and greatest saint. Her "Yes" (Fiat) allowed for the salvation plan.
- Immaculate Conception: The belief that Mary was preserved from Original Sin from the moment of her conception.
- Perpetual Virginity: Mary remained a virgin throughout her life.
Holy Spirit: Metanoia and Gifts
- Metanoia: A Greek word for a "transformative change of heart," turning from selfishness to God.
- Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe).
- Twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Generosity, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Modesty, Self-control, and Chastity.
Personhood and Dignity
- Image of God: Humans are created in God's image ( $Imago Dei$ ), giving them inherent dignity.
- Seven Traits of a Human: Humans are created in God's image, called to happiness/holiness, rational and free, moral beings, possess passions/feelings, have a conscience, and are able to sin.

Unit 3: Prayer and Sacramental Life

Definitions of Prayer
- Personal Prayer: promotion of a living relationship as children of God.
- Community Prayer: Devotions like the Rosary or Stations of the Cross.
- Liturgical Prayer: Official public prayer of the Church, with the Eucharist as its "fount and apex."
Sacraments and Symbolism
- Sacrament: An efficacious sign of grace instituted by Christ. The number was fixed at seven during the Fourth Lateran Council in $1215$ .
- Sign: An object representing one thing (e.g., a green light).
- Symbol: An object with multiple layers of meaning (e.g., water representing life or cleansing).
- Sacramentals: Objects or actions (like holy water or blessings) that assist spiritual life but are not sacraments themselves.
Divine Reading (Lectio Divina)
1. Lectio: Sacred reading.
2. Meditatio: Meditation/reflection.
3. Oratio: Prayer (speaking to God).
Anointing of the Sick
- Administered to those weak due to age or illness.
- Involves anointing the forehead with blessed oil.
- Aims to strengthen the body and soul and unite the sick person to Christ's Passion.

Unit 4: Family Life

Relationship Standards (7 Signs of Healthy Relationships)
1. Mutual Respect: Showing kindness, care, and consideration.
2. Trust: Feeling safe to share feelings without ridicule.
3. Honesty: Telling the truth with care and a gentle tone.
4. Support: Encouraging each other and offering help.
5. Fairness/Equity: Respecting boundaries and limitations.
6. Separate Identities: Encouraging individual interests.
7. Good Communication: Establishing rules for talking and listening.
Conflict and Restorative Justice
- Conflict vs. Bullying: Conflict involves a balanced power dynamic; bullying involves a power imbalance where the victim feels unable to defend themselves.
- Talking Circles: Structures where a "talking piece" ensures everyone has a turn to speak and listen.
- Restorative Questions: What happened? What were you thinking? What were you feeling? What have you thought about since? What do you need to make things right?
Human Sexuality
- Chastity: A virtue and positive force that allows a person to be in charge of their sexual feelings.
- Catholic View: Sexual intercourse is a unique sign of committed love intended exclusively for the marriage relationship.
- Exploitation: Using sexual intimacy to hold onto a relationship or satisfy passing feelings is considered exploitation, not love.
- Counter-Cultural Issues: The Church opposes pornography and sexualization because they objectify persons, violating their dignity and the commandment "Thou Shalt Not Murder" (killing the spirit).

Unit 5: Freedom, Justice, and Stewardship

Types of Justice
- Commutative Justice: Obligations between individuals (e.g., business transactions).
- Distributive Justice: What society owes individuals (e.g., access to food, shelter, and education).
- Contributive Justice: What individuals owe society (e.g., paying taxes for social programs).
- Biblical Justice: Focused on "making things right" and showing partiality to the "Anawim" (widows, orphans, strangers, and the poor).
Sin and Mercy
- Definition of Sin: An offense against reason, truth, and right conscience; a failure of love for God and neighbor.
- Mortal Sin: A grave violation ( $Ten Commandments$ ) committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent. It destroys charity in the heart.
- Venial Sin: A less serious matter that wounds but does not destroy charity.
- God's Mercy: To receive mercy, one must admit faults. St. Paul notes: "Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more."
Stewardship of the Land
- Laudato Si': Pope Francis' encyclical on environmental responsibility, emphasizing that all life is connected.
- Principles: The land belongs to God; benefits are for everyone; environmental impacts must be considered; workers should be able to own the land.
Catholic Social Teaching (CST)
- Central Message: Our faith is profoundly social; we must work for justice and peace.
- Themes: Dignity of the Human Person; Common Good; Solidarity; Stewardship; Rights and Responsibilities.