Light of the World Religion Notes

Adolescence

• Adolescence is a time of moral, physical, and social changes.

• During adolescence, self-image develops through feedback from family, friends/media, and experiences.

Adolescent Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-50)

• Jesus' experience reflects themes of identity, purpose, and spiritual growth relevant to modern adolescents.

• Jesus’ focus on His relationship with God highlights the importance of spiritual development.

• The narrative illustrates the universal challenges of adolescence, including self-discovery, independence, and spiritual exploration.

Self-Image

• Self-image is influenced by how others treat us.

• Parents' comments play a significant role in shaping a child’s self-image.

• During adolescence, friends become increasingly important, affecting self-image.

• Experiences, both positive and negative, impact self-image.

The Church in Malta

• Jesus established the Church on Earth, which has grown to be a shelter for those in need.

• The Church consists of lay people, priests, and those in consecrated life.

• Church organizations in Malta contribute to social services, education, cultural preservation, charity, and ethical guidance.

• Examples include Caritas, Dar tal-Providenza, Dar Merhba Bik, Youth Fellowship, and Jesuit Refugee Service.

Roles within the Church

• The Church includes lay persons, priests, and those in consecrated life.

• Lay people, priests, and those in consecrated life all serve the common good of the Church.

• Lay persons bring the Gospel into the world.

• Priests ensure the sacramental life of the Church.

• Those in consecrated life offer a witness of total devotion to God.

Notion of the Church

• The Church is the community of believers called by God.

• I It’s both a visible institution and a spiritual reality.

• The Church continues Christ’s work through worship, service, and evangelization.

• Perceptions vary based on cultural and social contexts; it faces credibility challenges but remains a vibrant institution in some regions.

Marks of the Church

• The four marks/traits of the Catholic Church are One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic.

  • One: United in the Body through the Holy Spirit.

  • Holy: Shares in Christ’s holiness.

  • Catholic: Universal, carrying the Gospel to all nations.

  • Apostolic: Traces origin back to the Apostles.

The Holy Spirit

• The Holy Trinity is made up of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

• The Holy Spirit gives life to the Body of Christ.

• The Holy Spirit equips individuals with spiritual gifts, fosters unity, and guides believers.

Atheism

• Atheists reject God and do not believe.

• Arguments for atheism include the impossibility of scientifically proving God’s existence and the existence of suffering.

• Christian responses include the mathematical perfection of the Universe and the acceptance of suffering as a way of growing closer to God.

Euthanasia and Suicide

• Euthanasia (ending a suffering person’s life) and suicide (ending one’s own life) are seen by some as ways to end suffering.

• Types of euthanasia: Voluntary, Non-voluntary, and Involuntary.

• The Church teaches that both euthanasia and suicide break the fifth Commandment.

Suffering

• Suffering is the experience of pain, distress, or hardship.

• Scriptural episodes for contemplation:

  • Mark 15:20-34 (Jesus’ crucifixion)

  • Mark 14:32-42 (Gethsemane)

Laudato Si’

• Encyclical by Pope Francis on the care for our common home.

• Advocates for a holistic approach to environmental care.

• Key points include the interconnectedness of creation, human responsibility, the “throwaway culture”, and global solidarity.