Values, Critical Thinking & Christian Eschatology - Review Notes

Anagram-Derived Core Values

  • Compassion

  • Responsibility

  • Integrity

  • Tolerance

  • Hard Work

  • Simplicity

  • Humility

  • Service

  • Friendship

  • Faith

Personal Values & Self-Awareness

  • Worth-Keeping: Christ’s redemptive death affirms human value

  • Saved from Sin: continual divine mercy

  • Destined for Heaven: path already prepared

  • Learning targets: identify values, realize their influence, apply critical thinking in belief analysis

Parable of the Wheat & Tares

  • Field = world; coexistence of good & evil

  • Wheat/Tares = righteous/wicked lives

  • Lessons:
    • Accept coexistence of good & evil
    • Exercise patience and just judgment
    • Practice discernment through calm reflection & prayer
    • Prepare for final judgment by value-aligned choices

Critical Thinking Essentials

  • Definition: disciplined analysis to make informed, reasonable decisions

  • Key functions:
    • Enhance problem-solving
    • Avoid impulsive choices; pause & reflect
    • Evaluate information reliability; detect “fake news”
    • Use pros–cons to raise decision quality
    • Foster open, respectful communication & collaboration

Christian Eschatology ("Last Things")

  • Return of Christ (Parousia); Mt 24:30,  Acts 1:11\text{Mt 24:30},\;\text{Acts 1:11}

  • Resurrection of all dead; glorified bodies reunited with souls; Jn 5:28-29\text{Jn 5:28-29}

  • Final Judgment; eternal life or punishment; Mt 25:31-46\text{Mt 25:31-46}

  • Hope of Eternal Life in God’s presence; Jn 3:16\text{Jn 3:16}

  • Renewal of Creation: new heaven & earth; Rv 21:1-5\text{Rv 21:1-5}

Hope & Values

  • Hope centers on resurrection, Christ’s return, sin-free creation, eternal life

  • Individual values (Schwartz) shape perception & response to this hope

  • Combine faith with reason: discern, pray, act on salvation message; seek justice & peace

Quick Reminders

  • Quote: “Education ≈ training the mind to think” (Einstein)

  • Journal: draft 55–66 sentences on key learning

  • Assignment: read St. Augustine of Hippo; prepare for Quiz #1 ( 2020 pts )