Church and Individualism

Questions and Answers

When does individualism become a problem?

When it drives people apart from one another.

What are two problems with consumerism?

1 - makes you want more than you need; 2 - fosters an upgrading mentality.

From a consumer's perspective, can become a kind of product to be consumed with little thought of its connectedness to its and doctrine or to . Further, worship, prayer, and can be subtly transformed into a religious and not a communal religious practice and of beliefs that bind people together.

religion; tradition; faith; community; product; system.

Write St. Paul's passage from 1 Corinthians 12:12 here:

"As a body is one though it has many parts, and all parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ." Signup and view all the answers

True or False? The word 'church' literally means structure and construction.

False Signup and view all the answers

To understand the Church one must look to her origin in the . This means that the creation of was always part of God's plan which continues to be carried out in . He created the world intending that everyone live in with him and one another.

Holy Trinity's plan; humankind; eternal; history; loving; relationship. Signup and view all the answers

Define each of the two abilities with which God endowed the first humans.

1 - Intellect: an ability to ask questions, to wonder, and to learn; 2 - Free will: the power to make choices with the possibility that they could love God and one another. Signup and view all the answers

What is Protoevangelium? Write the passage here.

"first Gospel"; "but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right." Acts 10:35. Signup and view all the answers

When did the remote preparation of the Church begin, and when did the immediate preparation begin?

Remote: when God called Abraham and promised that he would be 'father of a host of nations'; Immediate: God's covenant with the Israelites at Mount Sinai. Signup and view all the answers

True or False? The Hebrew word hesed refers to God's faithful love for the people of Israel.

True Signup and view all the answers

What was unique about the dictates of Hebrew Law regarding the care for one another?

The responsibility for the well-being of the vulnerable in the community be shared by all people, and not just those in leadership. Signup and view all the answers

Israel's history was characterized by and sinfulness. disputes led to the division of the into two kingdoms, and the ensuing years were marked by to God and ignorance of the needs of the . Consequently, both kingdoms were plunged into __.

division; Political; Chosen; People; infidelity; poor; exile. Signup and view all the answers

What was God's response to these abuses?

God sent prophets to both warn the people of their sinfulness and to announce a new and eternal covenant. Signup and view all the answers

What is the message of the Book of Jonah?

God's compassion is not limited to Israel; it extends to all who are open to the call of repentance. Signup and view all the answers

True or False? In the Old Testament, God acts over and over to form a people who are chosen because of their own merit and not simply because of his compassion and love for them.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the Paschal Mystery?

Jesus' Passion, Death, Resurrection, and glorious Ascension. Signup and view all the answers

What are two ways of thinking about the Kingdom of God?

1 - 'the world as God would have it to be'; 2 - the Kingdom of God is in a state of 'already, not yet'. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Romans consider Jesus a threat? Why did some Jewish leaders find him a threat?

Romans thought he would destabilize their hold in the region; Jewish leaders saw Jesus' message as a threat to their own religious authority. Signup and view all the answers

By choosing to go to the Cross, Jesus demonstrated the breadth and depth of the for his people. Jesus was crucified to for human sinfulness. However, the Resurrection reveals that God's love over the power of death and that the God of , Isaac, Jacob is a God of the __ not of the dead.

Jesus; Father's; love; atone; triumphs; Abraham; living. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Individualism and Consumerism

Individualism can lead to division and separation among people within a community.
Consumerism creates a desire for excess and fosters an upgrading mentality, detracting from authentic connections.

Religion as a Product

From a consumer's view, religion may be seen as a product, detached from its community, beliefs, and doctrine.
Religious practices like worship and prayer can shift from communal expressions to mere individual experiences.

St. Paul’s Teaching

St. Paul emphasized unity in diversity: "As a body is one though it has many parts...so also Christ."

Definition of Church

The term "church" translates to a gathering or assembly, not merely a physical structure.

Origin of the Church

Understanding the Church requires examining its origins in God's Holy Trinity's plan.
The establishment of humankind was always intended as part of God's eternal plan, fostering loving relationships.

Human Abilities

Humans were created in God's image, endowed with:
- Intellect: the ability to question, seek knowledge, and learn.
- Free will: the capacity to make choices that reflect love for God and others.

Protoevangelium

Protoevangelium refers to the "first Gospel," presenting God's promise of inclusion and righteousness: "but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right." (Acts 10:35)

Preparation for the Church

Remote preparation began with God's call to Abraham, promising him as the "father of a host of nations."
Immediate preparation was seen with God's covenant at Mount Sinai with the Israelites.

God's Faithful Love

The Hebrew term hesed represents God's unwavering love for the people of Israel.

Hebrew Law's Unique Approach

Hebrew Law imposed a communal responsibility for the well-being of the vulnerable, emphasizing shared care across the community.

Israel's Historical Challenges

Israel's narrative is marked by division and sinfulness, leading to political disputes, infidelity to God, and neglect of the poor, resulting in exile.

Role of Prophets

God appointed prophets to warn Israel of their transgressions and to announce the promise of a new and eternal covenant.

Message of the Book of Jonah

The Book of Jonah conveys God's compassion is universal, extending beyond Israel to all who seek repentance.

God's Choice and Compassion

God’s selection of a people in the Old Testament stems from divine compassion and love, rather than merit or deservingness.

Paschal Mystery

The Paschal Mystery encompasses Jesus' Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension, central to Christian faith.

Kingdom of God

The Kingdom of God reflects "the world as God desires it," characterized by an "already, not yet" dynamic—realized but not fully manifested.

Perception of Threat

Romans perceived Jesus as a threat to their regional authority, fearing he would destabilize their governance.
Jewish leaders viewed Jesus' teachings as a challenge to their religious authority.

Jesus’ Sacrifice and Victory

By choosing the Cross, Jesus illustrated the profound love of the Father and offered atonement for humanity's sins.
The Resurrection signifies that God's love prevails over death, affirming that He is a God of the living, not the dead.

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Description

Explore the dynamics of individualism and consumerism in relation to the concept of the Church. This quiz addresses St. Paul's teachings on unity and the true meaning of community in religious practices. Delve into the origins and definitions that shape our understanding of church and its purpose.