Moralistic Therapeutic Deism and Sacramentals

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Questions and Answers

What has influenced American religiosity according to Langford?

A decline in religious observation

Wider cultural and philosophical movements (correct)

Rationalism and progressive politics

Increased competition among religions

How does Langford describe the transformation of religious observation?

It maintains traditional beliefs unchanged

It has moved towards increased moralism and experientialism (correct)

It has decreased significantly

It has become more isolated

What does SBNR stand for in the context of religious transformation?

Secular beliefs but not religious

Spiritual but not religious (correct)

Sacred but not recognized

Spiritual beliefs needing revocation

What are Christians encouraged to avoid in a pluralistic society?

Arguing with others Signup and view all the answers

What does the second path of Christian formation suggest?

Christian beliefs are irrelevant Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for true interreligious dialogue according to the content?

Grounding in one's own faith tradition Signup and view all the answers

What societal element does Langford suggest has smoothed the edges of religious distinctives?

The diversity of beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What role do civic beliefs play in the context of secularization?

They endorse beliefs maintaining societal order Signup and view all the answers

What is a key misconception about grace among Catholics in the Philippines?

Grace is often seen as a commodity or special favors. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Moralistic Therapeutic Deism' refer to in the context provided?

A belief system that focuses on morality and therapeutic benefits without engagement with God. Signup and view all the answers

How is grace defined in the context of the relationship with God?

Grace is the dynamic outreach of God to humanity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of nominal Catholicism in the Philippines according to the content?

Individuals identify as Catholics without a personal relationship with God. Signup and view all the answers

What is identified as a critical factor in understanding grace more deeply?

The recognition of grace as a relational and dynamic experience. Signup and view all the answers

What is one specific aspect of grace that has been misunderstood among Catholics?

Grace can be summarized as a magic spell for favors. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the concept of grace play in relationships as described in the content?

It initiates a promise of love and connection. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the trend seen in young people's understanding of grace?

They have an impoverished notion of grace. Signup and view all the answers

What do the seven sacraments unite us to?

Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit Signup and view all the answers

How can grace be fully encountered according to Mary Catherine Hilkert?

Via the liturgy and the sacraments Signup and view all the answers

What role do sacramentals serve in the life of the Church?

They help to recognize God's grace and sanctify life Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between the seven sacraments and sacramentals?

Sacraments are instituted by Christ, while sacramentals are instituted by the Church Signup and view all the answers

What does the relationship between the gospel and grace signify?

The gospel and grace are interconnected through liturgical encounters Signup and view all the answers

Why are the celebrations of liturgy important to believers?

They nourish believers and reveal grace in daily living Signup and view all the answers

What is one purpose of sacramentals in the life of a believer?

To help recognize and encounter God's grace Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase 'visible words' in relation to sacraments?

They represent a blend of divine and human communication Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of inter-religious dialogue that is noted to be ineffective?

Aiming for a least common denominator faith. Signup and view all the answers

How do young people in the Philippines often view their relationship with God?

As a possession that reflects their personal identity. Signup and view all the answers

What term does Jayeel Cornelio use to describe the spirituality of the youth he studied?

Reflexive spirituality. Signup and view all the answers

What types of narratives are considered resources for naming grace in our lives?

Biblical stories, historical accounts, contemporary examples, and fictional tales Signup and view all the answers

What do these young individuals consider more important than right believing?

Right living. Signup and view all the answers

What is a downside of the 'reflexive spirituality' described?

It leads to a deficient understanding of God's nature. Signup and view all the answers

How do stories differ from creeds in their characteristics?

Stories are set in specific times and places Signup and view all the answers

How is God's presence perceived by the young individuals when not actively engaged?

As a distant being, neglected until needed. Signup and view all the answers

What do narratives help people understand, according to the content?

The world they inhabit Signup and view all the answers

What does the static understanding of God imply about His involvement in daily life?

God is called upon primarily in times of need. Signup and view all the answers

What has led to a 'collective depression' among many people, as mentioned in the text?

Forgetting the Christian story Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about the spirituality of the youth in relation to their peers?

They lament the religious indifference of their peers. Signup and view all the answers

Which events are central to the Christian story?

God’s creating act, His redeeming act, and His sanctifying presence Signup and view all the answers

What pattern emerged from the narrative elements of the Christian story?

Trinitarian pattern of the classic Creeds Signup and view all the answers

How does the Incarnation relate to the narrative of grace?

It illustrates God's presence in human history Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of narratives as described in the document?

To provide context for individuals' understanding of grace Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (MTD)

MTD is a growing trend among Catholics in the Philippines, especially among young people.
It is marked by a shallow understanding of God's grace, portraying God as a distant figure, called upon only when needed.
MTD is characterized by personal experiences, where God becomes a possession rather than a dynamic force.
Its foundation is built on right living over right believing, emphasizing a practical approach to faith.

The Importance of Sacramentals

The Church utilizes sacramentals as a way to encounter and experience grace in everyday life.
Sacramentals include objects, actions, practices, places, and rituals that help us become aware of Christ's grace-filled presence.
They are sacred signs that, while not instituted by Christ, are designed by the Church to sanctify daily life.
They differentiate from the seven sacraments, but contribute to the Church's effort to infuse grace into daily life.

Narrative and Grace

Recognizing the importance of stories in understanding faith, narratives become a vital avenue for naming grace.
Through narratives, including biblical stories, historical accounts, and fictional tales, we can experience grace's presence
Narratives bring a greater awareness of God's presence in human history, affirming that God is present in the particular and meets people where they are.
Grace is not a distant concept - it is embodied in real-life stories and human experiences.
Narratives act as a bridge to help individuals see themselves within a bigger story and overcome a collective depression experienced by many.
The Christian story, encompassing creation, redemption, and sanctification, provides a foundational narrative from which our faith beliefs emerge.

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Description

Explore the concepts of Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (MTD) and the role of sacramentals in Catholic faith. Understand how MTD affects the perception of God among young Catholics in the Philippines, and learn about the significance of sacramentals in experiencing grace in daily life. This quiz invites you to reflect on the practical aspects of faith.