Religion Exam Review PDF

Religion Exam Review Exam #2 Teacher: Mr. Quinonez P1 Date: 01/28/2025 1. Human Nature The Three approaches to Human Nature: ​ Anthropology: deals with the study of human beings from all over th...

Religion Exam Review Exam #2 Teacher: Mr. Quinonez P1 Date: 01/28/2025 1. Human Nature The Three approaches to Human Nature: ​ Anthropology: deals with the study of human beings from all over the world ○​ describes & analyzes the evolutionary history related to them ○​ considers how people behave, how they adapt to environments, how people communicate/socialize with each other ​ Sociology: based on “No man is an island” ○​ deals with the social relationships and intuitions of humans ○​ crime, religion, family, state, etc. ​ Psychology: based on the science of mental processes and behaviors ○​ invisible forms: memories, dreams, thoughts, emotions, etc. ○​ human behaviour is treated as evidence or as an indication to depict the functionality of the brain  1 Secular Approaches to Human Nature: ​ Thomas Hobbes (1588 - 1679): ○​ humans are not naturally good but naturally selfish ○​ can have highly destructive consequences if left unchecked ○​ life would be “solidarity, poor, nasty, brutish and short”, a “war” of every human against every human ​ Sigmund Freud (1856 - 1936): ○​ a constant battle between the Id and the Superego with the Ego in the centre trying to keep them apart ○​ the Id is the centre of our primitive instincts, it wants to satisfy our pleasures and desires ○​ the Ego develops as the child grows, it is not inward seeking and recognizes a world beyond - acts as a censor to the Id ○​ the Superego is an overseer - our conscience ​ Friedrick Nietzsche (1844 - 1900): ○​ believed that was drives all human activity is the Will to Power ○​ all people seek their own happiness which comes from having power over others/world in order to satisfy their own desires ○​ he believed that the “superior” individuals would (and should) dominate the “inferior” types Three Notions of the Human Being: 1.​ Humans are spirits trapped inside a body -​ some believe humans are primarily spiritual beings. Our bodies hold us back from our true potential because of our animal needs. 2.​ Humans have no spiritual dimension -​ some believe that humans have no spiritual nature at all and that we are only sophisticated animals. Free will, and the idea of a soul is just an illusion. 3.​ Humans are united in body and spirit - Catholic Approach -​ this is at the core of the Catholic vision of human nature. -​ what is good for the body is good for the spirit and vice versa. The body and spirit are both good and both exist internally.  2 Foundational Principle: “ to be human is to be a person, created in the image and likeness of God.” Christian Anthropology: -​ “to reflect on the meaning of the Human Person is to accept the challenge of becoming creators of ourselves and of the entire world” -​ 1.​ The person is essentially good though capable of evil. Each should be treated with dignity and respect as everyone is so deserving. 2.​ The whole person – body, mind, spirit – is to be cherished, developed and cared for in a life of balance and integration 3.​ We live most humanly and partnership with others and community and interdependence rather than an isolation and self sufficiency. Working together, gives a sense of participation in something greater than the sum of its parts. 4.​ Each person has ineligible rights, freedoms, and responsibilities and should be committed to the same freedom, rights, and responsibilities for all others 5.​ each person is capable of lifelong growth of being an active agent and not just a recipient, and of creating what would not otherwise exist 6.​ People have an innate compass of morality, a conscience that lends itself to choose what is moral over immoral 7.​ Each person is an interdependent being and is capable of making unique contributions to society and to history 8.​ Our highest human calling is to love and to be loved with a love that demands the works of justice and peace 9.​ Our lives have a lasting worth, and are ultimately worthwhile, having a purpose that reaches beyond ourselves and our own time. We have an internal destiny The Seven Traits of Human Beings Humans are created in the image and likeness of God: God created human beings in his image (Genesis)  3 Humans are called to happiness and holiness: God has placed desire for happiness in the human heart in order to draw all people to the One, who can alone fulfill this desire Humans are rational and free: freedom is the power, rooted in reason and will, to act or not to act. Through free will, we shape our lives Humans are moral beings: humans can act with freedom; animals cannot. Actions are moral: they are either good or evil. Humans have passions or feelings: the highest feeling is that of love Humans are blessed with a conscience: to do good and to avoid evil Humans are able to sin: because we have free will, we have the ability to sin 2. Genesis, the Creation Stories & the Trinity The Four Lessons that Genesis Presents 1.​ Humans are a creation of God: ​ God gave us life, our desire for one another, our relation to animals, our moral life and ability to communicate - our lives are a gift of God 2.​ Humans are a mixture of earth and divine breath: ​ God formed us from the dust of the earth and breathed life into us ​ We have earthly and spiritual qualities, finite (limited) and infinite (unlimited) ​ Earthly creatures that have a God given soul ~ an embodiment of the divine 3.​ Humans are good; everything God created is good: ​ We can choose to done evil but every human was created good & was created to find happiness in good things ~ through free will we shape our lives ​ We are good by nature but we are weak & may succumb to our weakness through sin 4.​ Humans are male and female: ​ Within God are found qualities of both sexes ~ genders are equal ​ Both are made in the image of God ​ God is neither male or female  4 Genesis: everyday starts with “And God said” & every conclusion ends with “evening and morning the _______ day” The first 3 days focus on separation and creating order The next 3 days focus on population The last day is known as celebration and rest​ Genesis 1: shows what God‘s purpose is & focuses on the creation of the world -​ very structured, organized ~ goes day by day -​ animals were created first Genesis 2: focuses on relationships and the creation of humans -​ humans were created first -​ God speaks to Adam and Eve Sin & Disorder: we learned in the first creation story that God made the Earth and everything on it good -​ humans are not the origins of evil - they are tempted by it Literalism: takes words at their face value (literally) Contextualism: takes the context into account (non-literally) The Trinity: God is Triune ~ Tri + Unity = Trinity “Tri” = three = The Father, The Son, & The Holy Spirit God is three “Persons” who have the same essence of deity. God lives without limitations of a three dimensional universe. He is spirit and he is infinitely more complex than we are. That is why Jesus the Son can be different from the Father and yet the same  5 3. The Story of Jesus & Beyond The Gospels “Gospel” means “Good News” ~ they are about the birth, life, death, & resurrection turn of Jesus Synoptic Gospels: synoptic from the Greek, “taking the same view” - material found: 50-60AD Differences: there is a little disagreement between their accounts of the arrest, trail, death and resurrection of Jesus, and his commission to preach the Gospel to the world The development of the Gospels: 1.​ The actual sayings of Jesus 2.​ The oral tradition ~ apostles preached to the children 3.​ The writing of the Gospels by the evangelists Mark was written first, then Matthew and Luke were written and now a now-lost source called “Q” as their basis. John was last. The faces of Jesus 1.​ Mark: human Jesus -​ Jesus as the obedient servant of YHWH & what Jesus did 2.​ Matthew: Jesus as a teacher -​ focuses on what Jesus said 3.​ Luke: compassionate Jesus -​ emphasizes Jesus as the Son of Man -​ on his humanity ~ what Jesus felt 4.​ John: Jesus is divine -​ Jesus as the Son of God  6 -​ who Jesus was Mary, Mother of God Perpetual Virgin: a virgin who remained a virgin for their entire life Immaculate Conception: Mary said yes to God, & was preserved from Original sin Pope Paul IV named Mary the Mother of the Church Mary is honoured by the Church: -​ the month of may is dedicated to Mary -​ the Rosary is said on Mary’s behalf -​ Catholics ask Mary to intercede on their behalf and ask -​ Pope Francias instituted a new Marian Feast Day: Memorial of Mary ~ celebrated the day after Pentecost -​ Mary is Jesus’ first & greatest disciple by saying “yes” to the angel & conceiving, Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit ~ this showed her faith in God The Holy Spirit & The Pentecost Ascension: Jesus’ return to heaven Holy Spirit: the third person of the Blessed Trinity who Jesus sent to help his Church; understood as the spiritual force of God Pentecost Sunday: the day the Holy Spirit came Blessed Trinity: the 3 divine persons in one God Mount of Olives: outside Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, and the Holy city of the Jews Pentecost: a Christian festival celebrated on the 7th Sunday after Easter to remember & honor the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles Jewish Festival of Pentecost: held in May or June to remember and honor the Law being given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai -​ throughout scripture, wind is synonymous with Spirit -​ the Hebrew word “spirit” also means “wind” -​ In Genesis, God breathes life/spirit into the nostrils of the first human The 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit: knowledge, understanding, courage, wisdom, right judgement, reverence, wonder  7 Metanoia: to change one’s mind, heart, self, or way of life to turn from darkness and face the light -​ a complete transformation of who we are into the image of who God is The Creeds “Creed” = Latin word, credo meaning “I believe” -​ a summary of principal articles of faith by a church or community of believers -​ it outlines the statements of faith of a religion or group 1.​ The Apostle’s Creed: an ancient tradition in the day of Pentecost under the guidance of the Holy Spirit -​ “Profession of Faith” in the Catechism ~ rooted in the teachings of the Apostles -​ A short version of the beliefs of Jesus’ chosen followers -​ Saint Ambrose called this Creed the “treasure of our soul” 2.​ The Nicene Creed: in depth & created at the Council of Nicea in 325 CE - later reconfirmed at the Council of Constantinople in 381 CE -​ main purpose is to preserve the Apostle’s Creed & profession of Faith & further reinforce the Trinity -​ it recites a summary of the most important beliefs we share as members of the Church - usually our profession of faith 4. The Parables & The Sacraments Parable: a story that compares something we don’t know with something that we do know ~ kingdom of God Kingdom of God: a symbol used by Jesus to speak about God and God’s actions -​ a community and society where God is #1 and people live according to God’s Laws Requirements: ​ undergo a conversion, a change of heart  8 ​ turn from selfishness to openness to God The 5 Common Aspects of Parables 1.​ A parable is a story -​ Parables are short stories, often about ordinary events of day-to-day life -​ Jesus’ parables were based on daily life among his own people 2.​ A parable is a comparison -​ a parable compares something we don’t know (ex. The Kingdom of God or God’s way of acting) with something that we do know (events from everyday life) 3.​ A parable contains a crisis -​ all good stories have a beginning, a crisis, and a resolution -​ parables challenge us to think differently about God and ourselves 4.​ A parable has an ending -​ some ending are happy, and others are tragic 5.​ A parable is about God’s kingdom or God’s way of acting among us -​ in other words, the story is about God and the unexpected ways that God takes care of things -​ comparison -​ parables are symbolic He did this to show the disciples that the Kingdom of God was like nothing they had ever known and was like nothing they could ever imagine. -​ so, his descriptions of it had to be exotic and confusing Famous Parables 1. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37): This parable tells the story of a Samaritan who helps a wounded man, while others pass by. It teaches the importance of showing compassion and love to everyone, regardless of their background. 2. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32): This story is about a younger son who squanders his inheritance but later returns home, seeking forgiveness. His father welcomes him back with open arms, illustrating God's unconditional love and forgiveness for those who repent.  9 3. The Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7): In this parable, a shepherd leaves his ninety-nine sheep to find one that is lost. It emphasizes the value of each individual and God's joy in bringing back those who have strayed. 4. The Sower (Matthew 13:1-23): This parable describes a sower who scatters seeds on different types of soil, representing how people receive God's message. It highlights the importance of being receptive to the Word of God and how it can grow in our lives. 5. The Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32): Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed, which starts small but grows into a large tree. This illustrates how something seemingly insignificant can grow into something great and impactful. The 7 Sacraments The Sacrament of Baptism ~ John the Baptist -​ the beginning of a life-long process of transformation from sin to life -​ removes Original Sin and represents a new life in Jesus Christ -​ represents initiation into the Church and Jesus’ community Symbols: Water: symbolizes purification and the cleansing of sins; natural symbol; life-giving Lighted Candle: symbolizes Christ as the light of the world Oil: symbolizes being chosen and anointed in Christ White Garment: symbolizes a new life/new identity and becoming a new creation Holy Communion ~ Eucharist -​ the purpose is to remember and give thanksgiving for Jesus’ sacrifice -​ represents the real presence of Jesus among us Symbols: Bread: symbolizes Christ’s body which was sacrificed for our sins Wine: symbolizes Christ’s blood which was shed so that we could have forgiveness and life everlasting The bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ through a process called transubstantiation Confirmation  10 -​ involves making an adult decision to practice and spread the word of God in the light of the Church -​ wisdom, understanding, right judgment, courage, knowledge, reverence, wonder Symbols: Anointing of the Chrism (holy oil): “spiritual seal” of healing, cleansing, strengthening Sign of the Cross: “the seal of the gifts of the Holy Spirit” Laying on of the Hands: extending hands over group to be confirmed The Words of God: “be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit” Sign of Peace: congregation exchanges greetings to each other Reconciliation: -​ symbolizes God’s unfailing forgiveness -​ celebrates the acknowledging of our personal sins - actions, words, thoughts, or deeds that alienate us from ourselves, others, and God Symbols: A Key or Pair of Keys: gives the Church authority to forgive sins. A gift from Jesus to Peter, “I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven” A Stole: a garment worn by a priest, represents authority to absolve sins and represent repentance and sorrow A Scourging Whip: through suffering He takes away our sins Anointing of the Sick -​ represents God’s loving concern for those who are ill -​ healing power of a faith community -​ sacrament of hope -​ can be done more than once -​ not just for those who are dying Symbols: Oils: Jesus’ healing grace Candles: Christ being the light in the world ~ shows Jesus is present A Cross or Crucifix: God’s presence Marriage  11 -​ an encounter with God (a sacred promise between God and the couple) -​ involves mutual self-giving Symbols: The couple: husband and wife Wedding Rings Holy Bible: to be the domestic Church Candles: the light of Jesus will be with the couple and serves as a reminder of their duty to God and each other Holy Orders -​ those who take Holy Orders take a vow of celibacy ~ the gift of self to God -​ those who take Holy Orders become priests, deacons, or bishops Symbols: Holy Oil: called by God to a special service Laying on of the Hands: Church authorizes the anointed to perform this service Stole: signifies a sign of ministry The Chalice and Paten (plate): signify the celebration of the Eucharist Jesus and the New Covenant Purpose of the New Covenant is to remind us of the sacrifice. It was created through: ​ Mediator: Jesus ​ Promise: forgiveness of sins ​ Conditions: be baptized, believe in Jesus, participate in the Eucharist, follow the golden rule ​ Ritual/sign: Eucharist Jesus as a Man: Jesus as God: Jesus & His Ministry: Jesus as Incarnation: -​ teacher/ -​ performed -​ preached the -​ God in the flesh preacher miracles Word of God -​ fully human -​ Mary & Joseph -​ absolve people -​ Acted in the -​ fully divine are his parents of their sins Word of God -​ Born in -​ Rose from the -​ He spoke to & Bethlehem dead welcomed -​ Died in his 30s everyone -​ Died in  12 Jerusalem -​ Crucified -​ Jewish -​ Never married Incarnation: comes from the Latin word that means “to make flesh” -​ we believe that Jesus was fully God and fully human Living Sacrament: someone who is sacramentally aware of the world around them. Sees the sacredness and beauty of all of God’s creation. Selfless in their need to help others. Sacramental Dullness: 1.​ People are too busy with their daily life 2.​ Preoccupied with problems - a great deal of suffering exists and people become overwhelmed - lives become dominated by gooom and pessimism - they cannot imagine God’s presence 3.​ People are not sure where to look or what to look for Sacramental Awareness: -​ being aware, listening, and looking deep into the world around you -​ this openness can lead you to an appreciation of all that is sacred Signs & Symbols Symbolism: a literary device that involves using symbols, whether they are words, characters, objects, or other elements, to represent ideas beyond their literal meaning -​ often carries deeper significance and can convey complex concepts, emotions, or themes with a work of literature Signs: any object that directly represents something else -​ non-symbolic signs: objects that have one meaning -​ Ex.) a green light at an intersection only means “go” Objects People Colours -​ physical items carrying -​ individuals that embody -​ can represent various symbolic meaning abstract concepts emotions or ideas -​ ex.) a rose symbolizing -​ ex.) a conflicted -​ ex.) red can symbolize  13 love or romance character representing danger or passion the struggle between good and evil Actions Settings Animals -​ events or rituals can -​ the choice of setting can -​ often represent specific carry symbolic symbolize different traits or qualities significance aspects of the narrative -​ ex.) a fox could -​ ex.) a physical journey -​ ex.) a dark and represent cunning or can symbolize personal foreboding forest may cleverness growth symbolize danger of the unknown Types of Prayers 1.​ Adoration -​ to worship God with love and reverence 2.​ Blessing: -​ to call for divine favour so we are sanctified 3.​ Thanksgiving: -​ to give thanks for everything we have 4.​ Petition: -​ a solemn request to God 5.​ Intercession: -​ to ask God for something on behalf of others 6.​ Praise: -​ to glorify God and express admiration for God 5. Catholic Social Teachings HUMAN DIGNITY The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. Ex.) Every person has inherent dignity, and we must protect life from conception to natural death.  14 RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Ex.) Every person has rights, such as the right to education and healthcare, and responsibilities to uphold the rights of others. PEACE Catholic teaching promotes peace as a positive, action-oriented concept, it involves mutual respect and confidence between peoples and nations. Ex.) We should strive for peace and justice in society, resolving conflicts through dialogue rather than violence. OPTION FOR THE POOR AND VULNERABLE Catholic teaching proclaims that a basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. We are to give preference to those on the margins of society. Ex.) We should prioritize the needs of the poor and vulnerable in our society, ensuring they have access to basic needs. SOLIDARITY Catholic social teaching proclaims that we are our brothers' and sisters' keepers, wherever they live. We are one human family, whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. Ex.) We are called to stand with others, especially those who are marginalized, and work towards the common good. COMMON GOOD Catholic Teaching proclaims that the person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society in economics and politics, in law and policy directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community.  15 Ex.) Families are the foundation of society, and everyone should participate in community life. ROLE OF GOVERNMENT The Catholic Church believes that the state has a positive moral function as an instrument to promote human dignity, protect human rights, and build the common good. Its purpose is to assist citizens in fulfilling their responsibility to others in society. Ex.) Governments have a duty to promote the common good and protect the rights of all citizens, especially the marginalized. STEWARDS OF CREATION Catholic tradition insists that we show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God's creation. Ex.) We have a responsibility to protect the environment and use resources sustainably for future generations. DIGNITY OF WORK Catholic Social Teaching maintains that in a marketplace where too often the quarterly bottom line takes precedence over the rights of workers, we believe that the economy must serve people, not the other way around. Ex.) Work is a form of participation in God’s creation, and workers deserve fair wages and safe working conditions. PARTICIPATION Catholic tradition believes that all people have a right to participate in the economic, political, and cultural life of society. Ex.) We are called to support global efforts to alleviate poverty and injustice, recognizing our interconnectedness as a human family.  16 6. Culture and the Influences of our Society The Secular World & the Media Individualism: is another name for the isolation of the self in western culture. Our culture puts greater emphasis on the individual than on the community. -​ The 7 tendencies of individualism: I am free, I have rights, I am equal, only reason binds me, I am isolated from everything, I am master of the Earth, I am godless Consumerism: the preoccupation of society with the acquisition of consumer goods. The media doesn’t just give us information; it changes the form of our thinking and perception. It has a great influence on you and your beliefs. Media: the main means of mass communication (broadcasting, publishing, and the internet), regarded collectively Sexuality & Sexualization Sexuality: focuses on your sexual feelings, thoughts, attractions, and behaviours towards other people Sexualization: when a person is evaluated for their physical characteristics and sexiness and objectified as ‘decorative’ Pornography: pictures or videos that portray explicit sexual organs or sexual activity #2354: pornography prevents 2 people from fully loving one another amidst God’s grace. It objectifies people and takes advantage of them for personal gain. -​ our bodies are sacred and how we treat and use our bodies, matters. You Shall Not Murder: when you objectify a human being, deny him/her, their full human abilities, and their humanity as a person, you end up “killing” part of their spirit. The person ends up feeling “less than” who God has intended for them to be. -​ pornography violates the ‘Life and Dignity of the Human Person” -​ it demeans a person's value as a human being made in God’s image -​ also demeans a person’s God-given gifts and focuses on their body -​ ignores a person's God-given qualities and characteristics  17 Effective Communication 1.​ Do unto others as you would 2.​ Go to the source and get the facts straight 3.​ Give people the benefit of the doubt 4.​ Take a problem-solving approach Use clear & concise language | Respect individuals opinions and feelings Identity Self-esteem is made up of thoughts, feelings, and opinions we have about ourselves. Habits of negative thinking about ourselves can lower our self-esteem. Self-Understanding: our culture tends to see self as isolated from others, and some even think of the self as somehow separate from the body. Self-Esteem: an awareness of one’s own worth Is God Dead? The perception of God‘s presence in modern culture has diminished due to advances in technology and a focus on self-fulfillment. Many people prioritize material possessions and social status over spiritual needs, leading to a sense of emptiness. While some may argue that this reflects a “death” of God, it actually highlights a deeper spiritual thirst that remains unfulfilled in today’s society. 7. Key Terms Freedom: the power, rooted in reason and will to act or not to act Literal Thinking: interpreted according to the “plain meaning” Symbolic Thinking: interpretations of symbols, metaphors, and allegories Secularism: way of life and thinking that rejects religion (non-religious) Anthropology: the study of the human as it relates to God Creation: the making of the world by God Self-Esteem: an awareness of one’s own worth  18 Self-Understanding: our culture tends to see self as isolated from others, and some even think of the self as somehow separate from the body. Sexuality: focuses on your sexual feelings, thoughts, attractions, and behaviours towards other people Sexualization: when a person is evaluated for their physical characteristics and sexiness and objectified as ‘decorative’ Pornography: pictures or videos that portray explicit sexual organs or sexual activity Media: the main means of mass communication (broadcasting, publishing, and the internet), regarded collectively Consumerism: the preoccupation of society with the acquisition of consumer goods. Individualism: is another name for the isolation of the self in western culture. Our culture puts greater emphasis on the individual than on the community. Symbolism: a literary device that involves using symbols, whether they are words, characters, objects, or other elements, to represent ideas beyond their literal meaning Signs: any object that directly represents something else Sacramental Awareness: being aware, listening, and looking deep into the world around you Living Sacrament: someone who is sacramentally aware of the world around them. Sees the sacredness and beauty of all of God’s creation. Selfless in their need to help others. Parable: a story that compares something we don’t know with something that we do know Sacred: God created everything out of love God is Everywhere: God communicates through people, places, actions, events, and experiences that shape people’s lives Cure for Sacramental Dullness: once you look deeper, God created everything out of love, it will open your perspective and could change your appreciation for life Grace: God’s unconditional love  19 Salvation: forgiveness of sins Symballien: Greek ~ “thrown together” Atheism: The belief that God does not exist. The denial of God‘s existence has become a strong part of western culture. Agnosticism: The uncertainty of the existence of God. Agnostics say that they don’t know if God exists and if they prefer to remain indifferent Love to Self: The gospel assumes that we love ourselves and that this love must equal our love for others, “love your neighbor as yourself“ Synoptic: “taking the same view” Sacraments: A religious practice or ritual that is an outward sign of our internal faith Sacramental Dullness: The inability to experience the sacred in the world and the lack of desire or willingness to seek God Church: A building for public worship, especially Christian worship Vocation: “to call” ~ the person God calls us to be Culture: The shared customs, beliefs, And values of a community which are transmitted from one generation to another Metaphor: A figure of speech that makes a non-literal comparison between two unlike things Materialism: philosophical system, which regards matter as the only reality in the world. It denies the existence of God and the soul.