RE-3 Module-2-Week 3 & 4 PDF

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SAN JUAN DE DIOS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC. 2772-2774 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300 Philippines Hospital - Tel. Nos.: 8-831-9731/36; 8-831-5641/49 Website: www.sanjuandedios.org College - Tel. Nos.: 8-551-2756; 8-551-2763 Website: www.sjdefi.edu.ph PAASCU Accredited – COLLEGE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT COURSE CODE: RE 3 COURSE TITLE: CATECHESIS ON THE CHURCH AND SACRAMENTS DEGREE PROGRAMS: BSN2, BSMT2, BSPT2, BSHM, BSOA, BSEntrep CREDITS: 3 Units MODULE NO. 2 Week: 3&4 I. Content Standard/Subject Matter/ Topics THE HOLY SPIRIT A. Abiding Presence of Jesus Christ in the Pilgrim Church B. Pentecost-the birth of the Church. C. The Holy Spirit perpetuates the mission of Jesus in the lives of the Christians. II. Learning Outcomes At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to: 1. identify important events in the time line of the Church history form Jesus up to the present; 2. describe the age of the Christian empire-the Church with her great teachers and spiritual masters during the 4th and 5th century; and 3. concretely analyze various challenges found in the history of the Church that leads to the growth of the present Church. III. Experiential Learning Activities Find the meaning of your name. i. ask your parents who gave you your name ii. of the many choices they had in mind, why your name? IV. Core Values Advocacy for Persons who are poor Respect for human dignity Respect for God’s creation Commitment to Vincentian excellence  SAN JUAN DE DIOS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC. 2772-2774 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300 Philippines Hospital - Tel. Nos.: 8-831-9731/36; 8-831-5641/49 Website: www.sanjuandedios.org College - Tel. Nos.: 8-551-2756; 8-551-2763 Website: www.sjdefi.edu.ph PAASCU Accredited – COLLEGE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Simplicity Self-identification V. Evaluative Measures/ Assessment Modular quiz (15 items) One-page reflection paper: on the importance of the role of the Holy Spirit in the struggles of the Church as exemplified in the lives of the martyrs, the saints, and the teachers of the Church, and how you associate with the movements and stirrings of the Spirit. Rubrics: comprehensiveness – 35%; personal involvement – 35%; coherence of thought 30% VI. Instructional Materials Power point presentation, internet, computer gadgets. Bible, videos, power point presentation VII. DISCUSSION PROPER I. Pre-Assessment: Opening Prayer: Vincentian Family Prayer Lord Jesus, You who willed to become poor, Give us eyes and a heart directed toward the poor, Help us to recognise You in them – In their thirst, their hunger, their loneliness and their misfortune. Enkindle within our Vincentian family, unity, simplicity, humility and the fire of love that burned in St Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac Strengthen us, so that, faithful to the practice of these virtues, We may contemplate You, and serve You, in the person of the poor And may one day be united with You and them in Your kingdom. Amen St. Vincent de Paul….. Pray for us!  SAN JUAN DE DIOS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC. 2772-2774 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300 Philippines Hospital - Tel. Nos.: 8-831-9731/36; 8-831-5641/49 Website: www.sanjuandedios.org College - Tel. Nos.: 8-551-2756; 8-551-2763 Website: www.sjdefi.edu.ph PAASCU Accredited – COLLEGE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT St. Louise de Marillac … Pray for us! O Mary conceived without sin… Pray for us who have recourse to thee. Entry Point: - Do you know why your name is______? - What is the meaning of your name? - Can you describe the events surrounding your birth? - What do you think is your purpose? - How can you get there? II. DISCUSSION OF THE CONTENT OF THE LESSON/TOPIC (This presentation is taken from Father Maltby, and was edited by Mr. Almine for RE 3 subject) A. THE HOLY SPIRIT - Abiding Presence of Jesus Christ in the Pilgrim Church “And remember, I am with you till the end of times” (Mt 28:20). Jesus promised his disciples three things -- that they would be completely fearless, absurdly happy, and in constant trouble. Just like any life stories, each one of us has to go back to our “original” selves and try to assess our own lives. Asking the question of purpose (What am I here for?); meaning (Why am I here for?); identity (Am I the kind of person I really am should be?) and the other queries of life. Surprisingly though, the Church shares our own life story. She also has pains to tell and an identity that has been lost and found… Just like us, Her purpose, meaning and identity is constantly ruined by present-day realities and complexities.  SAN JUAN DE DIOS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC. 2772-2774 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300 Philippines Hospital - Tel. Nos.: 8-831-9731/36; 8-831-5641/49 Website: www.sanjuandedios.org College - Tel. Nos.: 8-551-2756; 8-551-2763 Website: www.sjdefi.edu.ph PAASCU Accredited – COLLEGE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT There’s always the other side of the coin though. The Church’s unpleasant angles are better understood with Her positive traits. - Three C’s More participatory and (creed, codes and cult) experiential liturgy - Hierarchical (clericalized) Lay empowerment/BEC - “Rich and powerful” A Church of the Poor Church Inculturation/Contextualization - “Imported” Church The Historical Jesus and His Founding of the Church Watch on youtube: “Jesus as Origin & Foundation of the Church,” 2012 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owF1NPxis5s ❖ The historical Christ cannot be denied: ⚫ Born under Herod the Great (4/5 BC) ⚫ Died on the cross under Pontius Pilate (30 AD) ⚫ Even non-Christian writers attest to the historical existence of Jesus. (Josephus, Antiquities, Tacitus- Annals; Suetonius- Claudius; Pliny the Younger’s letter to Trajan; The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle: First Century) The important question is, did Jesus found a Church? For Richard P. McBrien, there could be two answers:  SAN JUAN DE DIOS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC. 2772-2774 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300 Philippines Hospital - Tel. Nos.: 8-831-9731/36; 8-831-5641/49 Website: www.sanjuandedios.org College - Tel. Nos.: 8-551-2756; 8-551-2763 Website: www.sjdefi.edu.ph PAASCU Accredited – COLLEGE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ⚫ NO! If by “found” we mean some direct, explicit, deliberate act by which Jesus established a new religious organization. (“What about Mt. 16:18 that speaks of Jesus founding the Church?”) ⚫ YES! If by “found” we mean “lay the foundations for” the Church in various indirect ways. Jesus may not give a clear order for such founding but the parables He used to characterize the concept of Church allow the apostles to concretize that church image. Jesus’ intention resulted in a community of disciples who stayed together and after a certain time called themselves “Church”. In short, the Church owes Her existence and origin to JESUS. There is a need to clarify the Greek ekklesia from Hebrew qahal, both ancient terms referring to “church”. The admission of Gentiles to the Christian community started the distinction of the Church from Judaism. The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Church in Pentecost did not inaugurate the Church. It already existed. But Pentecost was the moment when the Church was specifically endowed with power from God. Still though, Pentecost can be referred to as the birth of the Church of Christ; though conceived beforehand. True enough, the early Christians understood themselves as Church, the definition of which has developed through time. The Church is not the Kingdom of God… but a Kingdom of God in process. Central to Jesus’ preaching was the Kingdom. The Kingdom of God refers to Jesus’ historical acts of salvation (Lk. 4:18- 19). All of Jesus’ ministry has revolved around this concept of “Kingdom”, which He intended to be an ongoing event in three ways: ⚫ Jesus’ spirit-filled mission was continued after His death (healing of sick, casting of demons etc.) ⚫ Jesus’ mission would go beyond the boundaries of Israel (Gentiles) ⚫ Table fellowship (breaking of bread) was continued in local communities after Jesus’ death. B. PENTECOST-the birth of the Church.  SAN JUAN DE DIOS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC. 2772-2774 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300 Philippines Hospital - Tel. Nos.: 8-831-9731/36; 8-831-5641/49 Website: www.sanjuandedios.org College - Tel. Nos.: 8-551-2756; 8-551-2763 Website: www.sjdefi.edu.ph PAASCU Accredited – COLLEGE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT While Pentecost is identified synonymously with the descent of the Spirit, Jews already had been celebrating Pentecost even before the coming of the Spirit. Hence, the original meaning of Pentecost has nothing to do with the Spirit’s arrival. Pentecost is historically parallel to Jewish harvest festival of Shavuot (commemoration of giving of Law to Moses on Sinai). In Shavuot, Israel received the Law; in Pentecost, the Church received the fullness of the Spirit. For now, Pentecost is an important feast in Christian liturgy. It is the fiftieth day after Easter Sunday (Jesus’ resurrection). What is highly significant in Pentecost event is the birth of the Church characterized by transformation. The early Church and the Apostolic Era Shortly after the descent of Spirit, Peter and the apostles proclaim the Good News as far and wide as possible within the short time remaining. Why is this so? The answer: PAROUSIA IS NEARING (or so they thought). Only after they realized that it is not, that they put structure to the church for future mission. The early Church also initially understood themselves as merely extension (sect) of Judaism, hence with the continued observance of Jewish practices and its exclusivity of membership to Jews. This only came to end with the Conversion of St. Paul (Acts 9:1-19) and the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-12). Let’s get to read these accounts. What are the important characteristics of early Church from these scriptural texts? Mt. 16:13-20, Acts 1:15-26, Acts 2:42-47; Acts 4:32-35; Acts 6:1-7; Acts 9:1-19; Acts 15:1-12; The early Church is admired with its so-called “communal theology”. The spirit is so much alive in this community and this makes up their being a “church”. This community exhibits six dimensions: A. confession of faith B. Word of God C. Ministries D. Fellowship  SAN JUAN DE DIOS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC. 2772-2774 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300 Philippines Hospital - Tel. Nos.: 8-831-9731/36; 8-831-5641/49 Website: www.sanjuandedios.org College - Tel. Nos.: 8-551-2756; 8-551-2763 Website: www.sjdefi.edu.ph PAASCU Accredited – COLLEGE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT E. Prayer and Sacrament F. Mission As the early Church starts to expand and grow, authority is established upon the Apostles, though not limited to the Twelve (because there are others whose authority rests not in “office” but in “charisms”). Yet, among them Peter occupies a unique authority as their “head” (see Mt. 16:18). Authority however means service. In the latter part of the 1st cent. AD though, three new types of leaders developed (as all the apostles have been dying): episkopos, presbyters and deacons. Gradually, these developed into what we know now as bishop (episkopos), priest (presbyters) and deacon. C. THE HOLY SPIRIT perpetuates the mission of Jesus in the lives of the Christians. Triumphal Progress of the Church from Jerusalem to Rome: Progress of the Church from Jerusalem to Rome 1. The Jewish-Christian period with Jerusalem as its center. ⚫ Christianity at its onset traces its roots from Jewish tradition ⚫ The early Church’s confusion of self-identity vis-à-vis Judaism ⚫ Belief in Christ led to two brief periods of persecution o Stoning of Stephen (32-33 AD) o Arrest of Peter and death of apostle James the Elder kindled by King Herod Agrippa (37-44 AD) 2. The period of transition from Jewish to Gentile Christianity with Antioch as its center. ⚫ Antioch is the 1st Gentile Christian community and a Christian missionary center. (Acts 11:26) ⚫ It was in Antioch where the followers of Christ were called “Christians” (Acts 11:26). 3. The period of St. Paul’s missionary journeys to the Gentiles. ⚫ As the apostle of the Gentiles, St. Paul occupies an eminent place in the early Christian community. See map for reference  SAN JUAN DE DIOS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC. 2772-2774 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300 Philippines Hospital - Tel. Nos.: 8-831-9731/36; 8-831-5641/49 Website: www.sanjuandedios.org College - Tel. Nos.: 8-551-2756; 8-551-2763 Website: www.sjdefi.edu.ph PAASCU Accredited – COLLEGE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT The Roman Persecution Watch “Christian Martyrs” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF818bH-CoE (from 1:34:32 onward) ❖ Basis of the Persecutions: ⚫ Refusal to participate in the official pagan worship o Reason: Christians’ exclusive monotheism ⚫ Christians’ denial of recognition of worship to emperor o Note: The Roman Empire was generally tolerant of alien religions, as in the case of the Jews. But why such the fuss against the Christians? ▪ Reason: Jews involved a small number of adherents and confined to particular national group. Christianity, however, was supra-national and universal. Though still a minority until the middle of 3rd cent., the universal appeal brought fear to the very Roman Empire. ⚫ The Mob’s hate of Christians o The withdrawn life of Christians created suspicion of criminal activities, foremost of which was the secret meetings and “cannibalistic” gathering First Period (until about 100 AD): ⚫ Understood as a Jewish sect, Christianity was tolerated just like Judaism (religio licita) ⚫ Nero’s burning of Rome put the blame to the Christians. A great number of Christians were killed and made a “public spectacle” out of it. Among the victims were Peter and Paul. Second Period (100 – 250 AD): ⚫ Understood as a religion itself (religio illicita), a more organized and direct persecution was set off. ⚫ By simply being a Christian was punishable. Third Period (250 – 311 AD): ⚫ Getting bolder and wider, Christianity was now thought of as a threat to the Empire. ⚫ It was during the reign of Emperor Diocletian (284-305) where the bloodiest of all persecutions occurred.  SAN JUAN DE DIOS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC. 2772-2774 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300 Philippines Hospital - Tel. Nos.: 8-831-9731/36; 8-831-5641/49 Website: www.sanjuandedios.org College - Tel. Nos.: 8-551-2756; 8-551-2763 Website: www.sjdefi.edu.ph PAASCU Accredited – COLLEGE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT It was costly to be a Christian. It means giving up one’s life to witness to the risen Lord in the face of martyrdom. Romans marveled at the courage and steadfastness of the Christians in the face of persecution. When put to death, Christians were often subjected to incredible cruelty including: Thrown to lions; Burned at stake; Used as torches; Beheaded Tortured; Crucified Emperors who persecuted the Christians Example of Christians Martyrs: Nero (64 A.D.) blamed Christians for fire which destroyed large part of Rome. First St Peter, vicar of Christ, crucified upside down at Vatican hill because “to die like our Master is more than I deserve.” severe persecution. St. Ignatius of Antioch (50-110AD) wrote: “I must be grounded by the teeth of wild beasts to become the pure bread of Domitian (81-96) second emperor to Christ.” intensify persecution. Tertullian said: “kill us, torture us, condemn us, grind us to dust… a always as we are mown down, the more in Trajan (99-117) intensified persecution in number we grow; the blood of the martyrs is seed of Christians.” an attempt to stamp out secret St Agnes gave her life for Christ at the age of twelve. associations. Example of Christians Martyrs: Hadrian (117 – 138) briefly intensified St Agatha died in prison after being sent to a house of prostitution to induce her to give up her faith. persecution of Christians when Jews St Cecilia (Patron saint of musicians), after escaping suffocation in a steam bath died with her head partially severed. revolted and were subsequently Her incorruptible body was found in 1599, seeming to be asleep. slaughtered Sebastian, a favorite soldier of Diocletian, became a target for archers. Decius (249-251) made the thorough And the African bishop st. Cyprian died publicly before his people at Carthage. repression of Christianity a key part of his Roman deacon and servant to the poor, St. Lawrence, was roasted on a metal grid over live coals and died jesting, reign. Had Origen tortured and imprisoned leading to his death. “turn me over, I’m done on this side.” Valerian (243-260) initially spared Christians but eventually led an attempt to Anonymous letter to Diogenetus, a Christian in the age of persecution described Christians, thus; execute or banish all bishops “The Christians show love to all – and all people persecute them. They obey all appointed laws and go beyond them in their own Diocletian (303-311) resumed general lives. They are mocked and they bless in return. Christians are in the world but not of the world.” persecution  SAN JUAN DE DIOS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC. 2772-2774 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300 Philippines Hospital - Tel. Nos.: 8-831-9731/36; 8-831-5641/49 Website: www.sanjuandedios.org College - Tel. Nos.: 8-551-2756; 8-551-2763 Website: www.sjdefi.edu.ph PAASCU Accredited – COLLEGE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Watch “Why did the Roman Empire persecute Christians so much?” Apr 15, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GizkGSTxhmk Early Church Leaders Fathers of the Church - A group name given to reputed figures in the early Church who lived a holy life and played a big role in the defense, clarification , and propagation of the faith ❖ Four conditions needed in order to be considered a Father of the Church: 1. Antiquity (until 8th Century) 2. Orthodoxy of doctrine 3. Sanctity of life 4. Ecclesiastical Approval Examples: ❖ St Clement of Rome ❖ St Ignatius of Antioch ❖ St Polycarp of Smyrna ❖ St. Athanasius ❖ St Basil ❖ St Jerome ❖ St Augustine, ❖ St Gregory the Great  SAN JUAN DE DIOS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC. 2772-2774 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300 Philippines Hospital - Tel. Nos.: 8-831-9731/36; 8-831-5641/49 Website: www.sanjuandedios.org College - Tel. Nos.: 8-551-2756; 8-551-2763 Website: www.sjdefi.edu.ph PAASCU Accredited – COLLEGE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Concept of Authority in the Church God – Jesus – Apostles – Bishops (apostles’ Successors) – priests – deacons - laity The Constantinian Turning Point To know the background of Constantine’s early contact with Christianity and his decisive role in making Christianity acceptable to Roman Empire. watch on youtube “Constantine: Ancient Rome” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJg2jiCduxo ❖ Constantine was a son of a Roman General Constantius Chlorus (pagan) and Helena (Christian). ❖ Over some uncertainty in battle’s outcome, he had a dream. In the sky was a cross and words, “conquer in this sign”, (latin: In hoc signo vinces). He won the battle. ❖ His conversion led to the “Edict of Milan” (AD 313) granting freedom of religion to Christians (religious tolerance). ❖ Founded Constantinople as new capital of Christian Empire ❖ Baptized as Christian on his deathbed. ❖ Constantine’s favors to Christianity included: ⚫ Tax exemption to Christian clerics ⚫ Abolition of death on cross ⚫ Sunday as public holiday ⚫ Gladiators’ battle was stopped ⚫ Donation and foundation of magnificent Church buildings o St. John Lateran Basilica o St. Peter’s Basilica o And others… ⚫ In 381 AD, Emperor Theodosius, champion of Christianity, declared Christianity the State Religion of the Roman Empire. ❖ While it provided great achievement for the spread of the Church (geographically), it destroyed the valid Christian ideal of the primitive Church (early Christians). A  SAN JUAN DE DIOS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC. 2772-2774 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300 Philippines Hospital - Tel. Nos.: 8-831-9731/36; 8-831-5641/49 Website: www.sanjuandedios.org College - Tel. Nos.: 8-551-2756; 8-551-2763 Website: www.sjdefi.edu.ph PAASCU Accredited – COLLEGE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Church absorbed by earthly power. ⚫ The next centuries saw the growth of the papal power – involved in both the affairs of the church and of the world. ⚫ The same period also brought forth extraordinary Christians as it ushered the so-called, “Age of the Church Fathers”. Prominent were Sts. Jerome, Augustine and Ambrose Five Patriarchates during the time of Constantine the Great ❖ Antioch, Syria ❖ Jerusalem, Palestine ❖ Alexandria, Egypt ❖ Constantinople (new capital of Roman Empire) ❖ Rome (left to the Roman bishop) Internal problems and Councils of the Church ❖ If Roman persecutions threatened the Church from without, heresies threatened the Church from within. ❖ Heresy is a wrong teaching or distortion of revealed truth or dogma. It is a threat to the unity of the Church. ❖ Concerned for the unity of the Church and Empire, the emperor and Church leaders called a council to resolve issues. It was patterned after the Council of Jerusalem in 49AD attended by the apostles themselves. ❖ Council is a gathering of Church leaders to resolve universal issues which concern the unity of the Church. ❖ The two common Creeds of the Church: Apostle’s Creed and the Nicene Creed CCC194 - The Apostles' Creed is so called because it is rightly considered to be a faithful summary of the apostles' faith. It is the ancient baptismal symbol of the Church of Rome. Its great authority arises from this fact: it is "the Creed of the Roman Church, the See of Peter the first of the apostles, to which he brought the common faith". CCC 195 - The Niceno-Constantinopolitan or Nicene Creed draws its great authority from the fact that it stems from the first two ecumenical Councils (in 325 and 381). It remains common to all the great Churches of both East and West to this day.  SAN JUAN DE DIOS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC. 2772-2774 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300 Philippines Hospital - Tel. Nos.: 8-831-9731/36; 8-831-5641/49 Website: www.sanjuandedios.org College - Tel. Nos.: 8-551-2756; 8-551-2763 Website: www.sjdefi.edu.ph PAASCU Accredited – COLLEGE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT The following is a literal translation of the Greek text of the Constantinopolitan form, the brackets indicating the words altered or added in the Western liturgical form in present use: We believe (I believe) in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, and born of the Father before all ages. (God of God) light of light, true God of true God. Begotten not made, consubstantial to the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven. And was incarnate of the Holy Ghost and of the Virgin Mary and was made man; was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered and was buried; and the third day rose again according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of the Father, and shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, of whose Kingdom there shall be no end. And (I believe) in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father (and the Son), who together with the Father and the Son is to be adored and glorified, who spoke by the Prophets. And one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. We confess (I confess) one baptism for the remission of sins. And we look for (I look for) the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen." Brief Summary ❖ Early Christians could have avoided persecution by simply incorporating pagan worship (e.g., worshiping Caesar) into Christian practice ⚫ However, they didn’t. Unlike the society around them, they believed in truth and were prepared to defend it with their lives. ⚫ Greek philosophy had eroded confidence in God which led to religious pluralism. ❖ Today Christians are in an analogous situation  SAN JUAN DE DIOS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC. 2772-2774 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300 Philippines Hospital - Tel. Nos.: 8-831-9731/36; 8-831-5641/49 Website: www.sanjuandedios.org College - Tel. Nos.: 8-551-2756; 8-551-2763 Website: www.sjdefi.edu.ph PAASCU Accredited – COLLEGE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ⚫ We are pressured by society to accept religious pluralism ⚫ We are seen as foolish and narrow-minded to think we have the truth ⚫ Society has tacitly excepted religious pluralism ⚫ We must be willing to stand up for truth in the face of more benign adversity. ❖ While there were rumors that Christians did immoral things, educated people in the Ante-Nicean period understood that Christians stood out for their morality ⚫ Pliny the Younger – Christians “bound themselves by a solemn oath not to commit any wicked deed, but to abstain from all fraud, theft and adultery, never to break their word, or deny a trust when called upon to honor it.” Do we stand out in our society today? ❖ Christianity, which was considered as pagan religion centuries ago by the Romans was now victorious not by sword but by faith, hope and love. ❖ Remember the saying, “If God is with us, who can be against us?” Do you believe in this? PREPARED BY: APPROVED BY: DIOSDADO T. ALMINE, MRS,MATh SR GRACE NAMOCATCAT, D.C. Faculty – RE Department CVF-Director