Foundational Theology - Holy Angel University - PDF

Foundational Theology First Semester Midterms Reviewer Transcript By: Justin Lloyd Laxamana Lesson 1: Holy Angel University as My Second Home Mission of Holy Angel University Facts and Trivia To offer a...

Foundational Theology First Semester Midterms Reviewer Transcript By: Justin Lloyd Laxamana Lesson 1: Holy Angel University as My Second Home Mission of Holy Angel University Facts and Trivia To offer accessible, quality education that transforms students The Holy Angel University established into persons of conscience, in June 1933, with 78 High School competence, and compassion and students housed at Holy Rosary to prepare for future careers. All for Parish Convent the greater glory of God. The founding of Holy Angel University was established through the joint initiatives of Don Juan D. Vision of Holy Angel University Nepomuceno, and the then Parish To become an intentional university Priest of Holy Rosary Parish, Fr. Pedro of choice for innovative and P. Santos, he later became accessible international education archbishop of Nueva Caceres, Naga founded on Catholic values in the City, Camarines Sur. service of our communities and Holy Angel Academy (HAA) with society. government recognition, became the first name of Holy Angel Values University. Christ-Centeredness - We strive to be In 1940, Holy Angel Academy witnesses of the person and example moved from Holy Rosary Parish of Christ. convent to its first building named Integrity - We are fair, honest, and Don Juan D. Nepomuceno Building transparent in our personal and (DJDN). professional dealings. On December 6, 1961, Holy Angel Excellence - We produce outcomes University Academy became Holy with the greatest possible human Angel College (HAC), with first competence. president Don Juan D. One Community - We animate the Nepomuceno. spirit of communion and solidarity The administration applied for Societal Responsibility - We work for university status which was attained economic efficiency, social justice, on December 04, 1981. The first truth and environmental university president is Engr. Mamerto stewardship. G. Nepomuceno on March 8, 1982. On the same occasion, Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz proclaimed HAU as Strategic Themes Catholic University. Academic Quality and The current President of Holy Angel Organizational Resiliency University if Prof. Leopoldo Jaime N. Community and Innovation Valdez. Jr. People Development Laus Deo Semper became the Character and Catholic Spirituality motto of Holy Angel University which means “Praise God Always”. The current University Chaplain of Attributes of the HAU Graduates Holy Angel University is Rev. Fr. Mark Anthony M. Torrecarion 1. As a Catholic learning institution, Holy Angel University is committed to 1|Page  Foundational Theology First Semester Midterms Reviewer Transcript By: Justin Lloyd Laxamana the development of God-loving Lesson 1.1: My Faith that I seek to servant-leaders, well-realized in their Understand personal, interpersonal, and professional dimensions. Core Ideas 2. As individuals, they live life with the The study of theology is more than disciplines of emotional maturity, self- just the study of doctrines and confidence and assertive practices of the Catholic faith which perseverance, within the context of have no connection to the everyday responsible citizenry. They are well- life experiences of people today rounded in the aspects of physical (Cacho & de Mesa, 2012). well-being, culture, and the arts. The focus on knowing the contents 3. In relation to their fellowmen, they of faith detached from the local are socially responsive community circumstances of people have long leaders who deal matters with high been known as Neo-Scholastic integrity and compassion. methodology in theologizing. 4. As decision makers, they are The theological methodology of creative and innovative critical Neo-Scholasticism can be thinkers with a deep concern for the summarized in the following: welfare of others. They are ✓ Presentation of the church’s professionally and technically official teaching or doctrine. competent by global standards, and ✓ Proofs supporting the doctrine have a positive attitude towards from the Bible and leading career growth, accountability and church authorities. learning as a life-long process. ✓ Speculative elaboration of the doctrine ✓ Possible practical application. Angelite Pledge Western thought has become the I am an Angelite. I am conscientious. norm and the basis, especially in I believe in God dwelling in me. I strive to live a evaluating the emergence of new life of integrity and discipline. cultures related to the practice of faith. Other cultures (particularly non- I am an Angelite. I am competent. Western) have been subjected to I joyfully give my best in all I do. I will innovate suspicion and, unfortunately, to help make a better change. rendered inferior. I am an Angelite. I am compassionate. Four of the sixteen documents of Vatican I am a person of love and sacrifice. I recognize Council II are regarded pivotal (essential; God’s presence in every person. fundamental) I am an Angelite. I will co-create meaningful Lumen Gentium experiences here at HAU. Gaudium et Spes It is here where I can also enrich my Sacrosanctum Concilium relationship with myself, with others and with Dei Verbum, are typically God, as I am continually formed into a person recognized by their Latin “titles,” which are of conscience, competence and compassion. actually the first words of the original Latin Laus Deo Semper! documents. 2|Page  Foundational Theology First Semester Midterms Reviewer Transcript By: Justin Lloyd Laxamana Four Essential Documents therefore without revelation and vice-versa. Lumen Gentium (Light of Nations) or This relational reality of revelation- the Dogmatic Constitution on the faith braces and influences the way Church deals with life of Catholics we perceive Jesus as the Christ within the Church itself. (Christology), how we understand Gaudium et Spes (Joy and Hope) is the church (Ecclesiology) and what the Pastoral Constitution on the perspective we have regarding the Church in the Modern World. It treats deep meaning of life shared by God the relationship of the church with with us (Eschatology). Our contemporary situations. interpretation of what revelation and Sacrosanctum Concilium (Sacred faith are will have significant effects Council), the Constitution on Sacred on the manner by which we Liturgy, lays out the importance, understand the different areas of relevance and re-orientation of theological thought. worship within Catholicism at the Neo-Scholasticism have interpreted present time. revelation and faith in a way that is Dei Verbum (Word of God), the somewhat irrelevant to the context Dogmatic Constitution on Divine of particular cultures. God revealed Revelation, speaks about the supernatural realities for our salvation centrality of the God-human through revelation, and faith meant relationship in Christian thought as accepting these facts. So, we well as the important role of scripture believe Christ was sent by the Father within Catholicism. to reveal all truth (Cacho & de Mesa, 2012). Thus, the church's mission was to preserve and reveal Dei Verbum Christ's truths. Finally, life was about Regarded as the most important of owning and living the the four documents. acknowledged realities. It deals with the relationship Doing Theology between God and people as well as created realities. According to Cacho and de According to Cacho and de Mesa Mesa (2012) we have to (2012) “within the discipline of rediscover and recover theology, this relationship is normally experience as a source for doing articulated with two technical terms, theology. The experiences of revelation and faith”. people as regards the presence Revelation is the initiative of God in of God in their lives, how God the relationship while faith is the manifested Her kindness and human response to God’s initiative. benevolence in the ordinary Since they are mutual and circumstances of the people, and reciprocal, we cannot understand how God unrelentingly one without the other. To speak of demonstrated Her great love for revelation is to presume faith that the people. would recognize it (Cacho & de The phrase “doing theology,” Mesa, 2012). On the other hand, to refers to “the process of carrying regard faith is to assume a revelation out theological reflection, that go before it. There is no faith articulation and action” (McKim, 3|Page  Foundational Theology First Semester Midterms Reviewer Transcript By: Justin Lloyd Laxamana 1996 in Cacho & de Mesa, 2012). in her teaching, life, and worship, Today it is commonly understood perpetuates and hands on to all and used to highlight the generations all that she herself is, all that she believes” (Dei Verbum, art.8). necessity of thinking theologically in context (Cacho & de Mesa, p.16). “Theology begins with an Filipino Belief and Culture experience of God (cf. 1 Jn. 1: 1- As Filipinos, we have our distinct 3) and proceeds by way of experience of this God who is a deepening such an experience source of “ginhawa” in moments through meditative (damdamin) of troubles and tribulations, a and systematic reflection (isip). It relief in our experience of pain is a reflection on our experiences and suffering, a fellow sufferer. in life and of life in the light of our And as source of “ligaya” and relationship with God” (de Mesa, “katiwasayan ng buhay” in our experiences of achievements 2016). and triumphs. It is possible for us Filipinos to call our understanding of our Catholic Anselm of Canterbury faith by another name. One Defines theology as, “fides quaerens option, if we take our cue from intellectum” which literally means the Filipino culture may perhaps be “mabathalang aral.” “faith-seeking-understanding.” "Aral”, since this is what we Theology is supposed to be endeavor to learn from our understood as “seeking God” to experiences in life. Lessons mean as an active love of God learned from such experiences seeking for a deeper knowledge of (mga aral na napulot sa God. karanasan) are closely connected to Filipino thought. A According to Cacho and de Mesa customary catchphrase we (2012), “the mutual interaction attach to accounts of between human experience and experiences in the Filipino culture the gospel makes it possible to start is “sana kapulutan ng aral.” theologizing from either human In Filipino vernacular jargon, experience or from the Gospel. “kailangan pulutin ang mga aral.” In this context we can In a theological reflection, there are compare the “aral” to the call two poles that serve as bases, extended by Jesus’ parables to namely: Judeo-Christian Tradition; his listeners. They are invited to and Contemporary Human think about the story, from their Experience. own ends and to make their own resolutions. The pole on Judeo-Christian Tradition Relevant stories are narratives prompts us of what is passed on to us one can truly learn from and are through generations. This Tradition therefore worth listening to. (from the Latin verb “tradere” which Vermundo Miranda (in Cacho & means “to transmit or to hand over”) is a de Mesa, 2012), a Filipino bible passing on of life, a point which Vatican scholar, says it profoundly, “ito Council II already indicated: “Now what ang kwentong may kwenta” was handed on by the apostles includes (p.27). everything which contributes to the The mabathalang pag- holiness of life, and the increase in faith aaral refers to a lesson from and of the People of God, and so the church, for life drawn from our experience 4|Page  Foundational Theology First Semester Midterms Reviewer Transcript By: Justin Lloyd Laxamana of God. The “aral” would be promises of faithfulness and blessings equivalent of what we call in (Exod. 19:5-6). English as “theology.” Redemption and Sacrifice: Stories like Consequently, we can use the the Exodus narrative depict God's act of adjective “mabathala” (divine) rescuing the Israelites from slavery in from the local root word for Egypt, demonstrating his love and Deity, Bathala. Filipino theology commitment to his people (Exod. 14). can be referred to as Similarly, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on “mabathalang aral” and the the cross can be seen as an ultimate activity as well as the process of expression of God's love for humanity doing theology can be called (John 3:16). “mabathalang pag-aaral” Restoration and Renewal: The Bible also (Cacho & de Mesa, 2012). There is no explicitly Christian term tells stories of God's forgiveness and for God, just in case some would restoration after humanity's failings. This object to such usage of Bathala - can be seen in narratives like Hosea's referring to the supreme god of marriage to a promiscuous wife, pagan Filipinos. The words used reflecting God's unwavering love by Western Christians for God are despite human infidelity (Hosea 1-3). merely ordinary words in their culture as denoting to the supreme being. For instance, the The Ultimate Expression of Love Greek term θεός, the Latin term deus, and the The central figure of Jesus Christ Spanish dios all refer to the English embodies God's love in human form word “god.” (John 3:16). His teachings emphasize Faith must take root in the matrix love for God and neighbor (Matthew of our Filipino being so that we 22:37-39). may truly believe as Filipinos. But Jesus' sacrifice on the cross represents for this to happen, the Gospel the ultimate act of love, offering must be presented with tools, redemption for humanity's sin (Romans methods and expressions coming 5:8). from culture itself. It must be accepted within a person’s cultural heritage (PCPII, art.72, in Falling and Staying in Love as Constant Cacho & de Mesa, 2012, p.29. Elements in the Experience of Love Falling in love as noted by de Mesa & Cacho (2012) may result to something disastrous just like the Filipino saying, “para kang kumuha ng bato para Lesson 2: Falling and Staying in ipukpok mo sa iyong ulo!” Peck (2011) Love: An Imagery for our believes that falling in love is only temporary and when we fall in love, Experience of God & Introduction to sooner or later, we will also fall out of Bible and its Relevance love. It is also not an act of the will. This means that falling in love is not a Love Stories in the Bible conscious choice. It is a strong emotion Covenant and Relationship: The where a person feels that the feel-good concept of covenant, a binding feeling will last forever. It is euphoric agreement between God and his and effortless. people, forms a core theme throughout However, falling in love is not the same the Bible. This covenant establishes a with staying in love because for de loving relationship with God, with Mesa & Cacho (2012), staying in love requires deciding and willingness to 5|Page  Foundational Theology First Semester Midterms Reviewer Transcript By: Justin Lloyd Laxamana commit. They further emphasized that Acts of Service: Helping others in love is not only pakiramdam but also need aligns with showing love paninindigan. through actions. (Matthew 25:35- 40) Receiving Gifts: While not The Language of Love emphasizing materialism, the Language can express love in a poetic giving of gifts can symbolize love or symbolic manner describing love in a and care. (Matthew 2:11) deeper and meaningful way. As stated Quality Time: Spending focused by Blaise Pascal, “the heart has reasons time with someone demonstrates unknown to reason”, and Antoine Saint love and prioritizes the Exupery, “What is essential is invisible to relationship. (Mark 6:31) the eye. It is only with the heart that one Physical Touch: In appropriate sees rightly”. contexts, physical touch like hugs or pats on the back can express love and affection. (Romans Love in the Bible 16:16) God's Love: Throughout the Bible, God's love is portrayed in various ways. Here are some examples: The Message of Love ✓ Unconditional Love: Passages like The Bible's core message centers Romans 5:8 describe God's love around love. Here are some key for us even when we don't takeaways: deserve it. ✓ Love is a Commandment: Jesus ✓ Sacrificial Love: John 3:16 emphasizes loving God and highlights God's ultimate act of others as the greatest love in sacrificing his son, Jesus. commandments. (Mark 12:30-31) ✓ Faithful Love: Deuteronomy 7:9 ✓ Love is Universal: The Bible emphasizes God's enduring love encourages extending love to for his people. everyone, including enemies. Human Love: The Bible also portrays (Matthew 5:44) love between people in various forms: ✓ Love is Action: True love is ✓ Marital Love: The Song of demonstrated not just through Solomon is a poetic expression of words but through actions and romantic love. sacrifice. (1 John 3:18) ✓ Familial Love: Stories like Ruth and Naomi showcase devotion and loyalty within families. ✓ Friendship: David and Jonathan's Lesson 2.2: A Catechism of the Bible bond in 1 Samuel 18 exemplifies Bible: strong friendship. The BIBLE is a faith-book, written by and for believers, an encounter with Parallels to Love Languages and experience of God. Five love languages proposed by Dr. The BIBLE is an account of life, Chapman: preserved in memory, turned into a Words of Affirmation: Verses that text. It records events seen as express encouragement, praise, designed and influenced by God. and blessings can be seen as The BIBLE is an event of community: acts of love through words. Narratives, Genealogies, (Proverbs 10:12) Laws/Codes, Prophetic oracles 6|Page  Foundational Theology First Semester Midterms Reviewer Transcript By: Justin Lloyd Laxamana Poetry, Epistles, Apocalypses, Sayings ✓ The Bible is the Word ABOUT , Biographical sketches. God ✓ The Bible is the Word FROM God How to distinguish Catholic books from ✓ The Bible is the Word BY God others: Nihil Obstat - “nothing hinders.” What are the books in the Bible? Given by a Censor Liborum, it is an attestation a book contains nothing Hebrew Bible – Old Testament damaging to faith or morals. Christian Bible – New Testament Imprimatur- “let it be printed.” Given “Testament” - Covenant by the author’s diocesan bishop or ✓ solemn agreement between the bishop of the place in which the God and Israel fulfilled and book is published. universalized by Jesus Christ. Imprimi Potest - “it may be printed.” ✓ Love relationship of God to Given by the major religious superior human beings. if the author is a member of a religious congregation. How many are the books of the Bible? PROTO CANONICAL BOOKS – 66 THE BIBLE and its meaning and origin of the books = (39) Hebrew Bible + 27 New word Testament. Protocanonical (protos, "first") Byblos – papyrus is a conventional word Biblion – scroll, book; (plural – biblia) denoting those sacred writings Later on, people discovered that which have been always sheets of papyrus can be put on top received by Christendom of each other folded in the middle, without dispute. The and bound, resulting in an easy-to- protocanonical books of the use book called a codex. Old Testament correspond Latin-speaking Christians then with those of the Bible of the borrowed the term biblia but treated Hebrews and the Old it as a singular noun. Testament as received by St. Jerome used the term bibliotheca Protestants. divina (divine library) Library of Books DEUTERO CANONICAL BOOKS – 73 = 46 Hebrew Bible + 27 New Testament SACRED SCRIPTURE The deuterocanonical Latin word – scriber = Inscribed in (deuteros, "second") are those papyrus by the Scribes whose Scriptural character It is 100% Word of God and was contested in some 100% Word of Man = The Word quarters, but which long ago of God gained a secure footing in the written by men through the Bible of the Catholic Church, inspiration of the Holy Spirit. though those of the Old The Richness of the “WORD” Testament are classed by of: Protestants as the "Apocrypha". 7|Page  Foundational Theology First Semester Midterms Reviewer Transcript By: Justin Lloyd Laxamana Delving into the Old Testament (46 Books) These books give us the history of the people God choose to 1. The Pentateuch (Five Books of reveal himself to the world. Moses): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, 3. Wisdom Books (7 Books): Numbers, Deuteronomy Job, Psalms, Proverbs, The first five books of the Bible Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, are often called the Wisdom, Sirach Pentateuch (Greek: five These books are filled with books) by Christians and the prayers, insights, and syntheses Torah (Hebrew: the Law) by of how to live one's life in Jews. Judaism holds that the accord with God's Torah is the most important commands. part of the scriptures: it is the The Wisdom books deal with foundation on which God our questions about God, self, created the world. life, death, good and evil. These books lay the Things we can’t quite wrap our foundation for the Jewish faith, brain around, but nonetheless detailing creation, the speak to our heart. covenant with God, laws, and the Israelites' journey to the 4. Prophets (18 Books): Promised Land. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Baruch 2. Historical Books (16 Books): (includes the letter of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Jeremiah), Ezekiel, Daniel (ours Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 is longer with 14 chapters) Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Tobit, Judith, Esther (ours is the Habakkuk, Zephaniah, long version), 1 Maccabees, Haggai, Zechariah and and 2 Maccabees Malachi. They are not categorized this These longer prophetic books way because they reach any address social justice, God's standard of verifiable factual judgment, and future hope. accuracy. The term “historical” While many of us might refers to the content and automatically associate scope of the books. We argue "prophets" with future-telling that while the books of Ruth, and special acts of power, this Tobit, Judith, and Esther are does not represent the primary presented as history, they are role of prophets in the Jewish better understood as biblical and Christian traditions. novellas whose spiritual insights Rather, a prophet is simply one push them closer to the who speaks God's truth on wisdom books. God's behalf. These books chronicle the history of the Israelites from conquering Canaan to the Babylonian Exile. 8|Page  Foundational Theology First Semester Midterms Reviewer Transcript By: Justin Lloyd Laxamana Understanding the Distinctive Section: The encouragement to the Deuterocanonical Books (7 Books): Church. James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, These additional books are found in 2 John, 3 John, Jude. Catholic Bibles but not in the Hebrew Bible (Protestant Old Testament). 5. Book of Revelation (Apocalypse) They include works like Tobit, Judith, This is attributed to St. John the Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, and Evangelist. Maccabees 1 & 2. A symbolic and apocalyptic These books offer valuable historical work depicting the ultimate and spiritual insights, although their triumph of God and good exact status varies within different over evil. Christian traditions. Embarking on the New Testament (27 Books): Ang Bible Pinoy Version 1. The Four Gospels Ang Bible Pinoy Version (The Filipino Matthew, Mark, Luke, John Bible Version) is a relatively new These core texts narrate the translation of the Bible specifically life, teachings, miracles, aimed at Filipino audiences. death, and resurrection of Launched in 2023 by the Philippine Jesus Christ. Bible Society (PBS), Ang Bible Pinoy Version is a collaborative effort 2. The Acts of the Apostles or Historical supported by various Christian Book denominations in the Philippines. Its Attributed to St. Luke primary goal is to provide a Bible This book chronicles the translation that uses contemporary spread of Christianity by the Filipino language (commonly Apostles after Jesus' ascension. referred to as Taglish, a mix of Tagalog and English) to enhance 3. The 14 Pauline Epistles understanding and accessibility for Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 younger generations. Corinthians, Galatians, By using familiar and modern Filipino Ephesians, Philippians, expressions, Ang Bible Pinoy Version Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 aims to bridge the gap between the Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Bible's message and the everyday Timothy, Titus, Philemon, language of Filipinos. Hebrews. Letters written by St. Paul to various early Christian communities, addressing theological concepts, Christian conduct, and Church organization. 4. The 7 General Epistles Letters from other apostles and early Christian leaders offering guidance and 9|Page  Foundational Theology First Semester Midterms Reviewer Transcript By: Justin Lloyd Laxamana Lesson 3: God’s Pagpapadama: having faith in God’s love is not enough, as what St. James once What makes us Fall and Stay in Love said, “Faith without practice is with God empty.” Thus, having Faith in God’s love also connotes that in All religions have some idea of the everything, we should practice love. importance of love. St. Paul in his First letter to the Christian theology stresses the Corinthians 13: 1-3 wrote, “Whatever importance of love because God Christians do, no matter how has revealed that He is love (1 John impressive, are meaningless without 4:8, 16). Love is both what God is love.” St. Paul gave us a reminder and what He has done; God always that as Christians, we are all called acts in love. to love and in loving we make our In the Bible, love is described as Christian Faith meaningful. personal (between persons) and Being Christians and a follower of selfless (desiring the best for others). Christ, Christ in the Gospels Christians see God’s love in sending commands us, “You shall love the His Son to die on the cross to save Lord your God with all your heart sinners (Rom. 5:8; John 3:16; 1 John and with all your soul and with all 4:10). your mind”. This is the great and first Christians are to be known by the commandment. And a second is like fact that they love God and others it: “You shall love your neighbor as (John (13:34-35). Their love is not to yourself”. Given these two be like the love the world has (Luke commandments of Christ makes us 6:32, 35). Love is best seen in actions as Christian. Hence, if we commit and in most cases is to be identified ourselves following the with what we do—in our compassion commandments of Christ we belong and commitment to those around to Christ and Christ in us. us, regardless of the object’s virtue (1 John 4:19). Our loving attitudes and behavior What are the four types of love? are to reflect God’s love. Jesus said There are four types of love, that only two commands are according to the Bible. These are the needed to govern our lives: love of following: God and love of neighbor. If such 1. Eros - is the Greek word for love is demonstrated, all the law and sensual or romantic love. The prophets are fulfilled. term originated from the mythological Greek god of love, sexual desire, physical The Centrality of Love in Christian Faith attraction, and physical love. Based on the encyclical letter of Love in the form of eros seeks Pope Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est, its own interest and God is love and we become satisfaction—to possess the Christians because we believe in object of love. God is very God’s love. God loves us so much clear in the Bible that eros love that He even gave us His only son is reserved for marriage. Jesus Christ who died for us and save 2. Storge - is a term for love in the us from all kinds of sins. Furthermore, Bible that you may not be 10 | P a g e Foundational Theology First Semester Midterms Reviewer Transcript By: Justin Lloyd Laxamana familiar with. This Greek word defines God's describes family love, the immeasurable, affectionate bond that incomparable love for develops naturally between humankind. It is the parents and children, and divine love that comes brothers and sisters. from God. Agape love is 3. Philia - is the type of intimate perfect, unconditional, love in the Bible that most sacrificial, and pure. Christians practice toward Jesus Christ each other. This Greek term demonstrated this kind describes the powerful of divine love to His emotional bond seen in deep Father and to all friendships. humanity in the way He Philia originates from the lived and died: "For God Greek term phílos, a so loved the world, that noun meaning he gave his only Son, "beloved, dear, a friend; that whoever believes in someone dearly loved in him should not perish a personal, intimate but have eternal life" way; a trusted friend (John 3:16). held dear in a close Agape and Philia are bond of personal the two types of love affection." Philia that at times are even expresses experience- regarded as based love. synonymous in meaning. Philia is the most general To ensure God loves us is type of love in Scripture, truly selfless, John chose encompassing love for to use agape. There is a fellow humans, care, sense of deliberateness respect, and and resoluteness in this compassion for people word which transcends in need. The concept of limits that human brotherly love that unites emotions may at times believers is unique to block the growth of true Christianity. Jesus said love. philia would be an The Bible scholar, William identifier of his followers: Barclay, describes "By this everyone will agape as “the power to know that you are my love the unlovable, to disciples if you love one love people whom we another." -John13:35. do not like.” Christians need to include such a 4. Agape- This term denotes a virtue because love that is oriented towards Christianity “does the well-being of the beloved. demand that we should Agape is the highest of have at all times a the four types of love in certain attitude of mind the Bible. This term and a certain direction 11 | P a g e Foundational Theology First Semester Midterms Reviewer Transcript By: Justin Lloyd Laxamana of the will towards all, no God as Kagandahang- loob in Jesus Christ matter who they are.” Loob/Kalooban - Loob, literally But agape is different means “the within”, refers to the from eros; the later word core of our personhood as Filipinos means desire and is and to our most authentic inner self focused on the benefit which is essentially related to other that accrues to the lover selves. The Filipino loob is a shared in the relationship often self so we cannot comprehend it in context of sexual love. apart from experiences of relating to The meaning others. It is, moreover, regarded as of eros degenerated the organizing center of human towards the negative reality and the wellspring of feeling that the New Testament (damdamin), thought (isip) and avoided using it. behavior (kilos). This means that The Filipino word “pag- whenever we feel, think and act, our ibig” is similar. It is a form loob is inevitably involved; it is the of love expressive loob that actually feels, thinks, and of eros and is derived acts (Cacho & de Mesa, 2012, p. 63). from the root word Ganda/ Maganda - Mahilig tayong “ibig” or desire. It mga Pilipino sa magaganda. The commonly connotes the popularity and proliferation of yearning to possess beauty contests is one obvious what is “loved”. When indication of it. In addition, when we one says to another are positively in touched by events, “Iniibig kita, pinaka-iibig we speak of them as maganda. The kita,” this person is general experience of harmony in saying “I want you to life, when everything seems to be in be mine.” In addition, order, is maganda; the grandeur of here is a more nature as delightful, relationship that appropriate to translate are built up are also described as agape as maganda; magandang “Kagandahang-loob” to pagkakaibigan or samahan. Thus, describe God rather maganda has noticeably an impact than “pag-ibig” which is and a positive effect; ang maganda the usual Filipino ay may nakakaginhawang dating at translation in the Bible. talab (Cacho & de Mesa, 2012, p. We now explore the 63). The term ganda, in general, richness of the concept stands for a delight-bringing totality. “kagandahang-loob” It is “not a mere aspect of social, and relate it to the intellectual, and material reality” but Christian understanding “the sum total of katangian (traits) of God’s relationship associated with anything.” That is with us (Cacho & de why we consider pleasant physical Mesa, 2012, p. 62). appearance as insufficient in what we could call maganda if there is no corresponding goodness in character” (de Mesa & Cacho, 2012 p. 64). 12 | P a g e  Foundational Theology First Semester Midterms Reviewer Transcript By: Justin Lloyd Laxamana Concept of Beauty in the Bible: ng tao” (Titus: 2:11). Our definition, so to speak of God is Jesus Christ for 1. “For the LORD sees not as man sees: God is Jesus-like. This is why Jesus is man looks on the outward so foundational and so central in appearance, but the LORD looks on Christian Faith (Cacho & de Mesa, the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7 2012, p. 64). Ang Kagandahang- 2. "I praise you, for I am fearfully and loob ni Hesus ay nakakatawag wonderfully made. Wonderful are pansin at nakakabighani, may your works; my soul knows it very dating ito at talab. And God is this well." - Psalm 139:14 kind of beauty. God’s 3. "For we are God’s handiwork, Kagandahang- loob is salvific, it created in Christ Jesus to do good transforms, it heals, and it comforts works, which God prepared in (Cacho & de Mesa, 2012, p. 65). advance for us to do." - Ephesians 2:10 4. Your beauty should not come from God’s agape outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing God’s kagandahang-loob freely of gold jewelry or fine clothes. and graciously acts for the well- Rather, it should be that of your inner being of people (lubos na self, the unfading beauty of a gentle naginhawahan) without any and quiet spirit, which is of great thoughts of return of the favor. worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:3-4 Describing God in Jesus Christ as 5. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is Kagandahang-loob goes beyond its fleeting; but a woman who fears the references to kindheartedness, Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 benevolence, beneficence, and goodness as a specific act. Kagandahang-loob does not only Kagandahang- Loob mean divine goodness and benevolence, it is goodness and Kagandahang-loob is a winsome benevolence that arises from the goodness, ang kabutihang very core of God. Furthermore, the nakabibighani o nakakaakit. Ethical kagandahang-loob of God has goodness and aesthetic charm are been described as kagandahang combined. That is why walang daya. And finally, God’s Kagandahang-loob is pure positivity kagandahang-loob or the love of that captivates and wins people God is identical with the being of over (Schillebeeckx in de Cacho & God, therefore, it is not something de Mesa, 2012, p. 64). which God has or does, it is not a virtue or a property of God, nor is God as Kagandahang- loob in Jesus Christ love something which God can decide to here and without there. It According to first letter of Paul to the cannot be uneven or pass away. Colossians 1:15, “The invisible love of Love is, quite simply, what God is God became visible in Jesus Christ.” (Cacho & de Mesa, 2012, pp. 66-67). Paul’s letter to Titus attest to this thus: “Sapagka’t inihayag ng Diyos ang kanyang kagandahang-loob na nagdudulot ng kaligtasan sa lahat 13 | P a g e  Foundational Theology First Semester Midterms Reviewer Transcript By: Justin Lloyd Laxamana Lesson 4: The Foundation of Faith: Re-interpreting “revelation” in the light Pagpapadama ng Diyos ng Kanyang of pagpapadama and kagandahang- Kagandahang-loob as Revelation loob Pagpapadama: The intuitively affective- 1. God’s pagpapadama is cognitive way of experience relational Kagandahang–loob calls communicate: our attention to the fact pagpapadama, that is, making that what transpires someone feel what one wants between God and to convey. Pagpapadama is people is a relationship both an important feature of that involves the deepest our Filipino communication and most authentic reality patterns and indicative of the of the self (loob). importance that we give to It is implied that feelings. What we want to be “kagandahang–loob” is a communicated to another relational concept; it needs to be done the feeling cannot be known or way. demonstrated in isolation Pagpapadama is from fellow human beings. communicating the intuitively God’s relationship of affective–cognitive way. The “kagandahang–loob” is occurrence of “having felt” not a superficial one for it (nadama) implies that engages who God truly is whatever is communicated has and who we truly are. an effect, may dating at talab. According to St. Paul, In this work we shall use the God’s pagpapadama term “dama” with its cognates was something that “pagpapadama”, “nadama” occurred within him. “But or “nadarama” to speak in when God who had set general about this Filipino me apart before I was manner of relating. born and called me It is intuitive because it is through his grace, was rationally calculated; it is pleased to reveal his son affective–cognitive because in me so that I might “dama” intimately combines proclaim him among the feeling and thought in the Gentiles…” (Gal. 1:15–16). action. Kailangang Such “kagandahang– maramdaman ng kapwa ang loob” is one that bestows nais nating ipabatid. dignity to us – tinatao tayo – and in his way honors 14 | P a g e  Foundational Theology First Semester Midterms Reviewer Transcript By: Justin Lloyd Laxamana God as truly a God of 1. Redemption-centered genuine concern. Focus on the process from hirap 2. God’s pagpapadama is life- to ginhawa (pag-ahon sa giving hirap) generally relates to the Zoe as ginhawa - Filipinos redemption-centered mindset. who experience “hirap ng In this perspective, God’s buhay” (difficulty in life) salvation is seen as a liberation desire for “ginhawa”. It or release from sin and all its evil expresses Filipinos’ effects. Oriented as it is towards experience of total well- evil, this outlook regards the being. It is rooted in world as corrupt and human realities but does corruptive. not take for granted other Humanity needs to be aspects of human life that redeemed. By our own efforts, transcend earthly we can put things right. Our blessings. We aim at the helplessness comes from our fullness of “ginhawa” being born in sin, having even when at times it is inherited it from the first human elusive. beings. We had become, in St. Through our day-to-day Augustine’s words, a massa experiences, we get a damnata (Latin, condemned glimpse of ginhawa which mass of humanity). As St. Paul God gives us. Even when puts it, since all have sinned, we only have fragments and fall short of the glory of of ginhawa, we are God, they are justified by his sustained in our grace as a gift, through the continuous struggle to redemption which is in Christ fulfill God’s will of lubos na Jesus whom God has put ginhawa for all of us. forward as expiation by his blood to be received by faith” (Romans 3: 23-25). Two perspectives of Zoe or Salvation Redemption from the slavery of sin is only possible by The notion of ginhawa can acceptance of Jesus as savior. represent two (2) perspectives To believe Christ Jesus, who on zoe or salvation, the took upon Himself the redemption-centered and the punishment, which was due to creation-centered. Each one us, is to be assured of has its strengths and redemption. Because if you weaknesses. confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart 15 | P a g e  Foundational Theology First Semester Midterms Reviewer Transcript By: Justin Lloyd Laxamana that God raised him from the creation are good (cf. dead, you will be saved” Gen 1: 31), God shares (Romans 10: 9). our humanity through This way of understanding Jesus. redemption is referred to as the theology of atonement. It was formulated by St. Anselm. He is, however, often misunderstood as presenting Jesus appeasing an angry offended God. Actually, what he is offering is a contextualized view of God’s compassion within the medieval feudal culture of Europe. In his view divine goodness provided a solution to the predicament of human beings. 2. Creation-centered Concentration on experienced ginhawa, no matter how partial and temporary, connects with the creation-centered way of thinking. The creation-centered way of looking at salvation, for its part, focuses on blessings of life. Before there was sin and sinfulness, there was what had been considered by God as “good” and “very good”. Before “original sin”, there was “original blessing”. Life is meant to be a joy, not a gloomy existence. To make us realize that the world and all of 16 | P a g e