The Human Person in Catholic Teachings PDF

The Human Person in Catholic Teachings Catholic teaching offers a rich understanding of the human person. It explores the nature of human beings, our relationship with God, and the meaning and purpose of our lives.  Introduction to Catholic Anthropology Catholi...

The Human Person in Catholic Teachings Catholic teaching offers a rich understanding of the human person. It explores the nature of human beings, our relationship with God, and the meaning and purpose of our lives.  Introduction to Catholic Anthropology Catholic anthropology explores the human person, encompassing our physical and spiritual nature, our relationship with God, and our social dimension. It's a fundamental branch of Catholic theology, providing a framework for understanding ourselves. Nature Relationship with God What makes us human? Exploring our physical Our connection with and spiritual makeup. the divine and how it shapes our lives. Social Dimension Our place in the world, our relationships with others.  The D ignity of the Human Person Catholic teaching emphasizes the inherent dignity of every human person. This dignity stems from our creation in the image and likeness of God, granting us inherent worth and value, regardless of our circumstances or abilities. 1 Created in God's Image 2 Intrinsic Worth We are created in God's We possess inherent value image and likeness, and dignity, regardless of reflecting the divine. our status or achievements. 3 Respect for All A ll humans deserve respect and care, as each person is a reflection of God.  The Human Person as Created in the Image of G od The image of God within us reflects our intellectual capacity, our ability to love, and our inherent dignity. It highlights our capacity for creativity, responsibility, and self-governance. Intellectual Capacity Love & Compassion D ignity & Purpose O ur ability to reason, Our capacity for love, Our inherent worth and the think critically, and seek empathy, and forming call to live meaningful lives. knowledge. relationships.  The Human Person as a Body- Soul Composite The Catholic Church teaches that human beings are a unity of body and soul, inseparable and interconnected. The soul, the immaterial essence of a person, animates and gives life to the body, and together they form a single, integrated being. Unity of Body and Soul The soul animates the body, forming a single, integrated being. Inseparable Body and soul are interconnected, each influencing the other. Complementary Body and soul work together, forming a complete human person.  The Human Person as a Steward of Creation The basis of the stewardship tradition is found in Genesis 2:15 where God establishes man and woman in the garden and tells them to “cultivate and take care of it”. The implication is that humans are called into a relationship with God and are called to care for creation. N ature/Earth We take care our common Home. Procreation/Life Gen 1:28, 9:1,7; 35:11 - from the beginning, the Lord commands us to be fruitful ("fertile") and multiply. A husband and wife fulfill God's plan for marriage In the bringing forth of new life, for God is life itself. S elf/N eighbor/Family “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matthew 22: 35-40). The Human Person as a Social Being Catholic teaching recognizes the social nature of the human person, emphasizing our inherent need for relationships and our call to live in community. It promotes a view of human beings as interconnected and interdependent, recognizing the importance of family, society, and the common good. Family Fundamental unit of society, providing love and support. Community Shared experiences and responsibilities, fostering belonging and solidarity. Common Good Well- being of the entire community, promoting justice and equity. The Human Person and the Moral Law The Catholic Church teaches that the human person is called to live in accordance with God's moral law, which is revealed through natural law, Scripture, and the Church's teachings. This moral law guides our actions and helps us discern right from wrong, leading to a life of virtue and flourishing. N atural Law An innate understanding of right and wrong, inscribed in our hearts. D ivine Revelation God's guidance through Scripture, providing moral principles and teachings. Church Teaching Interpretation and application of moral principles in contemporary life. The Human Person and Free Will Catholic teaching affirms the human person's free will, the capacity to make choices and act upon them. This freedom, however, is not absolute but is guided by reason and moral law, recognizing the need for responsible decision-making and accountability for our actions. 1 Freedom of Choice Capacity to make decisions and act upon them. 2 Responsibility Accountability for our choices and actions. 3 Guidance Moral law and reason help us navigate choices. The Human Person and Free Will 1. CCC. 1739 Freedom and sin. Man's freedom is limited and fallible. In fact, man failed. He freely sinned. By refusing God's plan of love, he deceived himself and became a slave to sin. This first alienation engendered a multitude of others. From its outset, human history attests the wretchedness and oppression born of the human heart in consequence of the abuse of freedom. 2. ccc. 1740 Threats to freedom. 1. Freedom and Responsibility: True freedom is the power to act responsibly, not simply the ability to do anything one wants. 2. Misuse of Freedom: Freedom does not grant the right to say or do everything, especially if it harms others or violates moral order. 3. Individualism: The false notion that freedom is purely for self-interest and self-sufficiency is rejected. 4. Societal Conditions: Economic, social, political, and cultural conditions can threaten or limit the just exercise of freedom. 5. Blindness and Injustice: Situations of moral blindness and social injustice offend the moral order and contribute to the enslavement of individuals. 6. Inequality and Oppression: Unjust inequalities and political oppression deprive people of their freedom and hinder its true growth and flourishing. 7. Moral Order: The proper exercise of freedom should align with the moral order to promote true human flourishing.  The Human Person and Sin Sin, according to Catholic teaching, is a violation of God's law and a turning away from God's love. It can be understood as a personal choice to act contrary to the good, often stemming from pride, selfishness, and a lack of trust in God. Consequences of Sin Hope for Redemption Sin separates us from God, creates God's mercy and love offer forgiveness disharmony, and harms ourselves and and the possibility of healing from sin. others.  The Human Person and Redemption Through Jesus Christ, we are offered redemption and salvation from sin. His sacrifice on the cross reconciles us to God and opens the path to eternal life, offering forgiveness and the promise of a transformed life. 1 Jesus Christ's Sacrifice 2 Reconciliation Redemption and Jesus' sacrifice salvation are achieved restores our through Jesus' relationship with sacrifice. God. 3 New Life Redemption offers a transformed life, filled with hope and purpose.