RS-1-Faith-Formation-2024-2025.pdf

RS 1 –Faith Formation Chapter 1 Summary of "Faith and Its Role in Religion" 1. Why We Need Faith Faith combats fear: We live in a world full of death and conflict. Faith helps us deal with these fears and uncertainties. Catholic faith as the answer: It provides hope and guidance through bel...

RS 1 –Faith Formation Chapter 1 Summary of "Faith and Its Role in Religion" 1. Why We Need Faith Faith combats fear: We live in a world full of death and conflict. Faith helps us deal with these fears and uncertainties. Catholic faith as the answer: It provides hope and guidance through belief in God, the teachings of Jesus, and the Church. 2. The Role of Faith in Religion Religion as a relationship: Religion connects us with God. Three aspects of religion: Creed (beliefs): Summarized in the Apostles’ Creed. Code (morality): Guided by the Ten Commandments. Cult (worship): Centered around the Mass and prayer. Faith underpins all aspects: It informs what Catholics believe, how they live, and how they worship. 3. The Act of Faith and the Object of Faith Human act vs. divine object: Our act of faith (believing) responds to God’s revelation (what we believe). Personal and divine: Faith is a personal response to God’s initiative, involving trust in divine truths revealed through the Church. 4. Faith and Creeds Creeds as summaries: They encapsulate core beliefs about God. Ultimate faith in God: Creeds help articulate beliefs but do not define God, who is beyond human understanding. 5. Sacred Tradition Passed down from Jesus: Tradition includes teachings handed down from Christ. Indestructible truth: Unlike human traditions, Sacred Tradition is divine and unchangeable, though it can grow in understanding. 6. Faith and Progress Organic growth: The Catholic faith develops like a living organism, maintaining its core truths while deepening understanding over time. Development of doctrine: The Church explores and explains its teachings, ensuring they remain relevant without altering their essence. 7. Faith and Scripture Scripture and Tradition: Both are essential and authoritative. The Church uses both to interpret divine revelation. Principles of interpretation: Scripture is centered on Christ, and interpretation is guided by the Church’s living tradition. 8. Faith and Church Authority Magisterium’s role: The Church’s teaching authority defines but does not invent dogmas (core beliefs). Mysteries of faith: These are truths revealed by God that are essential for salvation but beyond full human understanding. 9. Faith and Freedom Voluntary act: Faith must be freely chosen, not coerced. True belief comes from personal conviction. Faith leads to true freedom: Believing in God’s truth liberates us. 10. Faith and Feeling Not based on feelings: Faith is a decision to believe in God’s revealed truths, regardless of our emotions. Produces positive feelings: While not dependent on them, faith can bring trust, peace, and confidence. In essence: Faith in Catholicism provides a foundation for understanding life’s challenges, guides moral behavior, and deepens the relationship with God. It involves a personal and free response to divine revelation, maintained through Scripture, Tradition, and the Church’s teaching authority. Faith evolves through deeper understanding while remaining rooted in unchanging truths. Faith and Belief Belief vs. Faith: Belief is thinking something is true; faith is choosing to trust in someone. Belief targets ideas, faith targets persons. Life and Death: Belief alone isn’t worth dying for; faith is. Faith leads to good works and salvation. Non-Catholic Faith: Non-Catholics can be saved by their genuine faith in God. Faith as a Gift of God Source of Faith: Faith comes from God, through the Church and the Holy Spirit. Accepting Faith: Everyone can choose to accept or reject faith. Misunderstanding Faith: Faith isn’t an irresistible feeling; it’s a choice to trust. The Effect of Faith New Life: Faith brings spiritual life, making us children of God. Salvation and Faith: Faith is necessary for salvation as it lets God into our souls. Faith and Love Growth in Faith: Faith is the root, hope is the stem, and love is the fruit. Visible Faith: Good works show our faith to others. Obedience: True faith naturally leads to obedience and good works. Faith and Works Faith Alone?: Protestants say faith alone saves; Catholics say faith must produce good works. Broad vs. Narrow: "Faith" and "salvation" have broad and narrow meanings in Scripture. Protestant Reminder: Good works alone don't save us; Christ does. Faith and Reason No Contradiction: Faith and reason both lead to truth; they can’t contradict each other. Proofs for Faith: Miracles, prophecies, Church history, and the lives of saints support faith. Faith as Certainty Yet Mystery Certainty and Mystery: Faith is certain but also mysterious because it involves God. Seeking Understanding: Faith should lead us to seek deeper understanding. Faith and Beauty Faith’s Creations: Faith has inspired great art and beauty, reflecting God's beauty. Holiness: The lives of saints are the most beautiful examples of faith. Faith and Trials Suffering: God allows suffering to strengthen our faith. Invisible God: Faith grows stronger when we believe without seeing. “Losing Your Faith” Choice to Believe: Faith is a choice; it isn’t lost like an object. Reasons for Unbelief: Common reasons include misunderstanding, indifference, and pride. Faith’s Answers Problem of Evil: Trust that God will ultimately conquer evil. Misunderstandings: Seek clarity through teachings and wise counsel. Seeking God: True happiness is found in God, not worldly things. Faith and Christ Ultimate Answer: Jesus Christ is the answer to all doubts and problems. Crucifix: The crucifix reminds us of Christ’s suffering and victory, providing hope and strength. Prepared by: Chad Redulla 8/5/2024