Core Catholic Beliefs: Faith, Revelation, and Jesus
1. What is Faith?
Definition: The Essence of Faith
Faith is defined as belief and trust in God, even without physical proof.
Level 4 Understanding:
Faith is a gift from God that allows us to believe in Him, trust in His promises, and build a relationship with Him.
Characteristics of Faith
- Faith is a gift from God.
- Faith is free (you choose it).
- Faith grows through prayer and experience.
- Faith involves both belief and action.
2. Revelation
What is Revelation?
God revealing Himself and His truth to humanity.
The 3 Stages of Revelation
- Creation: God shows Himself through nature.
- Old Testament: God speaks through prophets and covenants.
- Jesus Christ: The full and final revelation.
How Does God Reveal Himself?
- Creation (nature)
- Scripture (the Bible)
- Jesus Christ
- The Church
How Does Jesus Reveal God?
Jesus shows us who God is through His words, actions, love, and sacrifice.
Key Theological Definitions
- Kingdom of God: God’s rule of love, justice, and peace.
- Parable: A story with a deeper moral or spiritual meaning.
- Metaphor: A comparison used to explain a concept.
- New Covenant: The relationship between God and humanity through Jesus.
- Incarnation: God becoming human in the person of Jesus.
- Christology: The study of the person and work of Jesus.
- Covenant: A sacred agreement between God and His people.
The “God Grammar” Concept
God acts → Humans respond → Relationship builds.
3. Names of Jesus
Naming in Jesus’ Time
In the ancient world, names described a person’s identity or mission.
Definitions of Titles
- Jesus: “God saves.”
- Christ: “Anointed one” or “Messiah.”
- Son of God: Jesus has a unique relationship with God.
- Lord: Jesus possesses authority and divinity.
- Lamb of God: Jesus sacrifices Himself for humanity.
4. Knowing Ourselves Through Jesus
What is Grace?
God’s free gift of love and help to grow closer to Him.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
About God: He is loving, forgiving, and seeks every person.
About Us: We are valuable, we can go astray, and we are always worth saving.
5. Creeds
What is a Creed?
A formal statement of what we believe as Catholics.
Apostles’ Creed vs. Nicene Creed
- Both summarize core beliefs.
- The Nicene Creed is more detailed.
Note: Faith should be real and meaningful, not just memorized.
6. Mary, Mother of God
Key Terms
- Annunciation: The Angel Gabriel tells Mary she will conceive Jesus.
- Immaculate Conception: Mary was born without sin.
- Assumption: Mary was taken into heaven.
7. Holy Spirit and Pentecost
What is “Ruakh”?
A Hebrew word meaning the breath, wind, or spirit of God.
What is Pentecost?
The event where the Holy Spirit came to the apostles and gave them the courage to spread the Gospel (found in the Acts of the Apostles).
8. Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit Defined
The presence of God working within us.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2-3)
- Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.
Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control.
9. Human Dignity
What is Human Dignity?
Every person has inherent value because they are made in God’s image.
Traits of Humans
- Free will
- Ability to love
- Intelligence
- Social nature
- Moral decision-making
The “Throwaway Culture”
A society that treats people as disposable or lacking value.