THEOLOGY I
LESSON 1: SAINT AUGUSTINE
1. Saint Augustine of Hippo
Born on November 13, 354 AD, in Tagaste (modern-day Annaba, Algeria).
Augustine's life and writings had a profound impact on Western Christianity and philosophy.
2. Early Life and Conversion
Pagan father, Patricius.
Christian mother, Monica.
His mother's prayers, love and influence played a significant role in his later conversion to Christianity.
In his early life, he pursued a hedonistic lifestyle - engaging in worldly pleasures and intellectual pursuits.
3. Intellectual Journey
Augustine was well-educated and taught rhetoric for some time.
Manichaeism - a dualistic religion, concepts of light and dark.
Neo-platonism - a philosophical system founded on the ideas of Plato, concept of the Highest One or Monad.
4. Conversion to Christianity
Augustine converted to Christianity at the age of 31.
Influenced by the teachings of Saint Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan.
His conversion experience is famously described in his autobiographical work, "Confessions."
5. Theology
Augustine also explored the concepts of predestination, grace, and free will
He emphasized the doctrine of original sin - which says that all humans inherit the sinful nature of Adam and Eve.
6. Feast Day
The feast day of Saint Augustine of Hippo is celebrated on August 28th. Also, this date was his death day.
LESSON 2: DIVINE REVELATION AND OUR FAITH RESPONSE
1. Divine Revelation
God makes himself known through divine revelation, which is given to all people through creation and human nature
and to specific people through events.
2. Public Revelation
Refers to the communication of God's truths and messages that are meant for all of humanity.
In Christianity, the primary source of public revelation is considered to be the Bible.
3. Private Revelation
Refers to direct communications from God or spiritual experiences that are received by individuals.
They are personal experiences and are often subject to discernment by religious authorities.
4. Revelation through Deeds
Miracles - Miracles are extraordinary events that defy natural laws and are attributed to divine intervention.
Providence - Refers to the way in which God's guidance and care are evident in the events of human history.
Covenants - are sacred agreements or contracts established between God and humanity.
5. Revelation through words
Scriptures - are regarded as inspired writings that convey the words of God or divine truths.
Prayer - believers experience a sense of God's presence and receive personal guidance through prayers.
Commandments - Guide believers in how to live in alignment with God's will.
6. Sacred Tradition
Encompass the beliefs, practices, teachings, and customs that are passed down from generation to generation within a
religious community.
7. Catechism of the Catholic Church
Provides a systematic presentation of the faith and serves as a reference guide for Catholics seeking to understand the
doctrines, moral teachings, and spiritual principles of the Church.
8. Faith
The belief in or having confidence or trust in God.
Faith involves accepting ideas or concepts even in the absence of empirical evidence.
Doctrinal Faith - a person has that is based on the word of God and the teachings of the Bible.
Saving Faith - results from having believed that Jesus was crucified, and then he rose from the dead.
Justifying Faith - The belief you have been forgiven and cleansed by God just as if you had never sinned.
Indwelling Faith - It is experiencing communion with God and believing that He is always with you.
Daily Faith - Believing God is meeting your needs on a day-to-day basis even when it is not evident.
LESSON 3: INTRODUCTION TO THE CREED
1. Creed
Creeds often start with words like "We believe" or "I believe." This is like saying, "Here's what we think is true."
It's like a list of important ideas. These beliefs can be about God, life, death, or how to live a good life.
2. Four Marks of the Church
One - This means that it is a single, united, and global church which has its basis in Jesus Christ.
Holy - This does not mean that all members of the Church are sin free. The Church help to make the faithful holy.
Catholic - The role of the Church is to share or spread the Word of God universally across the world.
Apostolic - The Church has a historical continuity with the apostles, who were the early followers of Jesus Christ.
3. Sign of the Cross
It symbolizes the actual crucifixion of Jesus, where He was nailed to a cross.
Movement - One hand moving from forehead to chest and from left shoulder to right shoulder.
The three fingers together symbolize the three Persona of the Trinity.
The two fingers together symbolize the two natures of Jesus Christ.
4. Other Beliefs about God
Monotheism – a person who believes in only one god can be called a monotheist.
Polytheism - is the belief or doctrine that there are multiple gods or deities. Represents different aspects of natural
world.
Atheism - refers to either the absence of a belief in the existence of deities.
Agnosticism - someone who doesn't believe it’s possible to know for sure that a god exists.
Secular Humanism - emphasizes the importance of science, ethics, and individual freedom over religious dogma.
Naturalistic Philosophy - affirming that all beings and events in the universe are natural.
Consequentialist Ethical System - ethics is consequential, to be judged by results.
Cosmic Outlook Rooted in Science - relying on methods demonstrated by science.
Deism - Belief in the existence of a supreme being, specifically of a creator who does not intervene in the universe.
LESSON 4: CREATION OF VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE
1. Angels
The term "angel" derives from the Greek word "angelos" which means "messenger."
In Christianity, Islam and Judaism, angels are often described as spiritual beings or messengers of God.
2. Three Angels in Christianity
Michael – is well known as protector, warrior and leader,
Raphael - is known for providing healing and guidance to the faithful.
Gabriel - is known for delivering important messages to God’s people.
3. Demons – Devils – Fallen Angels
Are skilled at manipulating humans, primarily by testing their faith in God.
Known as angels who rebelled against God.
Fallen angels who are forever banished in the kingdom of heaven.
4. Satan
Satan is often depicted as a fallen angel who rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven.
“Satan” is derived from a Hebrew word that means “adversary” or “accuser”.
5. Types of Sin
Mortal Sin - These are grave and serious offense against God’s Moral law.
Examples: Violating the 10 Commandments.
Venial Sin - These are less serious offense against God’s moral law compared to a mortal sin.
Examples: Gossiping, lying, pride, envy, drinking too excess, etc.
6. Seven Deadly Sins
Pride - involves an exaggerated and unwarranted sense of superiority or self-importance.
Envy - jealousy towards someone else’s qualities and achievements. A desire to possess what other people has.
Wrath - often referred to as anger or rage, a strong emotional response characterized by feelings of extreme
displeasure.
Gluttony - Excessive and habitual consumption of food and drink.
Lust - intense craving for sexual pleasure or satisfaction. This deadly sin helps you to have a self-control.
Sloth - is defined as a moral laziness or neglect of one’s responsibilities.
Greed - Is an intense and excessive desire for material wealth, possessions, power, or resource.
