Theology II
Semester 1 Overview
The Original State of Man
When God created Adam and Eve, the first two living creations ever made, he allowed them to exist in a state of complete holiness and justice. This state of bliss gave Adam and Eve certain gifts including immunity from sickness, suffering, and death.Adam and Eve lived happily in paradise while enjoying a wonderful relationship with God until Original Sin happened.
Original Sin and the Consequences
Original Sin occurred when Adam and Eve made the first act against God's will. This transgression is known as the Original Sin. Because of this, Adam and Eve, as well as all their descendants, lost their state of holiness forever. This caused us to lose all initial gifts that God gave to Adam and Eve.
The Word Became Flesh
The word becoming flesh refers to Jesus becoming fully man.There are 4 reasons why Jesus had to become flesh. he had to make the sacrifice for us so our relationship with God can be salvaged. In addition to that, he physically manifested God's love so that we can grasp the magnitude of that love, he gave us a model of perfection to strive for, and allowed us the opportunity to share in his divine life.
The Paschal Mystery
The Paschal Mystery is the suffering and subsequent death of Jesus on the cross. These events are the true manifestation of God's love that allowed us to achieve redemption for Original Sin. This was done by Jesus' ultimate sacrifice to die in atonement for all the our wrongs.Because of Jesus' sacrifice, our relationship with God was restored and the gates of heaven were opened again.
The Theological Virtues
The theological virtues are faith, hope, and love because these objects are in union with God.Faith elevates the natural intellect of a person so that a person can discern the supernatural mysteries of God. Hope gives a person the will to trust in God throughout even the harshest of times. Charity enables people to love God and their fellow neighbor above all else.
Prayer: How we communicate with God
Prayer is one of the most valued methods of developing a relationship with God. Prayer is a personal conversation with God. Praying is a method that only humans can perform because God made us specifically in his image which allows us a close bond that none of God's other creations. This special bond gives us the ability to sense God's presence and speak with him.
The Four Marks of the Church
The four marks of the church are the identifying characteristics of the church and include being one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. The first mark, being one, is the acknowledgment of the uniqueness of the church and how there is nothing else like her.It is also to signify the unifying power the church which was also part of the purpose of the church. The second mark of the church, holiness, was given to her by Jesus Christ so that the church and her followers can be given to others. The church is the definitive gathering of God's people. The third mark of being catholic which refers to the wholeness and universal reach of the church. Jesus has united completely with the church. The fourth and final mark is apostolic and relates to Christ's chosen apostles. These apostles are the one picked to do the work of God and spread his good word.
The Last Things
To ensure you're soul will live eternally with God forever is to live a good christian life. When a person dies, his or her soul moves on to judgement. When one goes on to judgement, they will get unique retribution based on how they lived their life. Depending of that, a person will go to one of three place Purgatory, hell, and heaven. Purgatory is a state of purification so that one may move on to Heaven. Prayers for souls in Purgatory help them on their way. Heaven is the state of everlasting life with God. All souls in Heaven are eternally in the light of glory. Hell is for those who reject God and continually exist separated from God.
Parousia
Parousia is an ancient Greek word meaning "Arrival" which refers to the second coming of Christ.When he comes again, he will judge the living and the dead as to who will join him in Heaven and who will choose to reject him and be sent to hell. All christians are aware of this second coming and continually prepare for it.