Theo 2 - Prelims Hand Out II

THEOLOGY 2
CHRIST AND MAN’S SALVATION

INTRODUCTION
Theology I –

“God” – _____________,_____________ Religion --________________________
-gives everlasting life/happiness __________________________
___________________________

Everlasting Happiness
Everlasting Life
death

Happiness/answer –unlimited / infinite


Answers : Philossophy/Ideology – hedonism, humanism, Marxism. - limited
(Answers / Happiness)- - Limited
Man’s Quest: Life? Meaning / Meaningful?


God : _____________,___________________
- gives Everlasting Life / Happiness / complete meaning of life.

Revelation – Recorded in the ____________
( ex. Torah, etc )

Religion - ___________________________________________________



__________: Man’s Response


Happiness / Life’sMeaning – infinite / unlimited
death
Life’s meaning, Happiness – limited, finite
Man’s Quest : Life? Meaning / Meaningful?


( Since God’s revelation is mostly by mediations, our responses is also through mediations like images or signs and symbols, drama, rituals, etc.)



Religion and Life:

Religion – a social Institution with set of beliefs and practices as a result and expressions of their faith and dependence on the transcendent Being (God).
- You believe in “God” because you are powerless (you can’t control the situation) you look for security, ultimate meaning of life, salvation.

- acknowledge their dependence on the supreme being (God).
- express their beliefs and dependence on the transcendent through cult/rites and witness it in their personal and social life.


ATTITUDES TOWARDS RELIGION
1. Superstitious
Ex. “Magical” – it gives luck
- wishes are granted, etc.
Ex. Image of the Sto. Niño.

2. Guiding
- it helps us find the meaning of life.
- It gives life’s direction, refines attitudes.
- Helps to have better outlook of life.

3. Consoling
- it consoles, gives hope in times of difficulty, crisis, etc.
Ex. “Bahala na si Lord”

4. Conventional
- religion is just part of society, culture.
Ex. For people to maintain peace and order not to do evil.

5. Indifferent
- religion is neither good nor bad
- Good for those who find it useful or who need it.
- Not necessary for success.
- Values can be learned thru’ education.

6. Hostile
- Religion is a “Bad” Influence”, “Harms” people.
- Makes people not think, lazy, too dependent to God which doesn’t exist. Makes people not look at life realistically.


Which of these attitude/s is helpful? _______________

Which of these attitude/s do you possess? ______________,







God Created all things , (world and the human persons). They were in “paradise”

sin

Father : ------------Mission : Salvation

Abraham
Prophets ---------Theology I
Priests ----- O. T.
Kings
God Jesus -----------Mission : Salvation / Kingdom -------- Theology II
(Son)
(way,truth,life)
------ N.T.(Gospels)

____________
____________ : Mission : Salvation / Kingdom. --------- Theology III
(Apostles + Disciples)
------ Acts of the Apostles
And the Letters / Epistles.


Philippines Spain Rome Jerusalem



Theology IV
Living a Christian Life ( Morality )

Creation Story
• Woman/man in Paradise
• They committed sin (Disobedience/Pride)
• (Woman will give birth to Messiah)
• God planned to save man
• Salvation history started in the Old Testament (God made a Covenant with Abraham – fulfillment was the coming of Christ)

God :-------------------Mission : Salvation
Prophets
Priests - O.T.
Kings

Theology II: Jesus : ---------------- Mission : Salvation / Kingdom - N.T.
The Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Jesus Christ: Both Divine and Human(except sin)
• Gave Salvation
• Mediator between God and Man
• Salvation involves Christ and Man
• Bridge the Gap between God and man/humanity

Salvation is a gift of God / a grace – take it or leave it.

• Salvation history is still at work at present through the church with the Holy Spirit.

Salvation – deliberance from sins (old definition/old view).
a. Eternal life with God Eternal Happiness in the form of
b. For the Soul seeing God face to face(beatific vision)
c. In Heaven

 Fullness of Life with God - --destruction of all evils.
(Ressurrection)

Maturity: Difficult process.
• Takes time ( but start or do it now)
• Challenge
• Mission – you have to perfect yourself.

JESUS: The Model of Maturity.
some bases/reasons:
A) He Advanced in age and wisdom
Ex. Sticked to his convictions
• convinced that such is true or correct(do it).
B)He Chose to risk his life but not uselessly
Risk: “Put in danger”
Ex. Tell the Truth – witness
Christ Corrected People in Authority
C) He Develop unlimited concern for others - do good for others.
D) Gave his life a meaning/purpose.
Ex. Do your Mission (to save and he painted the vision of the Kingdom)
E) Helped people find the meaning of their lives.
F) Painted the vision of the Kingdom.
• Building up the Kingdom on Earth.


THE FILIPINO CATHOLICS AND THEIR BASIC ORIENTATIONS IN LIFE

WHO IS THE FILIPINO CATHOLIC?
PCP II – 34
“ We Filipinos are followers of Christ, his disciples, to trace his footsteps in our times, to utter his words to others, to love with his love, to live with his life, to cease following him is to betray our identity.”

(The Problem in the process of evangelization: Jesus Christ or Christianity is always enveloped/colored by the culture and world view (background) of the evangelizer/missionary)

Inculturation:_____________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
-Guard and purify our values /culture
-Preserve and strengthen the positive elements of our culture
-Purify the negative elements in the light of the Gospel
-Our Christian faith must be inculturated; must become part of our culture / must become part of our everyday life / life/ life’style (also baptizing our culture).

Doing Filipino Theology

Hypothesis: becoming mature and authentic Filipino is becoming truly (Filipino) Christians.

Comparison Values: Examples

Gospel Filipino
1. love ----
2. justice ----
3. compassion ----
4. peace ----

TRAITS OF FILIPINO CATHOLICS
A. SELF-IDENTITY
1. Family-Oriented / centered
a. immediate family
b. extended family (ninongs, ninangs).
c. Fond of children
a. Jesus: Family of God
God – Father
(Mary- mother)
Us – brothers and sisters
How do we become member of God’s Family? _________________

B. MEANING IN LIFE (HAPPINESS)
2. Meal oriented
Filipino: Gracious hosts and grateful guests
-salu-salu kainan
-“kain tayo”, come and eat with us
- we treat everyone as part of the family.
* Jesus: Eucharist: The Bread of Life
Eucharist: The Center of Life of the Early Christians
1 Cor.11;25-26, John 6:48-58
(The Early Church called it Breaking of the Bread)

C. SUFFERING IN LIFE
3. Kundiman Oriented
Kundiman : Sad Filipino Song about Wounded Love
Filipino: Hero Lovers
:Hero - sacrifice Everything out of love
( we accept suffering for the sake of love)
* Jesus: Hero
Christ sacrificed everything out of love
Savior from sin
Jesus is a suffering servant – He suffered out of love

D. LIFE COMMITMENT
4. Bayani oriented

Hero: fights for justice, peace, true love.
: Savior; Defends, protect the oppressed, weak, and the poor from injustices and oppressions. Even to lay down one’s life. ( movie –“bida” )

Jesus: Hero
: “Conqueror” of the world from sin.
: Won over evil
E. WORLD VIEW
5. Spirit Oriented
Filipinos: naturally psychic
: Believe in supernatural beings
Ex. Spirits. . in a tree, place, person, etc.

* Jesus: Miracle worker
ex.Jesus drove away evil spirits in persons.
-He sent the Holy Spirit to his disciples(Pentecost)

Conclusion: Filipino traits are parallel with that of Christ.
Accepting Christ and becoming mature and authentic
Filipino is becoming truly (Filipino) Christians.



God





JC
(Way,T.L)



______________
Saints,Angels :_____________________



People


* The outstanding trait of Filipino Catholics is people in love with Mary. (Pueblo Amante De Maria)
* Most Filipinos are Marian Devotees
(Devotion: prayers addressed to Saints, Angels)
- you ask the prayer of the Saints.
* Typical Filipino approach to Christ is
with and through Mary

ex: - simbang gabi
-panunuluyan at Christmas
- salubong

Marian piety / devotion is part of being Filipino (most)

1. Family oriented: Mary “Spiritual Mother”.
2. Meal oriented: we have our Feast with Mary
- month of Marian festival: __________.
- pilgrimage to her shrines
3. Kundiman oriented: Mary was sorrowful because of our sins.
-Mater Dolorosa
4. Hero: Mary: She offered her whole life for the fulfillment of God’s salvific plan.
:Queen
5. Spirit oriented: Mary: The Holy Spirit overshadowed her.

Who is Christ to Filipinos?
Filipino 21 images of Christ
1. baby symbol
: Sto. Niño:
2. Hero Symbol: Suffered out of love
: Hesus Nazareno
: Sto. Entiero – “dead Christ”
: Crucified Christ/crucifix
: Sacred Heart
3. Kingdom Symbol
Christ the King: Winner / Victorious

1.Sto. Niño
- Feast: 2nd Sunday of January - 1521 – Magellan’s gift to Queen Juana of Cebu at her baptism.
Legaspi – set Cebu on fire but the image of Sto. Niño was found in one house.
(symbolisms: child: honest, trustworthy, just, innocent,
loving,”malambing”)
Evaluation:
- must be complimented by the adult image of Christ.
-message: respect the rights of children.

2.Hesus Nazareno (Black Nazarene) - in Quiapo Church.
-feast: January 9
- brought to Philippines by the Augustinian Recollects 16th – 17th century
- work of an unknown Mexican artist.

Symbolism: God’s faithfulness to his people.
- God’s love to his sinful people.
- Christ suffered out of love
- Christ – suffering servant
3. Crucified Christ ---consoling to many Filipinos
In their hardships.

cross

cross – sign of victory

veneration / respect – for the saints, also for images. (expression depends on cultural practice)
Adoration, praise and worship – for God.

4. Sto. Entierro (dead Christ)
- Christ is God, is also human(except sin).

Evaluation:( Hesus Nazareno, Crucified Christ, sto. Entiero)
-Must be complemented by the kingly image/resurrected image/ victorious image.

- Religious Experience of devotees - __________________________.

5. Sacred Heart of Jesus

6. Christ the King: Victorious Christ
Feast: Last Sunday of the Liturgical Year(The Sunday before the 1st Sunday of Advent)
What’s the difference between Christ our King with the other kings?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Ex. Chess king

In the Catholic Liturgy, we have three seaons: the season of Advent and Christmas, Lent and Easter and ordinary time. Our Liturgy/worship is revolving around the great deeds of Christ.
Who is the person who worshipped God perfectly? __________________



Liturgy - ___________________________


Different colors of the celeb-
bration:1.
2.
3.
4.

Resurrection resurrection



WHO IS JESUS?

Gospel - a contraction of the word godspel (“Good tiding”)
Or good news.

-Good News -________________________________________________.

3 Stages in the writing of the Gospels
( There is only one Gospel but in 4 editions)
a. Historical Jesus
Jesus: came and did His mission like by preaching, healing and other ministries. All His deeds were centered on the Kingdom or salvation of mankind

b. Oral preaching
The disciples preached / witnessed (show/live) about Christ and his Message.
They were inspired by the Holy Spirit(_________________________)
what was the basis of the apostles in preaching during their time?
________________________________________
c. The Writing of the Gospels
The Evangelists wrote the Gospels
They were inspired by the Holy Spirit
Purpose: to preserve the message of Christ.
Gospels
- not biographies of Christ
- not concern on Historical accuracy

- * Faith Accounts on Jesus(Faith Experiences on Jesus)
- to convert others, to let them believe that Jesus is the Messiah.

Yehoshua – YHWH is Salvation, God is Salvation, God saves.

Yehoshua Joshua Jesus = Savior -- Mt.1:21

Mashiah Messiah: Anointed one of Yahweh/God
Ex. In OT.___________, _________,___________.
Jesus = messiah --Mt.16:16

Mashiah Messiah Kristos Christ.





Prophet

Priest

King


Matthew – Mt
Mark – Mk
Luke – Lk.
John – Jn.




Matthew

Mark

Luke
Egg = eng
Agg = ang ex.aggelion
John. – more symbolic, theological
(Matthew’s Gospel in Aramaic in 50 A.D. was lost.)

1.Mark: 64 A.D. (65- 70), 66-70 64-66
Cola, L. Gobrin,A. Felix J. Vermundo
• shortest gospel
Symbol: Lion – begins his gospel with a lion in the desert.
Lion- John De Baptist – crying for repentance. Audience: Persecuted Christians of Rome.

Purpose: strengthen /give courage to the suffering Christians of
Rome
(Stress): to stand for the faith even to the point of dying if necessary.
__________________
Christ is a suffering servant

Focus: Deeds of Christ
1. Marvelous Deeds (Miracles)
2. Stressed the mission of Christ-salvation of mankind, kingdom
- Jesus = Messiah, Savior

Mark – disciple of Peter and Paul, Story teller.
- To present the person of Christ through his actions and
Miracles
- (some Biblical scholars say that this is an anti-miracle gospel
Because the miracles are not the signs that Jesus is the Messiah but His action especially His Suffering and death on the cross.He criticize those who emphasized mainly the miracles of Jesus.)

2. Matthew: 65 A.D. 70-90 ca.85 70’s 0r 80’s
Cola,L. Gobrin,A Felix,J. Vermundo
(Matthew: Jew, tax Collector)
Symbol: Man
Begins with the genealogy of Christ

audience: Jewish Christians
Stress: Jesus is the Messiah, the “new Moses” from the house of David.
: He wanted the Jews to believe that God’s promise in the Old Testament is now fulfilled in Christ
Focus: Jesus’ Word / Jesus’ teachings which is focus on the Kingdom
*Jewish mentality :__________________________________________
__________________________________________
They have a very “high” expectation of the Messiah.
Matthew presupposes Knowledge of the O.T.
Matthew always compare Christ with Moses because of His audience.
Moses gave the Torah – guide, Christ gave the Holy Spirit – guide. Etc.

3. Luke -(Physician) 65 A.D. 70-90 ca 85 late 80’s
Cola,L. Gobrin,A. Felix,J Vermundo
- disciple of Paul
Symbol: calf
- begins with the sacrifice/offering
Jewish bias: Gentiles : pagans
: people who are not Jews
: that Christ and Salvation is only for the Jews
Audience: Greek converts/Gentiles
Stress : salvation is universal/for all. Christ died and suffered for all.

Luke – Educated Greek, Physician, Gentile Christian convert.
-Historian,disciple of _______.
-client of Theophilus ( _______________________)
- To give an orderly historical account of Jesus.
- the most orderly Gospel/ focus on the missionary work of Jesus

4. John: 95 A.D., 90-100 90’s 90’s
Cola,L. Gobrin,A. Felix,J. Vermundo
symbol: Eagle
– started with high and lofty thoughts.
Audience: familiar with the synoptics
: Christian Churches around the Roman Empire.
: All Christians

John – more theological
- presented the mysterious personality of Christ and added with profound insight.
Stress: the Divine Origin of Christ.
: Jesus – is Divine, Messiah, from God.
- He stressed the divinity of Jesus that people should believe that He is the Messiah, that anyone who believes in Him will have Everlasting life In short, belief in Jesus as the messiah will lead to eternal life. ( Thomas the doubter is one of the representatives of John’s audiences, that’s why the episode is there)
- He also stress close personal relationship with Jesus.
- He was a follower of John de Baptist.

John’s message for the Jews who cling so much to the O.T. especially the Torah : Jesus is the WORD of God, the Torah who was made/became flesh. So if you are the True People of God as you claim then accept this new Torah who is Jesus.

Some say that John might have also defended who was really Jesus against some heretics like the Gnostics,etc.
Gnostics: Sect who teaches heresy
Gnosis – knowledge
- “We have a secret Divine knowledge from above – will lead us to salvation.” This secret knowledge is only given to the elect.

- 5 Books of John
1. Gospel
2. John 1,2,3 – Epistles
3. Revelation



Author
Symbol Year Audience Purpose

1.

2.

3.

4.


Author
Audience Problem Solution

1.

2.

3.

4.





Authors
(Gospels) style/personality
(method/strategy) Chapters Discipleship( What kind of
Disciple do they portray/like

1.Mark
Story teller “Action star”- more on doing.
Follow Christ thru suffering
and humiliation even to the point of _____________________

2.Matthew
Teacher/catechist
Learner / Listener / teacher

3.Luke
Historian Go to the mission
- Missionary

4.John
Theologean Close relationship with Christ
Ex. Thru Prayer and Eucharist


Who were apostles among the Evangelists? ___________,______________.
The longest gospel:_______________
The shortest gospel: _____________
What’s the difference between Matthew and Luke in terms of their geneaology? _______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________

What do their genealogy emphasized?
The most catechetical gospel is Luke, the next is Matthew
For purely Catechetical work, the Gospel of Matthew is recommended.
The Gospel of Luke is good for adult catechism.
Catechism : Instruction or specific form of instruction
: (instruction about our faith)
(The primary focus of Catechism are adults and not children)

Mark is good for children (catechism)
Luke : Orderly account
Matthew and John : for high school and college (catechism)
Sources – Mark and the Q ( qohelet )

Eusebius : a historian(some say he is more of an apologist than a
historian)