Religion in Today's Society
What does the phrase “God is dead” suggest about society’s relationship with religion?
"God is dead" implies that society no longer sees God or faith as relevant.
- answers may vary but are along these lines
What is agape love? How is it shown in action?
Agape is selfless, unconditional love, shown through acts of charity, compassion, and justice.
List any 2 of the 4 traits of a ritual.
A ritual passes on a tradition: people through the centuries have given meaning to events; therefore, most important rituals have a long history. A ritual helps to pass on this history and the rite carries a memory of its own history. (ex. Thanksgiving dinner)
A ritual needs our bodies: all rituals involve our bodies; they are washed, touched, embraced, anointed, released, etc. Rituals are not only spiritual events; they are also bodily. (Ex. Baptism)
A ritual is accompanied by words: the words of a ritual express and make real and effective what the symbolic ritual intended; they make the action complete. Often the words are sung, as rituals are closely allied with music and song. (ex. Wedding Vows)
A ritual forms a community: the important rituals of life are not solely intended for the individual, they are essential for building human community. For example, the rituals around birth are ways of welcoming a child into the community.
“Praying” – Is this a sign, symbol, ritual, or routine?
ritual
“God is a shepherd” — What is being compared in this metaphor?
God is being compared to a shepherd.
God = shepherd
How can secular values challenge Catholic values today?
Secular values often focus on personal success, wealth, and individual freedom, while Catholic values focus on love, community, and caring for others. This creates conflict because secular culture promotes self-interest, while Catholic faith calls us to live like Jesus and put others first.
answers may vary
What is one example of using your power for the benefit of others?
Using your power can include speaking up for the oppressed, donating, or advocating for change.
What are 4 of the 9 types of intimacy?
Any 4: Emotional, Intellectual, Work, Crisis, Creative, Aesthetic, Recreational, Spiritual, Sexual.
“Wedding Ring” – Which is it: sign, symbol, ritual, or routine?
symbol
What is the difference between a sign and a symbol?
Sign = one meaning (STOP), Symbol = deeper meaning (heart)
Reflection: How does the media shape how youth view body image, violence, and identity?
The media can pressure youth to conform to unrealistic body images, promote violence, and distort values.
- answers may vary
Define the Golden Rule and explain why it matters in society.
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” – it encourages empathy and moral action. This is how Jesus urges us to do justice.
List the 4 central themes in the book of Exodus.
1. Slavery
2. Exodus
3. Covenant
4. Promised land
“Helping the poor” – Which image of the Church does this represent?
servant
Name all 7 sacraments.
Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, Holy Orders
Is there still room for God in today’s culture? Support with an example or argument.
answers will vary
How can following Jesus' example promote justice in the world?
By showing compassion, standing up for the vulnerable, and treating everyone with love and fairness—just like Jesus did. Also by living by the Golden Rule!
What are the 5 characteristics of a parable?
1. A parable is a story: parables are short stories, often about ordinary events of day-to-day life. Jesus’ parables were based on daily life among his people.
2. A parable is a comparison: a parable compares something we don’t know (the Kingdom of God) to something we do know (events from everyday life).
3. A parable contains a crisis: the crisis of the parable is the most interesting part. The crisis challenge us to think differently about God and ourselves.
4. A parable has an ending: some endings are happy while others are tragic.
5. A parable is a story about God’s kingdom (God’s way of acting among us): the story is about God and the unexpected ways He takes care of us. The story is meant to help us when we look for ways of acting as Christians in our culture.
“A large company is cutting down forests without replanting trees.” – Which justice type?
ecological justice
Define each of the 6 images of the Church (Institution, Advocate, Teacher, Servant, Transformer, Community).
Institution: the Church is an organized structure with rules and buildings. This image includes the leaders of the Church and the hierarchical (a ranking system) structure of this leadership.
Advocate: the Church speaks on behalf of the oppressed, poor and outcast and promotes a just and loving world. For example, it helps people in need and speaks for those who don’t have a voice.
Teacher: the Church proclaims Jesus’ message with words and actions. The Church calls us to hear the word of Christ and spread his message to the world. The Church teaches us about Jesus and His love. It calls us to listen to His message and share it with others.
Transformer: the Church shows the world the presence of God through love and sacrament. The Church is the Body of Christ on earth. Each member is a part of that body and carries on Christ’s work on earth. Ex. We are the Body of Christ, doing His work on earth. Ex. Baptism
5. Servant: it serves the people of God and all of God’s creatures. As Jesus washed the disciples feet, we too are called to serve others. We are the hands and feet of Jesus on earth. Ex. The Church serves others, like Jesus did. When we help people, we are doing His work.
6. Community: it is a community that welcomes everyone and has a vision of what the world could be. We are devoted to one another through being one body in Christ. Ex. The Church is a group that welcomes everyone. We support each other and work together for a better world.
Reflect on whether media has contributed to the decline in Church participation among youth. Why or why not?
yes.
answers may vary
Match each scenario to one of the 5 types of justice:
1. Healthcare is only affordable for the wealthy.
2. A person donates regularly to local food banks and helps deliver meals
3. A company starts using solar panels and reduces its carbon emissions significantly
1. Distributive Justice
2. Individual Justice
3. Ecological Justice
List and explain the 5 forms of love in Greek
Hetaireia – companionship
Eros – romantic/sexual
Storge – family
Philia – friendship
Agape – selfless love
“My friend and I studied all night together.” – Which form of love?
philia - friendship love
What are the 5 types of justice? Define them.
1. Judicial Justice: pertaining to judgment in courts of justice or to the administration of justice: the judicial system.
2. Individual Justice: occurs in relationships between two people and includes the obligation they have to one another.
3. Social Justice: occurs in a community and includes the obligations individuals have to the whole of society.
4. Distributive Justice: occurs in a community and includes the obligations groups and individuals have to equally distribute society’s resources.
5. Ecological Justice: occurs in a community and includes the obligations that humans have to protect and respect creation.