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Explore Your FaithIntroduction I: How Do You Know?This is a lesson about the ways humans acquire knowledge. It explores three primary pathways: sense knowledge from direct observation, reasoning based on experience, and belief derived from others' words. The lesson applies these concepts to understanding faith, arguing that senses, reason, and belief all contribute to our comprehension of spiritual ideas.
2024-10-0406 minExplore Your FaithIntroduction II: Can the Gospels be Trusted?This is a lesson about the reliability of the Gospels as historical documents. It examines the integrity, authorship, and historicity of the Gospels by analyzing manuscripts, external references, and internal evidence. The lesson aims to establish the credibility of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John as the authors and assess the sincerity and reliability of the information presented in these texts.
2024-10-0417 minExplore Your FaithIntroduction III: Is Jesus Christ Credible?This is a lesson about the claims of Jesus Christ's divinity and the evidence supporting them. It examines Jesus' assertions of his divine nature through his words and actions, focusing on his identity as the Son of God and his performance of miracles. The lesson also explores Jesus' prophetic statements, particularly those regarding his death and resurrection, as further evidence of his supernatural nature.
2024-10-0407 minExplore Your FaithLesson 01: God, the Soul, ReligionThis is a lesson about the existence of God, the human soul, and the nature of religion. It explores how knowledge of God can be attained through both reason and faith, examining philosophical arguments for God's existence, particularly St. Thomas Aquinas' five proofs. The lesson also discusses the nature of the human soul and its implications for consciousness and free will, while contrasting natural and revealed religion.
2024-10-0409 minExplore Your FaithLesson 02: God Has Spoken To UsThis is a lesson about the concept of Revelation, which is God's communication with humanity. It distinguishes between Natural Revelation (God revealing himself through creation) and Supernatural Revelation (God revealing himself directly, primarily through Jesus Christ). The lesson explains the importance of Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture, as well as the role of the Magisterium in interpreting these sources. It concludes by defining mysteries and dogmas, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience to God.
2024-10-0409 minExplore Your FaithLesson 02: Appendix 1. Reading God's Letter To UsThis is a lesson about the role of Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition in faith. It argues that these two sources, both originating from God, are inextricably linked and form a single deposit of the Word of God. The lesson addresses the importance of interpreting Scripture correctly through the lens of faith and in accordance with the teachings of the Church. It emphasizes that the heart of God's message is Jesus Christ, and that the Bible should be understood as a living document that guides believers in their faith.
2024-10-0410 minExplore Your FaithLesson 03: Faith--Our Reply to GodThis is a lesson about the nature of faith. It defines faith as both the objects of belief and the subjective virtue by which one accepts these truths. The lesson contrasts human faith with supernatural faith, arguing that faith is a gift from God but also a free human act requiring knowledge and will. It explores the relationship between faith and science, asserting they are compatible because they both stem from God. The lesson emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith in all aspects of life.
2024-10-0407 minExplore Your FaithLesson 04: How Is God Like?This is a lesson about the attributes of God. It introduces the concept of God's essence as "to be," meaning pure existence, and discusses the implications of His unique and undivided nature, as well as His infinite perfections. The lesson explains God's intellect and will, emphasizing His eternal knowledge and love, as well as His operations in the world. It concludes by highlighting God's fatherhood, emphasizing the loving and compassionate nature of God toward His creation.
2024-10-0410 minExplore Your FaithLesson 05: How One Can be ThreeThis is a lesson about the mystery of the Holy Trinity. It explains the concept of "mystery" in theology, asserting that while these truths surpass human understanding, they are not unknowable. The lesson emphasizes the importance of the Holy Trinity as the central mystery of Christian faith and life, revealing its significance in both the history of salvation and the truths of faith. It explores the Trinity's representation in the Bible and how it is articulated in teachings, particularly in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
2024-10-0409 minExplore Your FaithLesson 06: Why Do I Exist?This is a lesson about creation and the purpose of human existence. It examines the concept of God as Creator, emphasizing the idea that creation was a free act of divine love and wisdom. The lesson explores creation as a rational and good act, arguing that the world is orderly and beautiful, reflecting God's nature. It also addresses the question of evil, explaining that it is a result of sin, but that God ultimately uses even evil for good. The lesson further discusses the role of angels and their relationship to humans, and touches upon the topic of evolution.
2024-10-0414 minExplore Your FaithLesson 07: Why Is There Evil?This is a lesson about the nature of evil and its origins. It begins by outlining the state of "original justice" enjoyed by Adam and Eve before their sin. The lesson then analyzes the fall of the angels, their rejection of God, and the subsequent sin of Adam and Eve. It explores the consequences of this sin, including the loss of supernatural grace, the introduction of suffering and death into the world, and the inclination towards sin known as concupiscence. Finally, the lesson examines the concept of redemption through Jesus Christ.
2024-10-0410 minExplore Your FaithLesson 08: Bad News, Good NewsThis is a lesson about the Incarnation, a central tenet of Christian faith. It explores the historical evidence for the existence of Jesus Christ and his role in spreading the Good News. The lesson examines the theological concept of the hypostatic union, which unites Jesus Christ's divine and human natures in one Person. It also addresses various historical controversies surrounding the Incarnation, and concludes by discussing the implications of Jesus Christ's true humanity, including his soul, intellect, will, and body.
2024-10-0415 minExplore Your FaithLesson 09: Heaven on EarthThis is a lesson about Jesus Christ's identity and mission, focusing on the Incarnation and the Blessed Trinity. It examines Jesus' roles as Priest, Prophet, and King, explaining how these roles relate to his mission of redemption and sanctification. The lesson also explores the significance of the name "Jesus" and the meaning of "Christ," as well as the role of Mary, the Mother of God, in God's plan of salvation. Finally, it emphasizes the priestly, prophetic, and kingly roles of the Church.
2024-10-0417 minExplore Your FaithLesson 10: Mission AccomplishedThis is a lesson about the significance of Jesus Christ's suffering and death, focusing on how his sacrifice redeemed humanity from sin. It examines the accounts of Jesus' passion, highlighting his willingness to offer himself as a sacrifice for the sins of all people. The lesson emphasizes the importance of Jesus' obedience to God's plan, his willingness to endure humiliation and pain, and the unique and definitive nature of his sacrifice. It also discusses the concept of participating in Christ's sacrifice through baptism and living a life of selfless service.
2024-10-0410 minExplore Your FaithLesson 11: Victory and TriumphThis is a lesson about the significance of Christ's descent into Hell, Resurrection, Ascension, and Second Coming. The lesson uses biblical scripture and references to explain these key events in Christian theology, highlighting the importance of the Resurrection as the crowning truth of the faith and emphasizing the anticipation of Christ's final return to judge the living and the dead.
2024-10-0426 minExplore Your FaithLesson 12: Uncreated Love and Christ's BrideThis is a lesson about the Holy Spirit's role in creation, the Church, and the lives of individual believers. The lesson explores the Holy Spirit's mission in creation, His influence during the coming of the Messiah, and His active presence in the Church as the source of sanctification and growth. It also defines the Church's fundamental characteristics as "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic," explaining the meaning behind each attribute and the implications for believers' relationship with the Church. Finally, the lesson emphasizes the importance of sacraments and prayer in experiencing the Holy Spirit's fullness.
2024-10-0417 minExplore Your FaithLesson 13: One Body, Many GiftsThis is a lesson about the structure and purpose of the Church. It emphasizes the equality and diversity of the faithful within the Church, the role of the hierarchy (bishops, priests, and deacons), and the unique vocation of the laity. The lesson also defines the different types of consecrated life within the Church, including the religious life, consecrated virgins, and secular institutes. Finally, it explains the concept of the Communion of Saints, which refers to the unity of all members of the Church, both living and deceased, in their shared faith and participation in the sacraments.
2024-10-0411 minExplore Your FaithLesson 14: "I Am With You Always"This is a lesson about the history of the Church, beginning with its founding and continuing through the 20th century. It explores the Church's early growth, its internal struggles and the persecution it faced, as well as its role in the development of Western civilization. The lesson outlines the Church's evangelistic work, its missionary activities, and its impact on cultural and social development. Additionally, it discusses the Church's response to the Protestant Reformation and its struggles with political powers throughout history, including the rise of liberalism and the challenges of the modern world.
2024-10-0423 minExplore Your FaithLesson 15: God and CaesarThis is a lesson about the relationship between the Church and the state. It argues that the Church has a mission to promote the integral development of the human person, which includes social and political involvement. The lesson examines the different roles of the Church and the state, emphasizing that they should collaborate but not be merged. It highlights the importance of ethical principles guiding political decisions and the need for religious freedom. The lesson discusses the Church's involvement in areas like marriage, education, and the rights and responsibilities of believers in political life.
2024-10-0412 minExplore Your FaithLesson 16: At the End of It All ...This is a lesson about the end of life, the afterlife, and what happens to the soul and body after death. It explains concepts such as heaven, hell, purgatory, the particular judgement, and the final judgement. The lesson examines the relationship between the soul and body, and explores the nature of the resurrected body, noting that it will be recognizable but also transformed. It also stresses the importance of living a holy life to avoid eternal damnation and to prepare for entry into heaven.
2024-10-0418 minExplore Your FaithLesson 17: Blessing Is a Two-Way StreetThis is a lesson about liturgy, sacraments, and the importance of signs and symbols within faith practices. The lesson emphasizes the reciprocal nature of blessings, where God blesses man, and man blesses God in return, particularly in the context of liturgical practices. It defines sacraments as efficacious signs instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, meant to dispense divine life and grace. The lesson further highlights the importance of the liturgical year, weekly rhythms, and the daily practice of the Liturgy of the Hours in fostering a deeper connection with God.
2024-10-0410 minExplore Your FaithLesson 18: Born Again--A Whole New WorldThis is a lesson about the sacraments of Christian initiation: Baptism and Confirmation. The lesson explores the meaning and significance of each sacrament, including their origins, the essential elements of each rite, the required conditions for receiving them, the roles of the ministers, and the lasting effects they have on the recipients.
2024-10-0411 minExplore Your FaithLesson 19: Rooted in and Centered on ChristThis is a lesson about the Holy Eucharist, a central sacrament in faith. It defines the Eucharist as a sacrament, sacrifice, and banquet where Jesus Christ is contained, offered, and received under the appearance of bread and wine. The lesson explains the importance of the Eucharist to both individual Christians and the Church as a whole, highlighting its role as the summit and source of Christian life. It also details the history of the Eucharist, including its institution by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper.
2024-10-0408 minExplore Your FaithLesson 20: ImmolationThis is a lesson about the Mass, the central act of worship. The lesson explains the Mass as a true sacrifice that recalls the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. It examines the prefigurations of the Mass in the Old Testament, particularly the Passover, and emphasizes the role of the priest as a minister of Christ in offering the sacrifice. The lesson also outlines the structure of the Mass, highlighting the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
2024-10-0410 minExplore Your FaithLesson 21: Food to be Taken, God to be AdoredThis is a lesson about the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion. It details the understanding of transubstantiation, the process by which the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ, and emphasizes the importance of Eucharistic adoration, both during Mass and outside of it. The lesson also explores the proper preparation for receiving Holy Communion, emphasizing the need for a state of grace, and outlines the benefits of receiving the sacrament.
2024-10-0408 minExplore Your FaithLesson 22: Beginning AgainThis is a lesson about the Sacrament of Penance. It examines the reasons why the Sacrament of Penance is needed, the different names for it, and the historical context of its development. The lesson then explores the importance of interior conversion and repentance for sin, the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing about conversion, and common forms of penance. Finally, it outlines the basic structure of the Sacrament, including its matter, which is the sins of the penitent, and its form, which is the words of absolution spoken by the priest.
2024-10-0410 minExplore Your FaithLesson 23: Seeking Forgiveness, Fostering GrowthThis is a lesson about the Sacrament of Penance, also known as Confession. It explains the roles of priests in the sacrament, outlining their authority to forgive sins and the importance of maintaining the "sacramental seal" of confidentiality. The lesson also discusses the effects of receiving the sacrament, including reconciliation with God, forgiveness of sins, and spiritual growth. Finally, it explores the concept of indulgences, which are a remission of temporal punishment for sins.
2024-10-0408 minExplore Your FaithLesson 24: Healing. Power to Act in Christ's NameThis is a lesson about the sacraments of Anointing of the Sick and Holy Orders. It explores the meaning, purpose, and history of each sacrament, along with details about their matter, form, minister, recipient, and effects. The lesson also discusses the common priesthood of the faithful, the ministerial priesthood, and the different degrees of Holy Orders, including bishops, priests, and deacons.
2024-10-0413 minExplore Your FaithLesson 25: For Better or WorseThis is a lesson about teachings on marriage. It examines the nature of marriage, its purpose, and its sacramental status, exploring the necessary elements for a valid marriage, including consent and form. The lesson also addresses various issues related to marriage, such as mixed marriages, separation, and the dissolution of the marriage bond.
2024-10-0412 minExplore Your FaithLesson 26: The Truth That Sets Us FreeThis is a lesson about the relationship between freedom, law, and conscience. The lesson first explains the importance of freedom as a gift from God, emphasizing that it is not simply the ability to do whatever one wants but rather the power to make informed and responsible choices. It then examines the concept of law, defining it as a rule of conduct enacted by competent authority for the sake of the common good. The lesson distinguishes between eternal law, natural law, divine positive law, and human laws, explaining how they are all interconnected and contribute to the moral order.
2024-10-0413 minExplore Your FaithLesson 27: Telling Good from BadThis is a lesson about the principles of morality. The lesson focuses on the sources of morality, specifically the object, the intention, and the circumstances, each of which contributes to the goodness or evil of an action. It then explores related concepts such as moral relativism, consequentialism, and situation ethics, highlighting their flaws. Finally, the lesson discusses merit, emphasizing the importance of God's grace and the role of human free will in acquiring merit.
2024-10-0414 minExplore Your FaithLesson 28: Being Nice is Not Good EnoughThis is a lesson about justification, sanctification, and grace. It emphasizes that being "nice" is not enough; the goal is to become holy, which requires God's grace. The lesson defines and explains different types of grace, including sanctifying grace, actual grace, and sacramental grace. It also clarifies the difference between human virtues and supernatural virtues, particularly the theological virtues (faith, hope, and charity) and the cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance).
2024-10-0411 minExplore Your FaithLesson 29: In the Image of the TrinityThis is a lesson about the nature of man and society. It argues that humans are social beings by nature, and that the common good is best served by a society built on the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity. The lesson also discusses the need for authority, emphasizing that all authority derives from God and that legitimate authority must serve the common good. It emphasizes that the common good requires individual conversion and the practice of charity, and explains the role of the laity in shaping the political and social landscape.
2024-10-0414 minExplore Your FaithLesson 30: The Only Real EvilThis is a lesson about sin. It defines sin as an offense against God and outlines various types of sins, including original sin and actual sin. The lesson examines the severity of sins, differentiating between mortal sins, which sever the relationship with God, and venial sins, which weaken it. It also addresses internal sins, sins of thought and desire, and the seven capital vices, which are considered the root of other sins. The lesson concludes with a discussion of temptation, occasions of sin, and cooperation in evil, emphasizing the importance of avoiding these situations.
2024-10-0420 minExplore Your FaithLesson 31: No Other GodThis is a lesson about the meaning and importance of the Ten Commandments. It explains how the Commandments are connected to the natural law, the Old Law, and the New Law, focusing particularly on the first Commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me." The lesson examines the virtues of faith, hope, and charity, as well as the virtue of religion, which is the special kind of justice that we owe to God. It also discusses various offenses against religion, such as idolatry, superstition, and sacrilege.
2024-10-0417 minExplore Your FaithLesson 32: The Lord's Name and The Lord's DayThis is a lesson about the Second and Third Commandments. It explains the importance of honoring God's name, prohibiting blasphemy, perjury, and misuse of God's name in oaths and vows. The lesson then examines the Third Commandment and the significance of the Lord's Day (Sunday). It explains why Sunday replaced Saturday as the day of worship, emphasizing the resurrection of Christ and the importance of attending Mass. The lesson also stresses the importance of rest and reflection on Sundays.
2024-10-0407 minExplore Your FaithLesson 33: The First Among Our NeighboursThis is a lesson about the Fourth Commandment and its implications for families and society. It examines the duties of children towards parents, including respect, obedience, and support, as well as the responsibilities of parents towards their children. The lesson then extends the application of the commandment to the duties of citizens towards civil authorities, emphasizing the importance of honoring those in positions of authority while also highlighting the right to conscientious objection.
2024-10-0409 minExplore Your FaithLesson 34: Life is Sacred -- "Thou Shalt Not Kill"This is a lesson about the sanctity of human life and the dignity of the person. It explores the fifth commandment, "Thou shalt not kill," and its implications for various aspects of life, including abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, war, and healthcare. The lesson also examines the importance of peace, the dangers of scandal, and the responsibility individuals have towards their own bodies and the well-being of others.
2024-10-0417 minExplore Your FaithLesson 35: Temples of ClayThis is a lesson about sexuality and marriage. It explores teachings on chastity, the meaning of the marriage act, and the importance of procreation. The lesson also discusses different views on homosexuality, contraception, divorce, and other relevant topics, emphasizing the understanding of the dignity of the human person and the sanctity of marriage.
2024-10-0421 minExplore Your FaithLesson 36: "And God Saw That It Was Good"This is a lesson about the Seventh Commandment: "You shall not steal." It examines the ethical implications of owning and using material possessions, explaining the importance of respect for private property, the universal destination of goods, and the need to be stewards of creation. The lesson explores the virtues of temperance, justice, and solidarity as applied to economic life, and clarifies teachings on work, social justice, and the rights of the poor. It highlights social doctrine, emphasizing the role of moral judgment in social issues and the importance of the human person as the center and goal of economic...
2024-10-0413 minExplore Your FaithLesson 37: Nothing But the TruthThis is a lesson about the virtue of truthfulness and its connection to the eighth commandment. It defines truth as a correspondence between thought and outward expression, emphasizing the importance of living in truth, bearing witness to the truth, and respecting the truth in all aspects of life. The lesson also discusses various offenses against truth, including lying, false witness, rash judgment, detraction, and calumny, and highlights the gravity of such actions. It concludes by stressing the duty of reparation for offenses committed against truth, even if the offender has been forgiven.
2024-10-0409 minExplore Your FaithLesson 38: Where Is Your Heart?This is a lesson about the relationship between thoughts and desires and the Ten Commandments, particularly emphasizing the importance of purity of heart in faith. The lesson explores how original sin can lead individuals to place their hearts on worldly things like power, pleasure, and possessions, rather than on God. It explains the concept of "triple concupiscence" and how virtues and gifts of the Holy Spirit can counteract the effects of these temptations. The lesson also discusses the significance of "poverty of spirit," which involves detaching oneself from worldly riches and seeking God's kingdom above all else. Finally, it...
2024-10-0417 minExplore Your FaithLesson 39: Hotline to HeavenThis is a lesson about prayer. It explores the meaning of prayer, why it is needed, and how one can cultivate a deeper prayer life. The lesson presents a comprehensive overview of prayer, incorporating definitions from various sources. It discusses various forms of prayer such as vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplative prayer, and it examines the fruits of prayer and the dispositions needed to pray well.
2024-10-0410 minExplore Your FaithLesson 40: Just Call Me "Dad"This is a lesson about the importance and significance of the Lord's Prayer. It analyzes the text of the prayer, breaking down each phrase and petition, and explores its meaning in the context of Christian beliefs. The lesson emphasizes the profound spiritual implications of each phrase, drawing upon teachings, and numerous spiritual writers. It emphasizes that the Lord's Prayer is not just a formula to be repeated mechanically, but a powerful tool for fostering a deep and personal relationship with God as our Father.
2024-10-0411 min