Catechism

This column summarizes the Catechism of the Catholic Church, parts one, section one and two, as they relate to each phrase from the Creed listed on the left. The Catechism is taken from http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM.

Chapter 15: The Great Proposal

The orthodox faith is the one source that can renew Western culture. Why? Because the faith teaches of God can change humanity, and faithful Christians have demonstrated time and again this truth. (pg. 221)

Christianity does not seek to impose, it proposes. The Gospel is the great proposal. (pg. 225)

 The final chapter is Colson's link of Christian faith to Western culture. He demonstrates that almost all institutions of Western culture, including, but not limited to, democracy, capitalism, science, and universities, were based on Christian beliefs, and thus Christianity is the foundation for Western culture. He then demonstrates how cultures are clashing today, between radical Muslims who believe without reason and secular postmodernists who reason without faith. Christianity is caught in the middle of these two forces, and only a return to orthodoxy can renew culture and bring change not only in the church, but in the culture of the world itself.

Chapter 14: The Joy of Orthodoxy

True Christians understand that the faith was given once for all and is filled with life and excitement. (pg. 201)

Believers in Christ have lived through the doubt and pain and suffering, and have resolved those questions, not by their own creative efforts or by some blinding new discovery, but by relying on the same enduring truth. (pg. 205)

Colson points out that despite how exciting and life-changing doctrine is (as he showed in the rest of his book), people today still say it is dry and brittle. He identifies five reasons. First of all, the Church has failed to teach the faith properly. Second, materialism makes us unable to understand what makes life worth living. Third, many Westerners are intimidated by pressure from the secular community around us. Fourth, American culture values progress, not in old ideas. Fifth, many people, including Christians, believe all religions are alike. However, as Colson argues, having an orthodox faith leads to the joy of changing the lives of others and the ability to hold on in times of crisis. Finally, orthodox Christianity leads people to action.

 

Chapter 13: Last Things

When Jesus comes again, the world will be created anew. God's purposes must prevail in the end. (pg. 199)

Christianity confirms that our longing for the wicked to be punished and the good rewarded will on judgment day be fulfilled. (pg. 190)

Colson begins the chapter by stating that Christians believe that Christ will come again and the Kingdom of God will reign forever. He points out to signs to show that this hope of eternal destiny is not in vain. One is our desire for justice. We all desire the scales to be balanced, and wrongs to be set right. Not only that, but we also desire distributive justice, giving everyone equal treatment. Those are not fully possible in the world today, and only possible by Biblical "shalom" or peace. The second sign is love; love for others is absurd and has no meaning if death separated people eternally. Colson then describes what will happen upon death: those who died in God's grace are taken to God's presence, and those who don't die in God's grace will be forever separated from God, which is the worst punishment imaginable. Colson assures the reader that God will be fair to those who have never heard the message and have sought him earnestly. He goes on to declare that history will end when Christ returns, and no one knows when that is, and that Jesus will judge the living and the dead.

Chapter 12: The Sanctity of Life

Christians propose to society a biblical humanism "deeply grounded in the dignity of the human person at every stage of development, disadvantage, or decline." (pg. 185)

 When Christians today see life through God's eyes... we are compelled not only to care for the poor and vulnerable but to defend every human's God-given right. (pg. 171)

Colson examines the issue of abortion in this chapter and argues that it is not simply right-wing Christians trying to impose their views on politics, but the anti-abortion conviction began with the early Church. Colson expands this to issues beyond abortion, saying that Christians believe that all people should have a right to life. He compares Christian humanism to secularism, saying that secularism does not give a reason why humans are any different from animals, and secular ethics can not protect the sanctity of life. He argues that Christians are (or should be) dedicated to protecting rights of all people, including abolishing slavery and protecting rights for women. He criticizes the utilitarian ethic by showing how each life, even the most disadvantaged, is precious to the Christian. Finally, he takes a look at scientific advancements that allow humans to essentially play God, and quotes C.S. Lewis in saying that by designing future generations, we will become the victims of our success, and that we should not use these technologies simply because they exist. He points out other disturbing patterns today, such as seeing children as commodities rather than lives, and argues that the defense of the sanctity of life should be the mark of a true Christian.

Chapter 11: Be Holy - Transform the World

The hard truth is that too many see Christianity in terms of self-improvement or as a guide to successful living; the command to holiness, the impetus for such change, is too often ignored. (pg. 159)

They did what they did not because it was some noble cause for society or because they believed in some social gospel or because they wanted political influence. They acted because they believed, as God's holy people, that they were called both to end systemic evil and reform cultural attitudes. (pg. 170)

Colson addresses holiness in this chapter, which he insists is not following a set of rules but rather being like Christ. Achieving holiness is a struggle for all Christians, but we collaborate with God. Colson identifies four key factors in becoming holy. The first is repentance, both to God and to other believers and society. The second is reforming our desires, replacing sinful ones with holy ones. The third is renewing the mind, seeing the world as God sees it. The fourth is acts of charity, putting others' needs above our own. Eventually, these become habitual in holy living. Finally, Colson uses the stories of people such as William Wilberforce and William Booth to demonstrate that holy living should bring about greater concern for society and ending systemic evil, not just personal evil.

 

Chapter 10: The Church

When we are the Church as Christ commands us to be, we change and so does the world. (pg. 156)

The Church is a reclamation project, reestablishing God's rule in the midst of a world still mostly under Satan's sway. (pg. 147)

In this chapter, Colson identifies the Church as the body of Christ. He criticizes modern Christians' consumer attitude towards Church attendance, emphasizing that the Church isn't a building, but that Christians are the Church. He identifies four identifying marks of all churches. One is that the Church preaches from the Word of God. Another is the practice of sacraments, or outward signs of inward grace, the two that are practiced in all churches being the Eucharist and baptism. A third is discipline, declaring that the church is responsible to deal with sins and shortcomings. A fourth is community, that the Church should bear each other's burdens. Finally, Colson emphasizes the need for the Church to go out and play a part in its community; its focus should be on missions as much as on worship.

Also see: Evangelicals and Catholics Together

Chapter 9: Reconciliation

Forgiveness, which makes reconciliation possible, is the centerpiece of the biblical account. When practiced, forgiveness if life changing, even world changing. And it often plays out in the most dramatic and unexpected ways. (pg. 129)

 In a world where Christianity is being assaulted on all sides, true believers must stand together in common defense of the faith. It is the challenge of the Church to work toward this, imperfect though our efforts may be, as we profess one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. (pg. 145)

 Colson argues in this chapter that as Christ has forgiven our sins and reconciled us to God, we must forgive others and be reconciled to them. He notes that revenge and violence create a vicious cycle, and only forgiveness can break the cycle. Only Christianity truly gives a moral basis for forgiveness, and it is because of this that nations with a Christian history have experienced reconciliation and forgiveness, such as in South Africa. Colson challenges the Church as well, pointing out the bitter divisions within the congregation and between denominations, and encourages the Church to be united in their orthodoxy, or mere Christianity, rather than arguing about particulars.

Chapter 8: Exchanging Identities

Salvation is a free gift - but it costs everything. (pg. 117)

The real question is not whether we will suffer but how we will react to adversity when it comes. (pg. 125)

Colson begins this chapter by expounding that salvation is by faith alone, and requires nothing from us. However, Colson describes how faith will change the person, causing them to be more Christlike and prepared to do good, denouncing the prosperity gospel. He uses the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer to illustrate the suffering that faith will bring, and makes it clear that every Christian will suffer, because Christ suffered. However, while many who believe in a prosperity gospel may abandon the faith at the first sign of suffering, Colson says that it is a privilege to share in Christ's suffering, and Christians should rejoice in it.

Chapter 7: God Above, God Beside, God Within

While the Trinity transcends the bounds of human understanding, this doctrine is at the heart of Christian spirituality, and in the life of faith we experience its truth at every turn. (pg. 97)

 Once you see the triune God as dwelling apart from time and space, in what we can only imagine as an eternal present, God's liberation from every circumstance, even the losses of time, acquires rich new meaning. We live in an entirely new way. (pg. 109)

 In this chapter Colson discusses one of the most difficult doctrines of Christianity: the Trinity. He notes that many Christians, with their doubts about the Trinity, are being converted to Islam because they are told that belief in three gods is idolatry and thus the Trinity (which is not understood by Muslims either) is blasphemous. Colson argues that the three-in-one nature of God is biblically clear, though a mystery, that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct yet one, and any other viewpoint is heretical. He points out how all analogies fall short and the only way to truly understand is personal encounter with the Trinity. He explains the Trinity's role in Christian spirituality, in Creation, and in the Christian's understanding of time.

Chapter 6: The Invasion

 This is why at the heart of every orthodox confession of faith is the atoning death of Christ, which is the supreme outpouring of God's love for us. (pg. 89)

The consistent eyewitness testimony of the apostles and earliest believers to the reality of Jesus' bodily resurrection, given among those hostile to the claims of Jesus, clearly points to the resurrection as a historical reality. (pg. 93)

In this chapter, Colson addresses the ministry of Jesus, which he likens to an invasion, as God came into the world of humans himself to rid it of evil. However, unlike a military invasion, God came into the world through the virgin birth (essential because he could not be born into sin), and despite all his talks about the Kingdom of God, he showed no signs of overthrowing the Roman Empire, which is what was expected of the Messiah. He came to bring freedom and healing to fallen humans. The crucifixion was the climax of his ministry, where he took upon all the sins of humankind. Colson identifies the crucifixion as the heart of Christianity. Colson argues that also crucial to the faith is the resurrection, and a bodily one. He points out that many people, including many Christians are skeptical about the resurrection, but he argues that Christianity is meaningless without the resurrection, and that the eyewitness testimony of the apostles, who were willing to die for it, is enough evidence to its validity. Finally, Colson tells of Jesus' ascension so that he could send out the Holy Spirit, act on our behalf, and one day come again.

Chapter 5: What Went Right, What Went Wrong

All true Christians affirm that humans, given the gift of a free will from God, disobeyed him. (pg. 79)

The most terrifying truth  I have discovered in life is the banality of evil; the most ordinary people are capable of the most horrific sin; it is in us all. (pg. 76)

In this chapter, Colson begins by introducing the doctrine of original sin; that the first humans had the choice to obey God or disobey God, and tempted by Satan, chose to disobey. He introduces the "problem of evil" that is prevalent today: why God would allow evil and suffering in this world if he was all powerful and all good. Rather than answering the problem of evil, Colson puts the spotlight on human responsibility, and how very few people in our culture today, even Christians, accept responsibility for sin. He points out that in modern society, we tend to blame society, say it is inevitable, or otherwise divert responsibility. However, Colson argues that Christians should believe in original sin, that we freely disobeyed God, and are responsible for our actions.

Chapter 4: Truth

If we do not take truth seriously, we will not take God seriously. (pg. 61)

 If Christianity is not the truth, it is nothing, and our faith mere sentimentality. (pg. 70)

Colson takes a break from explaining Christian doctrine in this chapter to give a treatise on truth, and why Christians should believe truth exists and that Christianity is true. He explains that Christians should believe that humans know truth through the Scripture, through nature, through reason, and through conscience. However, in this postmodern culture, any claims about "truth" or "reality" are scorned or taken as offensive. Even many churches today have abandoned doctrine to emphasize deeds and experience. Colson argues that a lack of belief in truth leads to theological liberalism, perversion of the Gospel, biblical illiteracy, ethical confusion, undermining of cultural development, and false gods.

Chapter 3: He Has Spoken

Simply put, the Bible is the rock on which the Church stands or falls. It is the ultimate authority for all Christians - Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox alike. (pg. 56)

Christians find that the Bible's authority, its textual integrity, its historical accuracy, and its transformative power attest to its unique status as God's word. (pg. 47)

 Colson begins this chapter by demonstrating how Christians throughout history have boldly defended the Word of God, that is, the Scriptures, and Christianity's enemies have tried to destroy or subvert it. This is because Christians believe that the Bible was inspired by God's Holy Spirit and its truths transcend time. As texts were being written, church leaders began to separate what writings were inspired  and authoritative, and which were heretical, resulting in the canon that was universally accepted. As recent archaeological discoveries have only supported, not disproved, the validity of the Scripture, copies of the text have remained accurate, and the Scripture has transformed lives, Christians have more and more reason to believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God.

Chapter 2: God Is

Whether we believe that God is affects not only our families and our culture, but world history. (pg. 40)

Anyone looking at the majesty of the mountains or the vastness of the churning seas or the quiet beauty of a sunset has to wonder about the origins of what they see... (pg. 33)

 Colson, in this chapter, puts forth three competing views of the origin of the universe: either the universe is godless and material, uncaused and purposeless, or the universe is synonymous with God, which still gives no purpose to life, or the universe was created by a personal God. Colson notes that the choice is more influenced by cultural prejudice than actual thought. He argues that the proposition of a personal God is rational and supported by evidence, despite the fact that many refuse this proposition.

Chapter 1: Everywhere, Always, By All

"Hold fast that faith which has been believed everywhere, always, and by all." (p. 30) 

Christianity is a worldview that speaks to every area of life, and its foundational doctrines define its content. If we don't know what we believe... how can we live it and defend it? (p. 28)

 In this chapter, Colson demonstrates that the core beliefs of Christianity remain common throughout history and across cultures. He calls these beliefs "orthodoxy." He notes, however, that orthodoxy is being lost in churches in the West, and few Western Christians truly know what they believe. He also points out that the modern Church is being hard-pressed by anti-theists such as Dawkins and Dennett who portray religion as imposing, postmodernist philosophies that advocate relativism and denounce truth, and the aggression of radical Islam. Colson believes that to respond to these challenges, the Church must return to orthodoxy, or "mere Christianity," and understand what it is that they believe so they can answer their opponents.

Unit 8 (Grade 8)- Amen [Being Different]

Theme 1: So what difference does belief make?

The Creed reminds us who we are and who we are called to become.

When we say “amen” we accept God’s guidance in both our being and our becoming.
Scripture References: Matthew 1:21

Theme 2: Why go to Mass?

The Eucharist gives us and the entire faith community the strength to live out what we profess in the Creed.

Theme 3: How shall we celebrate?

The “theme” of every Mass is Christ’s Passion, death and resurrection.  In planning the liturgy we do not develop new themes; we choose to emphasize different aspects of the central mystery and the way it touches our lives.

Unit 7 (Grade 8)- Life everlasting

Theme 1: How is my life connected?

We are called by God to live life to the fullest in harmony with the rest of creation.
Scripture References: Matthew 25:14-29, 31-46

Theme 2: How can I make the world more peaceful?

The value of human life requires that we oppose all things that seek to harm or destroy that life, and to honour the dignity inherent in every human life.
Scripture References: John 14:27, Colossians 3:12-15

Theme 3: Do I live justly?

The love of God and the Golden Rule are the foundation for just relationships.
Scripture References: Book of Esther, Book of Susanna, Amos 5:24, Micah 6:8, Matthew 22:36-39

Unit 6 (Grade 8)- The resurrection of the body

Theme 1: Who wants this body?

God created and redeems both our bodies and our souls.

Theme 2: What’s sex worth?

Our sexuality is part of what makes us complete persons in the image of God.  Sexual love should be total, lifelong and life-giving within the sacrament of Marriage.

Theme 3: Can suffering be meaningful?

In suffering we can find God.  Jesus calls us to reach out to those who are in need.
Scripture References: Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 26:36-38, Revelation 21:4

Unit 5 (Grade 8)- The forgiveness of sins

Theme 1: We know these rules.  Why do we have to learn them again?

As our lives change, the Ten Commandments have different things to teach us.
Scripture References: Matthew 5:21-22

Theme 2: What’s right?  What’s wrong?

Sin is deliberately falling short of what we know Jesus would ask us to do.
Scripture References: Matthew 25:40, James 4:17

Theme 3: How can we work it out?

We must first recognize our sin.  True sorrow consists in admitting our wrong, trying to undo the damage, deciding not to do it again, and asking for forgiveness.

Theme 4: Why should I confess my sins to anyone besides God?

The priest, through the words of absolution, reconciles us both to God and to the Christian community.
Scripture References: Luke 15:10

Unit 4 (Grade 8)- The communion of saints

Theme 1: Does death destroy everything?

Death cannot destroy the bonds of Christian community and love.  Those who have died are a part of our community, just in a new way.
Scripture References: 2 Maccabees 12:44-45

Theme 2: What makes a person’s life successful?

Saints are those who recognize God’s great love for them and act accordingly despite difficulties.  Each of us is called to be a saint.

Unit 3 (Grade 8)- One catholic and apostolic Church

Theme 1: Why bother with church?

The task of the Church and all its members is to continue the work of Christ by making the love of God available to all.
Scripture References: Matthew 28:19, Ephesians 3:14-21

Theme 2: What can I hope for when I give?

Christians are called to be apostolic servants of Christ.  Marriage and Holy Orders model faithful service.
Scripture References: Genesis 2:24, 1 Corinthians 13

Unit 2 (Grade 8)- The Holy Church

Theme 1: Who wants to be holy?

God makes things holy by giving them a special purpose within the divine plan.  We are holy when we live according to our purpose.  The sacraments reveal God’s loving action and enable us to participate in that action.
Scripture References: Matthew 6:14, 25:1-13, Mark 5:1-20, Luke 5:29-32, 14:1-6, 17:1-4, John 6:1-14, 8:1-11, 13:34, Acts 2:14-42, 1 Corinthians 3:21-23

Theme 2: How do I fit in?

Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist connect us to God and the Christian community, give us purpose, and offer us strength and support.
Scripture References: John 17:21

Theme 3: What can I do when my life seems to be falling apart?

The sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing bring God’s healing touch through the Christian community.
Scripture References: Ezekiel 36:25-27, Luke 5:17-26, John 20:19-23, James 5:14-15

Unit 1 (Grade 8)- The Holy Spirit

Theme 1: What do they expect me to do now?

The Holy Spirit helps us to deal with changing expectations and helps us to change our expectations to be more and more in line with the teaching of Jesus.

Theme 2: Am I strong enough?

Because God has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are capable of living as Christ calls us to live and to love as Christ calls us to love.  
Scripture References: Genesis 41:15-36, Exodus 3:4-6, Ruth 1:3-18, 1 Kings 3:16-28, 2 Kings 5:1-14, Job 1:13-22, Proverbs 19:23, Susanna 1:15-62, Matthew 8:5-13, 22:23-33, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:12-14, 10:25-28, 38-42, Acts 2:43-47, 4:1-22, 5:17, 27-39, 8:26-38, 9:10-19, 16:16-34, 1 Corinthians 13:13

Theme 3: How do I know I’m on the right track?

The fruits of the Holy Spirit are present when we are doing God’s will.
Scripture References: Proverbs 15:4, 21:21, 25:28, 28:20, 30:33, Psalm 16:11, 30:11-12, Isaiah 11:9, Zechariah 7:9-10, Ben Sira 6:14-15, 29:8, Matthew 5:42, 10:8, 25:34-36, Mark 9:36-37, Luke 6:38, 16:10, John 10:10, 14:5, 15:11, 1 Corinthians 7:15, 9:25, 13:4-7, Galatians 5:22-26, Colossians 3:15, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, James 5:7-8, 1 Peter 3:4, 1 John 3:18, 4:16

Theme 4: What does it take to really win?

The Trinity reveals God’s nature as always relating in love – “really winning” means being able to stand in solidarity with others.

Unit 10 (Grade 7)- [Jesus will come to judge]

Students will name the ways in which Jesus judges and understand that judgment as a call to be whole.

Theme 1:  Who’s a winner?  (Jesus’ judgment – the blind see, the deaf hear…)

Scripture References: Mark 1:15

Theme 2:  What’s fair?  (only God may judge)

Scripture References: Genesis 1:31, Matthew 6:2-4

Theme 3:  Does anyone really notice what I do?  (God sees all)

Scripture References:  Matthew 7:1-4

Unit 9 (Grade 7)- [Resurrection and Ascension]

The students will name the hope which the resurrection of Jesus offers even during the most difficult moments of their lives.

Theme 1:  Is there hope?  (the resurrection accounts)

Scripture References: Luke 24:13-35, John 20:1-18, 24-29, 21:1-14, 15-19

Unit 8 (Grade 7)- Jesus' Crucifixion

Students will name the ways in which they give of themselves and make connections to the suffering and death of Jesus.

Theme 1:  What risks are worth taking?  (Jesus’ arrest and trial)

Scripture References: Matthew 22:23-32, 23, 26:36-46, 47-56, 57-68, 69-75, 27:1-2, 11-26, 27-31, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:26, 27-31, 32-38, 39-43, 44-49, John 19:16-17, 25-27, Acts 6:7

Theme 2:  What’s the point of sacrifice?  (the crucifixion)

Scripture References: Psalm 138:1

Theme 3:  Who’s in?  Who’s out?  (1 Peter 3.18-19, Mt 28.19, Mt 10.27)

Scripture references: 1 Peter 3:18-19

Unit 7 (Grade 7)- [Virgin Birth]

Students will express the ways in which God is with us in Jesus, in which God works with us, and in which we can work with God.

Theme 1:  Why is everybody always picking on me?  (Luke, infancy narratives)

Scripture References: Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 5:17

       Scripture Studies:

• Luke 1:26-38 Mary and The Angel
• Luke 2:1-7 Political Background 
• Luke 2:8-20 The Shepherds
• Luke 2:22-40 Temple Visits and Prophecies

Theme 2:  Who understands me?  (historical background for Jesus)

Scripture References: Matthew 2:16, Luke 10:30-37, 23:6-16, John 4:7-26, Philippians 2:6-9

Scripture Studies: 

• Matt 2: 1-12 The Wise Men
• Matt 2:13-23 Flight to Egypt
• Luke 2:41-52 Boyhood visit to the Temple

Unit 6 (Grade 7)- Jesus our Lord

Students will explore the nature of the kingdom of God and what it means to be part of that kingdom.

Theme 1:  Am I free to be me?  (temptation of Jesus)

Theme 2:  What do I need to be happy?  (Luke 6.20-26)

Scripture References: Luke 6:20-42

Theme 3:  Is my way the best way?  (parables of the kingdom)

Scripture References: Matthew 20:1-16

Unit 5 (Grade 7)- Jesus Christ his only Son

Students will explore what makes Jesus believable and the ways the faith community identifies Jesus.

Theme 1:  What’s in a name?  (titles of Jesus, Old Testament understanding of naming)

Scripture References: 2 Samuel 7:16, Daniel 7:14, Matthew 7:29, Mark 8:29-30, 14:62, John 6:15, 20:28, Acts 2:36, Philippians 2:11

Theme 2:  How does Jesus challenge me?  (Jesus took people beyond labels)

Scripture References: Luke 10:38-42

Theme 3:  What makes Jesus believable?  (stories of faith)

Scripture References: John 6:60-69

Unit 4 (Grade 7)- God the Creator of Heaven and Earth

Students will consider the wonder of creation and the ways in which God invites us to participate in creation and in God’s creative action.

Theme 1:  Is what I do good enough  (Genesis 2)

Scripture References: Psalms 8

Theme 2:  That’s not my job!  Is it?  (Genesis 1)

Theme 3:  Why do I need you?  (human dignity)

Unit 3 (Grade 7)- God the Father Almighty

Students investigate the personality of God as parent.

Theme 1:  Who loves me?  (Ps 139, Ps 27.10, Is 49.15, Is 66.13, Lk 11.12)

Scripture References: Psalms 27:10, Isaiah 43:1, 49:15, 66:13, Matthew 7:9-11, Luke 13:34, Ephesians 3:14-15

Theme 2:  It’s a free country.  Why shouldn’t I do whatever I want  (the Ten Commandments – a community perspective)

Scripture References: Exodus 19:3-5, 20:1-17, 24:3-4

Theme 3:  Who’s in control?  (Jer 31.33, observe, judge, act model)

Scripture References: 1 Kings 17:8-24,  Jeremiah 31:33,  Mark 10:17-22

Unit 2 (Grade 7)- God [Meaning of Belief]

Students will explore and express the meaning of believing, and what it means to believe in God.

Theme 1:  Whom do we trust  (Abraham story)

Theme 2:  Am I all on my own?  (Exodus story)

Scripture References: Exodus 1:11, 14, 2:1-22, 23-25

Unit 1 (Grade 7)- [The Bible]

Students will formulate, explore and express their identity in relationship to the larger faith community.

Theme 1:  Who am I?  (diversity in personalities and talents as a part of God’s plan for creation)

Scripture References: Romans 12:4-5, Psalms 139:1, 13-16

Theme 2:  Am I normal?  (human wholeness)

Scripture References: John 10:10

Theme 3:  Do I belong?  (biblical overview)

Rock the River Community Action Projects

This summer, in preparation for the Rock the River concert in Edmonton, sponsored by the Billy Graham foundation, youth groups in Edmonton were encouraged to participate in a project for the betterment of their community. Some youth groups participated in projects such as cleaning litter in their community, others participated with other organizations.

The Beulah Alliance Church youth group participated in a project initiated by the Edmonton Police. On the Friday night, the youth group was involved in putting together flyers that contained information intended to help residents of Edmonton keep their house less at risk for crime. The next morning, these flyers were distributed to houses in the communities of Belmead and La Perle to increase awareness for crime prevention. In this way, the youth group of Beulah Alliance took action in their community, inspired by their faith.

Rock the River Community Action Projects

Faith in Action Research Questions

  The following questions 

These questions are based on the Apostles and Nicene Creeds, see Christian Beliefs (Creed Topics). The "they" in the question could refer to a person or a group such as a church.

1. How did the Bible affect the way they lived?  How were they "Doers of the word? James 1:22-27
2. How did their faith in God the almighty creator make a difference in their life?
3. How did they Celebrate Christmas and Easter?
4. What in their life showed their relationship with Jesus Christ?
5. How did they show the "Fruits of the Spirit" see Gal. 5:22-23?
6. How did they show support for and receive strenth frin the church?
7. How did their belief in eternal life affect the way they lived and died.?
8. For each of the above questions ask what motivated the actions taken? 

Research related to these questions can be posted to a blog, which is linked to a summary page, see Faith in Action Alberta Index. The underlined words can be used as labels for your blog posts. The research posts can then be used to contribute to Faith In Action projects see "Faith In Action" Projects 2010 and

Faith in Action Alberta Index to

?*   believed in…	Actions	Motivation
Grade 7
[God of the Bible]
God [Meaning of Belief]
God the Father Almighty
God the Creator of Heaven and Earth
Jesus Christ his only Son
Jesus our Lord
[Virgin Birth]
[Jesus’ Crucifixion]
[Resurrection and Ascension]
[Jesus will come to judge]
Grade 8
The Holy Spirit
The holy Church
One catholic and apostolic Church
The communion of saints
The forgiveness of sins
The resurrection of the body
Life everlasting
Amen [Being different]

*Substitute with "They," "she," "he," or the name of the individual as appropriate.

Resources

Links to any additional resources that have helpful references to the phrases of the Creed are listed here with the relevant page numbers.

Resources that Apply to Several Topics:

• Nothing More Beautiful 
• Scripture Studies of the Life of Jesus

Colson on The Faith

This column provides a link to a list of page numbers and summaries of the pages in Charles Colson and Harold Fickett's "The Faith" that refer to to the phrases of the creed in the "We believe in..." column in Christian Beliefs (Creed Topics).

Also See:

1. Videos for the faith colson 
2. The Faith by Chuck Colson
3.  Interview:  Chuck Colson Why Faith Matters A former marine and prominent ... 

Oblate Bible

This column gives the pages in the Catholic Youth Bible that have additional references to the phrases of the creed listed in the "We believe in..." column. This does not include the scripture itself; scripture references are placed in the "Scriptures" column.

Text and Scripture

This column is a summary of the grade 7 and 8 Canadian Catholic school textbook's content related to particular topics listed in the "We believe in..." column. Also included are all Scripture references from the respective textbook unit, as well as any Scripture references from other sources.