| St. Thomas Aquinas’ 5 Proofs for God’s existence: | Argument from Motion
Argument from Efficient Cause
Argument from Necessary Being
Argument from Gradation
Argument from Design |
| Motion: | God is the Prime Mover, initiating all motion in the universe. |
| Efficient Cause: | God is the ultimate cause behind all existence. |
| Necessary Being: | God is the necessary foundation for all contingent beings. |
| Gradation: | Degree of Perfection: There is a gradation of goodness or perfection in the world.
Reference to a Standard: To judge something as more or less perfect, there must be an ultimate standard of perfection.
Ultimate Perfect Being: This ultimate standard is what we call God, who is the most perfect and possesses all perfections to an infinite degree. |
| Design: | God is the Grand Designer evident in the order and purpose of the universe. |
| What is a miracle? | A miracle is a supernatural event defying natural laws, often seen as divine intervention. |
| How can a miracle be used as evidence for God’s existence? | Miracles serve as evidence for God's existence by showcasing divine intervention beyond natural explanations, emphasizing a higher, supernatural power. |
| What does Incarnation mean? | Incarnation signifies God taking human form in Jesus Christ. |
| The Incarnation:
Review the Prologue of John’s Gospel 1:1-14: | The prologue highlights Jesus as the Word becoming flesh, emphasizing His divine nature. |
| What did T.S. Eliot mean by "the intersection of the timeless with time?" | Eliot suggested the Incarnation as a unique event where the eternal intersects with the temporal, emphasizing the divine entering human history. |
| Which major prophet prophesied the coming of the Messiah and called Him, Emmanuel? | Prophet Isaiah prophesied the Messiah's coming and called Him Emmanuel. |
| Which holiday celebrates the Incarnation of God the Son? | Christmas celebrates the Incarnation of God the Son. |
| What is the Hypostatic Union? | The Hypostatic Union is the concept of Jesus embodying both divine and human natures perfectly. |
| What is evil? | Evil is the absence or corruption of goodness, a departure from the ideal. |
| What is moral evil? | Moral evil involves intentional harm through choices like murder or theft. |
| What is natural evil? | Natural evil is suffering caused by natural forces, such as earthquakes or diseases. |
| Why does God allow suffering to happen? | God allows suffering due to factors like free will, discipline, and punishment. |
| Which sin can be considered the root of all evil? | The sin of pride is often seen as the root of all evil. |
| Is evil/sin actually a thing or an absence? | Evil is considered an absence or corruption of good rather than a tangible entity. |
| How does the imagery of archery explain sin/evil? | Sin is like "missing the mark" in archery, symbolizing a deviation from the moral standard. |
| What is the Good? | The Good represents moral perfection and adherence to virtues. |
| Are there degrees of evil? | Yes, with some sins considered more severe than others. |
| What is a venial sin? | A venial sin is a less serious offense not severing one's relationship with God. |
| What is a mortal sin? | A mortal sin is a grave offense severing one's relationship with God if committed with intent. |
| What 3 conditions are necessary for a sin to be mortal? | Full knowledge, deliberate intent, and grave matter are necessary for a sin to be mortal. |
| What does 1 John 5:16-17 say about sin? | It distinguishes mortal and venial sins, indicating some sins leading to death while others do not. |
| Are humans born evil? | No, humans possess free will, capable of both good and evil. |
| What is Original Sin? | Original Sin is the inherited sinful nature from Adam and Eve. |
| What is the Primordial Sin? | The Primordial Sin is Adam and Eve's original disobedience in the Garden of Eden that's passed downward to us after birth |
| What does the Tree in the Garden of Eden represent? | The Tree symbolizes the choice between obedience and disobedience. |
| What does the serpent represent? | The serpent represents the tempter or Satan who deceived Adam and Eve. |
| Explain physical death: | Physical death is the separation of the soul from the body. |
| Explain God’s Judgement: | God's Judgment evaluates lives for determining eternal destiny. |
| What are the 2 Judgements, and what’s the difference? | Particular Judgment occurs at death, Final Judgment occurs later, determining eternal fate. |
| What is Heaven, and what is its purpose? | Heaven is eternal union with God, fulfilling human happiness in divine love. |
| How does the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man provide insight into the afterlife? | It illustrates life choices' consequences, emphasizing compassion and justice. |
| Explain the Resurrection of the Dead: | The Resurrection reunifies body and soul, leading to eternal life. |
| Who will be resurrected? | All individuals will be resurrected. |
| What will occur at the Resurrection? | The righteous gain eternal life, the unrighteous face judgment. |
| Why should we show respect for the dead and burial places? | Respecting the dead honors human dignity and belief in resurrection. |
| What will be different about us at the Resurrection? | Transformed and glorified bodies free from imperfections. |
| What is Purgatory, and what is its purpose? | Purgatory purifies souls for heaven, addressing venial sins and temporal punishments. |
| What happens in Purgatory? | Souls undergo purification for cleansing. |
| How is Purgatory like an antechamber? | Purgatory prepares souls for the fullness of God's presence in heaven. |
| Who goes to Purgatory? | Those with temporal punishment due for sins go to Purgatory. |
| What Two Pains exist there? | Pain of loss and pain of sense exist in Purgatory. |
| What is Temporal Punishment? | Temporal punishment purifies the soul in Purgatory. |
| How can the temporal punishment in Purgatory be reduced or removed? | Temporal punishment can be reduced through prayers, Mass intentions, and indulgences. |
| What is a Plenary Indulgence? | A Plenary Indulgence removes all temporal punishment. |
| What is a Partial Indulgence? | A Partial Indulgence reduces some temporal punishment. |
| What is Mortification? | Mortification involves self-discipline or penance to overcome sinful tendencies. |
| What is Hell, and what is its purpose? | Hell is eternal separation from God, a consequence for unrepented mortal sin. |
| What Two Pains exist there, and how are they different from Purgatory? | Pain of loss and pain of sense exist in Hell, with eternal separation from God. |
| Who goes to Hell and why? | Those who die in unrepented mortal sin go to Hell. |
| How does Hell not contradict a merciful and just God? | Hell results from free choices to reject God's mercy and justice. |
| What did St. Faustina reveal about Hell? | St. Faustina revealed visions of Hell as a place of intense suffering and separation from God.
(Chatgpt more details) |
| What is Heaven, and what is its purpose? | Heaven is eternal communion with God, fulfilling human happiness in divine love. |
| Who goes to Heaven? | Those who die in a state of grace and love for God go to Heaven. |
| What is the Beatific Vision? | The Beatific Vision is direct knowledge of God, bringing ultimate happiness to the soul in Heaven. |
