FCL 6 PRELIM REVIEWER
stewardship is managing everything God brings
ТОРІС 1:
MEANING and NATURE of STEWARDSHIP
SCRIPTURAL FOUNDATION
"As each one has received a gift, use it to serve
one another as good stewards of God's varied
grace." (Peter 4:10)
MEANING OF STEWARDSHIP
Bishop John McRaith, in his article, "The Disciple
of Christ as Steward," asserted that
"..the most serious issues we face in the Church
and in our society are directly related to our
understanding and misunderstanding of
Christian stewardship.
The observation of Bishop John McRaith about
the proper understanding of stewardship is
correct. This proves the importance of correct
understanding on the concept of Christian
stewardship.
STEWARDSHIP is a belief that humans are
responsible for the world, and should take care
of it. It can have political implications, such as in
Christian Democracy.
In Christian tradition, STEWARDSHIP also refers
to the way time, talents. material possessions,
or wealth are used or given for the service of
God. STEWARDSHIP begins and ends with the
understanding of GOD's ownership of all.
A biblical world view of stewardship can be
consciously defined as:
"Utilizing and managing all resources God
provides for the glory of God and the
betterment of his creation."
The central essence of biblical world view of
into the believers lite in a manner that honors
God and impacts eternity.
Stewardship, thus, teaches human beings to
know their roles as caretakers of God's creation,
wherein God is the sole owner of this world.
Likewise, P. M. Fernando states that ...
"Jesus, on his part, defined stewardship as
managing the household which included both
people and property, the appropriate
distribution of resources, people-oriented
functioning in offices without abusing people
and using resources selfishly". - Luke 12:35-48
On the other hand, Robert Morneau, in his
book, "Stewardship: A Disciple's Response,"
defines stewardship as
"the placing of humans in the Garden to till and
look after it and to subdue and make it fruitful
not only the responsible work, but also the
stewardship over the Garden and its resources."
Maximus Fernando concludes that stewardship
has two roles: the responsible management of
the Garden Earth and the responsible
management of people and societal resources
with utmost respect for the people.
Thus, the concept of Stewardship refers to the
responsibility that people should wisely use the
gifts God has bestowed on all human beings.
STEWARDSHIP IN THEOLOGY
STEWARDSHIP is further supported and
sustained theologically on the l understanding
of GOD's holiness as found in such verse as:
GENESIS 1:2. PSALM 104, PSALM 113, 1
CHRONICLES 29: 10 - 20, COLOSSIANS 1:6, and
REVELATION 1:8
CHRISTIAN VIEW OF STEWARDSHIP
STEWARDSHIP in a Christian Context refers to
the responsibility that Christian have in
maintaining and using wisely the gifts that God
has bestowed. Increasingly this has referred to
environmental protectionism.
The word "STEWARDSHIP" refers to the Catholic
approach to the gifts that God has bestowed
upon us.
STEWARDSHIP is living out a commitment to be
Christ-centered rather than self centered.
Profound gratitude, justice and love become the
fundamental motives for giving back to God.
Everything that God has given to us is intended
to serve the divine plan. Therefore, our life is to
be lived in gratitude toward God.
In a variety of ways, we as disciples of the Lord
Jesus Christ, shared our time, talent and
treasure to build up the church and make our
world a better place.
The CHURCH needs you and GOD has chosen
you to go out into all the world.
Christian is to take an active part in the life of
the CHURCH and to share the gifts of
SALVATION.
TOPIC 2:
The BIBLICAL BASIS of STEWARDSHIP
CATECHETICAL FOUNDATION
(CFC 341) "We are called to exercise responsible
STEWARDSHIP over all creation. Such a
stewardship is exercised in our daily activities
which we can rightfully consider as a
prolongation of God's continuing work of
creating, and a service to our fellowmen and
women. One sign of "Living Faith" is that we
realized God's graceful, supporting presence in
all our good thoughts, words and deeds. Far
from being "in competition with God," we
recognize in the depths of our hearts and minds,
the truth of Christ's simple assertion: apart from
me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
STEWARDSHIP IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
1. "To the Lord your God belong the heavens,
even the highest heavens, the earth and
everything in it." - Deuteronomy 10:14
This biblical verse from the book of
Deuteronomy again speaks about the absolute
ownership of God of the world and heaven.
Humans are being reminded by this biblical
verse to understand their primary role in this
world in which they should not act as the owner
of the world, instead they are tasked only as
caretakers of this world.
2. "Who has a claim against me that I must pay?
Everything under heaven belongs to me." - Job
41:11
Job 41:11 states the ownership of God.
Everything under heaven belongs indeed to
God, our Creator. God does not owe anything
from human beings. Human beings owe from
God the wonderful creation He entrusts to us.
3. "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it." - Psalm 24:1
This biblical verse from the Book of Psalms
explains to all people that the earth and
everything in it come from God. Humans should
know this teaching of God in order that they will
know their proper place in the world. God is the
owner of this world and humans should respect
all creation since they come from God. Abuses
and exploitations over creation happen because
humans think that they are superior over other
beings. They have the tendency to act like God.
Psalm 24:1 will remind people to be God's
stewards, not abusers and exploiters.
4. "The land must not be sold permanently,
because the land is mine and you are but aliens
and my tenants." - Leviticus 25:23
Leviticus 25:23 firmly affirms the importance of
land to the lives of the people. The land is
owned by God as part of His creation. Human
beings are His tenants. They are considered
stewards and caretakers. The implication is that
the land is not to be exhausted for short-term
gains.
5. "Serve and keep the garden in which we have
been placed." - Genesis 2:15
Genesis 2:15 is used by Pope Francis in teaching
ecological stewardship. Human beings are
tasked by God to serve and keep the garden,
which means enriching and caring for our earth.
Genesis 2:15 is against exploitation and
dominion over the environment. Humans
should serve and keep the garden - the
environment and the world.
b.) Sharing in the living conditions of the others,
I.e. sufferings. - Heb. 13:1-4
Hebrew 13:1-4 talks about integral ecology and
that everything is interconnected. Humans as
stewards should share with the living conditions
of others especially the poor people in society.
Humans will only be true stewards of creation
by caring for all creatures including the
vulnerable and poor.
7. The institution of Sabbath set a limit to the
overuse of resources. Lev. 25: 1-5
Leviticus 25: 1-5 gives importance to the value
of rest in the creation of God. This will limit the
abuses and exploitations against the goods and
resources of the earth. The Sabbath Day
reminds people to take a rest in their lives. They
should also give rest to all creation like land.
They need to pause and ponder their
relationships with the creation of God. They
should check their words and actions in their
lives particularly in relating with their
environment. In doing so, they will realize to
protect and care for all God's creation.
STEWARDSHIP IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
MATTHEW 25:14 -30 / PARABLE OF TALENTS
A broader concept of stewardship is illustrated
in Jesus' parable of the “talents", which refer to
an amount of money but by l implication (and
by common use of the word in English as
"ABILITIES")
The parable basically teaches that people are
accountable and responsible to bod tor the way
they use the resources they are given. They are
expected to “steward" or “manage" these for
the ONE who owns and has given them for this
purpose.
Additionally, frequent references to the "TITHE",
or giving of a "TENTH" (the meaning of TITHE)
are found throughout the Bible.
The TITHE represents the returning to GOD a
significant, specific, and intentional portion of
material gain.
However, giving is not limited to the tithe or a
specific amount, illustrated by Jesus' comment
that a woman who gave a very small amount
had given more than those had given large
amounts because "while they gave out of their
abundance, she gave all she had to live on."
(MARK 12:41 - 44, LUKE 21:1 - 4)
1. Bringing the best out of personal, human,
societal, and natural resources. This is the story
of the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25: 14-
30)
Matthew 25: 14-30 is about the Parable of the
Talents. A master entrusted talents to his three
servants. The first and second servants
abundantly returned their entrusted talents to
their master hundred-fold. On the other hand,
the last servant hid his entrusted talent without
any improvement. That is why the master got
angry with the last servant who did not enrich
his talent.
The master is God. The three servants are the
different people in this world. Humans should
emulate the first and second servants who use
wisely and accountably their God-given talents
for the service of others.
The parable teaches that people are
accountable and responsible to God for the way
they use the resources they are given. God gives
human beings everything. Humans should
responsibly and accountably use all the gifts he
bestows.
2. "As each one has received a gift, use it to
serve one another as good stewards of God's
varied grace. (Peter 4:10)
Peter 4:10 acknowledges that everyone m
receives gifts from God. It implores all people
who freely receive gifts from God to use them in
the service of other people. As stewards, people
should utilize their God given talents for the
betterment and improvement of our society.
3.) "I am the Alpha and Omega, the First and the
Last, the Beginning and the End." - Revelation
22:13
Revelation 22:13 reminds people that God is the
beginning and the end. That is why He owns
everything on earth. Humans are His entrusted
children. They are His stewards and managers.
God is the ultimate owner of everything on
earth.
4.) Distribution of resources according to the
needs without hoarding or storing for the future
security - Luke 12: 16-20
This biblical verse reminds people to share their
resources and possessions with others for the
betterment of society. People are blinded by
greediness and insecurity in which they tend to
possess all the earth's resources. Consequently,
others become poor. Only by sharing the earth's
resources, will people eradicate poverty in
society. Stewardship teaches sharing and caring
for one another.
TOPIC 3:
Four Principles of Biblical Stewardship
READ!
Matthew 25:14-30
PRINCIPLE
... a moral rule or belief that helps you know
what is right and wrong and that influences your
actions : a basic truth or theory : an idea that
forms the basis of something: a law or fact of
nature that explains how something works or
why something happens.
 B. God has entrusted authority over the
creation to us and we are not allowed to rule
I. The Principle of Ownership (vss. 14-15)
over it as we see fit.
A. It is clear that man was created to work and
C. We are called to exercise our dominion in
that work is the stewardship of all of the
managing his creation in accord with the
creation that God has given him. (Gen. 2:15,
principles he has established.
Gal. 6:4-5)

B. This is the fundamental principle of biblical

stewardship. God owns everything, and we are IV. The Principle of Reward (vss. 28- 30)
simply managers or administrators acting on his
A. Stewards who do the master's will with the
behalf. (Duet. 10:14, Jn. 3:27)
master's resources can expect to be rewarded
C. Therefore, stewardship expresses our incompletely in this life. (Col. 3:23-24)
obedience regarding the administration of
B. Biblical stewardship deals with more than
everything God has placed under our control
finances but encompasses all that God has given
D. Stewardship is the commitment of one's self us to advance His kingdom on the earth.
and possessions to God's service (Duet. 8:17-18)

SUMMARY
II. The Principle of Responsibility (vss. 16-18)
Four Principles of Biblical Stewardship
A. Although God gives us "all things richly to
1. Principle of Ownership
enjoy,." nothing is ours. Nothing really belongs
to us. God owns everything; we're responsible 2. Principle of Responsibility
for how we treat it and what we do with it (|
Cor. 4:2) 3. Principle of Accountability

1. Owners have rights; stewards have 4. Principle of Reward

responsibilities.

B. While God has graciously entrusted us with TOPIC 4:

the care, development, and enjoyment
everything he owns as his stewards, we are THE ROLE OF CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY
responsible to manage his holdings well and
according to his desires and purposes.
BIBLICAL FOUNDATION

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy. peace,

III. The Principle of Accountability (vvs. 19-27)
A. We are all stewards of the resources, abilities
and opportunities that God has entrusted to our
care, and one day each one of us will be called
to give an account for how we have managed
what the Master has given us.
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things
there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23
MEANING OF SPIRITUALITY
Thomas H. Green, SU states that "in a broad
sense, spirituality may be described as a way to
holiness." Likewise, Fernando Maximus defines
spirituality as "feelings, attitudes, values, and
practices related to supernatural beings, to God,
or a horizon of meaning. “Miriam-Webster's
Collegiate Dictionary defines spirituality as
“sensitivity or attachment to religious values."
From these definitions, spirituality means a way
of life of people in expressing their relationship
with God.
TWO TYPES OF SPIRITUALITY
According to Maximus Fernando, he categorized
two types of spirituality, namely intentional
spirituality and folk spirituality.
1. Intentional Spirituality
Intentional spirituality is characterized by
horizon of meaning, which consists of
rationalized and impersonal beliefs about
ultimate realities. This spirituality is called
intentional spirituality because it is a rational
horizon of meaning. Spirituality means leading
human beings to a meaningful life guided by
God.
2. Folk Spirituality
This spirituality is characterized by personal
relationship with God, which includes all
relationships to supernatural beings consisting
of feelings, attitude, value and practices. This
spirituality is called folk spirituality because it is
most common among ordinary folks. In the case
of Christianity, Christian spirituality is
considered as folk spirituality because it
emerges from the personal relationship to the
historical person called Jesus and extends to
God the Father and the Holy Spirit through the
person of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the focus
of Christian spirituality. It is a way of life living
like Jesus Christ.
CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY
Meaning of Christian Spirituality
Joseph Tetlow, then, concludes that “Christian
spirituality implies direct relationship with God."
Human beings yearn to experience a direct
relationship with God. They desire to know God
in their lives. That is why, he states that
"experiencing and knowing God is spirituality.
The Holy Spirit has summoned us to remember
that God has called us by our names and known
us from our mothers' wombs." Hence,
spirituality guides and motivates human beings
to experience and know God.
Importance of Christian Spirituality
• Spirituality will guide people to
know their proper place on earth. It will lead
people to know God in their lives. It will lead
people to love God and His creation. Spirituality
puts God in the center and heart of all human
being’s actions and decisions.
• Pope Francis also gives
importance to spirituality because it "proposes
an alternative understanding of the quality of
life, and encourages a prophetic and
contemplative lifestyle, one capable of deep
enjoyment free of the obsession with
consumption" Christian spirituality is giving the
people deeper reflection on the very meaning
of the existence of human beings. It also makes
people live simply tree from desire of worldly
things. Thus, it leads people to have a deeper
relationship with their bod, their Creator, who is
the source of their lives.

The Role of Spirituality in Human Life
Holy Spirit also known as Holy Ghost - means
wind or breath and by nominal definition by
etymology, it came from the Greek word
"Pneuma" that it is being used 385 times in the
New Testaments. It is basically used "Pneuma"
as wind or breath that tends to us to become
holy.
This role of Spirituality in human life, the life
style and practices of Christian virtues must be
embodied in each believer through sacraments,
personal prayer, which contribute to the
richness of ministerial action.
The very conformity to Christ requires one to
Breathe, so to speak, in a climate of friendship
and personal encounter with the Lord and in
service to Church, His body, for which the
minister of Christ shows His divine love.
It is necessary therefore, that the minister or
the priest programs his life of prayer through
the following items:
1. Attending the celebration of the Holy
Eucharist;
2. Frequenting the sacrament of Confession or
Reconciliation and spirit direction:
3. Saying personal prayer or mental prayer;
4. Having the Marian devotions like Holy Rosary
and other pious exercises.
The care for spiritual life should be felt as a
joyful duty and a right of the faithful. Life is the
greatest gift that God has given us, a precious
and divine gift from GOD that we must give the
full respect. The Roman Catholic Church truly
believes in the sanctity of life. The Holy Church
teaches us that new life starts at the moment of
conception and should end naturally only when
GOD calls us back to HIM.
ТОРІС 5:
JESUS' SPIRITUAL STEWARDSHIP
CATECHETICAL FOUNDATION
..."the good for all and each of the individual,
because we are really responsible for all"
(PCP295:).
It means we are called to exercise responsible
stewardship over all creation. Such a
stewardship is exercised in our daily lives and
activities which we can rightfully consider as a
prolongation of God's continuing work of
creating, and a service or diakoniato our fellow.
Three convictions in particular underlie our
understanding of stewardship
1. Mature disciples make a conscious, firm
decision, carried out in action, to be followers of
Jesus Christ no matter the cost to themselves.
2. Beginning in conversion, change of mind and
heart, this commitment is expressed not in a
single action, nor even in a number of actions
over period of time, but in an entire way of life.
It means committing one's very self to the
LORD.
3. STEWARDSHIP is an expression of
discipleship, with power to change how we
understand and live out our lives. Disciples who
practice stewardship recognize God as the origin
of life, the giver of freedom, the source of all
they have and are and will be.
Three convictions in particular underlie our
understanding of stewardship
They are deeply aware that
"THE LORD'S ARE THE EARTH AND ITS
FULLNESS; THE WORLD AND THOSE WHO
DWELL IN IT"
PSALMS 24:1
They know themselves to be recipients and
caretakers of God's many gifts. They are grateful
for what they have received and eager to
cultivate their gifts out of love for God and one
another
GOD'S GENEROSITY WILL NEVER BE OUTDONE
BY OUR OWN
FCL 6 MIDTERM REVIEWER
THE LOVE FOR HUMAN LIFE
TOPIC 1: THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT
THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION
You have heard that it was said to the man of
old, “You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be
liable for judgement.” But I say to you that
everyone who is angry with his brother shall be
liable to judgement. (Matthew 5:21-22)
Instead of getting through the day, ask
yourself: “What do I get form the day?”
“The value of life is not in the length of days,
but in the way, we make use of them; a man
may live long yet very little.”
“Too many people today know the price of
everything and the value of nothing.” – Ann
Landers
VALUE OF LIFE
In this world, God gave human life to his nobles
creature. It must be the greatest of gifts
because with it, MAN has been able to achieve
all the progress that flourishes today.
But this life is not perfect peace.
As a result of the original sin, men find
themselves succumbing to ENVY and HATRED.
And falling into what CAIN did to ABEL, men
resort from time to time to violent enmity and
killing.
So God has to remind us to keep valuing the gift
of life. “Thou shalt not kill.” Exodus 20:13
DESECRATING LIFE
KILLING is one of the worst offenses men can do
as it desecrates a most valued gift from the
CREATOR.
It puts an end to what one human being can
possibly do and achieve.
In the spirit of Christian Justice, even the “least
of humanity like hardened criminals, terminal
patients and fetuses of unwanted pregnancies
are human being who deserve MERCY and
HOPE.
CHRISTIANS should love life because it is the
door of happiness and fulfilment.
Anything that threatens it constricts the
possibility of enjoying the world, more so
attaining what GOD has ordained for us in the
end.
Maintaining and Protecting a decent and
healthy life is a duty of every CHRISTIANS.

LIVE TO THE FULLEST
Many of us hate a lot of things in life: obnoxious
traffic jams, irritations from people, distracting
news items and the list goes on. At times, they
make our life miserable so that some of us may
simply curse living.
Everyone of us wants a good life.
HEALTH AND WELNESS AS OUR
RESPONSIBILITY:
Since life is sacred, we are bound to care for it
and anything we do that threatens life is
nothing less than irresponsible. But while
murder and other actions destructive to life are
obviously violating the fifth commandment, a
lot of people close their eyes to the neglect of
human health as if it were casually acceptable.

And it is ACHIEVABLE, only that we have not The greatest wealth is health. - Virgil
looked deeper into what we have gone through
This is where we should take a stand Christians
plus what still have to go through with the
should recognize the human body as a temple
correct attitude, it is easy to see what blessings
of the Holy Spirit. Acts and practices that
we have received amidst depressing realities.
weaken or tend to weaken the body disrespect
LIFE will be good for as long as we see God’s God, the giver and owner of the temple.
goodness should be our lead thought.

GOD humbled Himself and lives as human

among us.
He showed us the way of living life of fulfilment
despite its hardships and sorrows.
HE WANTS US TO DO THE SAME.
DEFINITIONS OF HEALTH
Health is the “capacity to lead a satisfying life,
fulfill ambitions, and accommodate to change”
(Ottowa Charter, World Health Organization,
1986).

“I have come that they may have life, and that Health is:
they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
- Specific to person’s life – it is personal

- Dynamic, ever-changing process

TOPIC 2:
- Holistic, not simply the absence of disease
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
- Related to quality of someone’s life

- Multidimensional
THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION
- Related to person’s ability to cope with the
Human life is sacred because from the challenge of change
beginning it involves the creative action of God
and it remains forever in a special relationship
with the creator, who is its sole end. (CCC 2258) Health is multidimensional. The following are
the dimensions of health:

- Physical
CONTENTS:
- Social
- Mental
- Environmental
- Spiritual
- Emotional
DIMENSIONS OF HEALTH
The dimensions are interdependent i.e., they
interact and overlap with each other to produce
health.
As these dimensions interact, they produce a
unique health and wellness profile for each
individual.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS IN ADOLESCENCE
Health and wellness is related to person’s ability
to cope with many interactions and transitions
that are occurring in his/her life.
Transitions specific to adolescence include:
- Include in autonomy and individuality
- Increases in responsibilities
- Increase industry
- Intensification of relationships
- Changes in body structure
HEALTH AND WELLNESS: A PERSONAL
JOURNEY
ACHIEVEMENT OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Not a single event, it is an ongoing process
Making healthy choices (e.g, good nutrition) are
important guidelines to consider
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to choose
what combination of healthy choices create a
healthy balance for them
Remember, do things in moderation. Too much
or too little of anything is a potential problem
E.g., Too little exercise = poor cardiovascular
health
Too much exercise = weakened immune system
APPROACHES TO HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Reactive or curative approach
- Worrying about your health only when sick.
Not asserting control over your health in the
absence of disease.
- Chris’ approach: “if you’re sick take a few pills;
otherwise, have fun and enjoy yourself! I’ll quit
smoking later.”
Proactive approach
- Adopting lifestyle habits that in the long run,
will enable you to lead a more healthy life.
- Erin’s approach: “I am building for the future.
What I do for my body today lays the foundation
for a lifetime of involvement in healthy
activities.”
WELLNESS: YOUR PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Wellness is:
- Reflected in a way a person chooses to live his
or life
- Making informed choices and taking
responsibilities for the way we live our lives
Sence of wellness is influenced by the following
factors:
- Family
- Culture - Example: Parent Sideline Range – aggressive
parents are poor role models for their children
- Media

- Peers
MEDIA INFLUENCES ON HEALTH AND
WELLNESS
FAMILY INFLUENCES ON HEALTH AND
WELLNESS
POSITIVE MEDIA MESSAGES

Media messages can be highly motivational:

POSITIVE FAMILY INFLUENCES
- E.g. Sports coverage in the media has created
Family positively influences your health, well-
role models that can motivate children to
being, and a general sense of satisfaction
pursue physical activity
through:

Education
- The advice your parents give you to stay
healthy. E.g., “Wear a coat outside or you’ll
catch a cold”
NEGATIVE MEDIA MESSAGES
Unfortunately, media also has to power to
encourage unhealthy choices:

Values - E.g. Commercialization of the body image has

distorted interpretation of healthy body
- Family values can influence lifestyle choices.
E.g., Families that value physical activity Further, media has distorted interpretation of
introduce their children to sports at early age. what it means to be an accomplished performer.

Support Media coverage has some believe that the

pinnacle of achievement comes from beating
- E.g., Emotional support during stressful life
the competition, being the toughest, and
events
gaining multi-million contracts.
e.g., Financial and mental support to pursue
However, wellness is about the journey towards
sports that will enable optimal development
personal improvement and aspiring to achieve
your individual potential.

NEGATIVE FAMILY INFLUENCES

Alternatively, family can have negative It's Up To You!

influences on one’s health
" In conclusion, images of the sporting life can
- E.g., Families that push their children to be motivational or cause unhealthy distortions.
compete for rewards outside of the physical,
- Ultimately, it is up to each individual to judge
mental, social, and spiritual benefits of activity,
these images in relation to his or her personal
can cause their children to withdraw
goals and values.
prematurely from participating in physical
activity.
SOCIAL/PEER INFLUENCES ON HEALTH AND
WELLNESS
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
- Participation in sport comes with social
- Health is multidimensional
benefits incurred in meeting new people
- One must make informed decision that relate
- As we have seen in Chris' example peer
to all the various dimensions of health
influences can be of negative nature.
- Perspectives and decisions about health are
influenced by family, peers, media, and the
CULTURAL INFLUENCES ON HEALTH AND culture
WELLNESS
- The journey towards health is lifelong

HEALTH IN NORTH AMERICA

Views about health are understood differently
across cultures. North Americans tend to think
about disease from a scientific point of view.
- Western medicine deals largely with treatment
of organs and systems, in isolation from the
person's mind and environment.
DIGNITY IN BEING HEALTHY
Well-circulated message "Dialogue with God"
mentions one big irony today: That men spend
most of their time to earn money and forget the
well-being of their body, and towards the end of
their lifetime they spend most of their money to
recover the lost health of their body.

- Increasingly, a more holistic approach is This is definitely not the kind of STEWARDSHIP
emerging. that God requires us. Our dignity in being the
noblest creature on earth stems form our ability
- E.g. Recognition of the influence of personality
to be with God in our ideals and practices. Care
on cardiovascular health
for the body should be a top priority for
- E.g. Recognition of the influence of Christians. Negligence of it is unchristian.
environment on obesity

INTRODUCTION TO THEOLOGY OF THE BODY

HEALTH IN EASTERN AND ABORIGINAL

Cultures
WHY A THEOLOGY OF THE BODY?
- In many non-western cultures, health has a
SEXUALITY
strong spiritual quality.
“At its core, sexual morality is about expressing
E.g., Oriental culture and chi e.g., Aboriginal
through our bodies. This is why John Paul II can
culture and sweat lodge
say that ‘if we live according to the truth of our
Therefore, disease is understood in terms of sexuality, we fulfill the very meaning of our
individual's spiritual harmony with oneself bodies and existence.”
and/or his or her environment.
We study TOB to make sense of our world,
because right now we live in a culture of death
that distorts the beauty of our creation and we
can only begin to live in a culture of life if we
know what that potential is supposed to look
like and our bodies are a map, a sign, a
blueprint to fulfillment. The TOB helps us to see
our bodies in a revolutionary way.
“The body and it alone is capable of making
visible what is invisible, the spiritual and the
divine.” February 20,1980
The TOTB is more than just a biology, it is a
theology, (study of God), because the body
makes God visible. Genesis 1:17
The TOB teaches us that God is telling us
everything we want to know about who He is,
how we are trying to live, who we are, the
reason He created us and even our is contained
in the truth of our sexualities written in our
bodies.
WHAT IS THEOLOGY OF THE BODY?
- A series of Scriptural reflections on the
meaning of human love and sexuality written by
Pope John Paul in a series of 130 speeches.
- What does it mean to be human? How should I
live a life of happiness and fulfilment?
THEMES EXPLORED IN THEOLOGY OF THE BODY
- Humanae Vitae (Church teaching on birth
control)
- Catholic teaching on the value of the body.
- Our vocation and identity as sons and
daughters of God.
- God's plan for life and love, God's design for
human sexuality.
THEOLOGY AND THE BODY
- Theology is the study of God
- Therefore, theology of the body is the study of
God as revealed by the human body.
- The body and one flesh union of man and
woman reveals something of the mystery of
God.
WHAT DO CHRISTIANS BELIEVE ABOUT THE
BODY?
- We are made in the image and likeness of God
(Genesis 1:26-7)
- We are mortal beings that go from ashes to
ashes, dust to dust.
- We believe in the resurrection of the body.
- God became man through the incarnation.
ORIGINAL LAYOUT OF TOB
- Part One: A/ Catechesis on book of Genesis
- B/ Catechesis on sermon on the mount
Part Two: A/St Paul's teaching on the human
body
- B/ The resurrection of the body
- C/ Virginity for the sake of the Kingdom
- D/ The sacramentality of marriage
- E/ Reflections on Humanae Vitae
- First, who am I? Then, what should I do?
THE DIFFERENCE AGES OF MAN
- Original Man - Humanity before the fall
- Historical Man - Humanity after the fall to the
return of Christ
- Eschatological Man - Humanity after the return without a true companion; it also refers to the
of Christ. We will be perfectly united with God human experience of being alone in the world
with no tensions between body and spirit. as a person, as someone fundamentally
different from the animals.

• Original Unity: The initial experience of

KEY WORDS
perfect unity between man and woman as they
- Original Solitude lived in perfect communion with each other and
gave themselves to each other through the
- Original Unity mutual gift of their bodies.
- Nuptial (spousal) meaning of the body

- Communion of persons ORIGINAL SIN

- Naked without shame • Effect:
- Freedom of the gift • Disunity/fragmentation of humanity, of man
- Language of the body from God, of male and female from each other,
of the passions within each person, experience
- Shame of shame.

• Concupiscence is the inclination to sin.

THE ORIGINALS!

Original Happiness: A happiness that was rooted Communion of Persons

in the perfect gift that was initiated by God,
received in love, and shared in love. • The common union of two or more persons
who give themselves to one another in love.
• Original Innocence: The state of Adam and Eve
prior to their knowledge of sin, when their • Love - "Love is willing the good of another
minds, hearts, and bodies were perfectly person." Aquinas
innocent.

• Original Man: The era of humanity in the NUPTIAL MEANING OF THE BODY
"original experiences" before the Fall, up until
the original sin of Adam and Eve. • The body is an outward sign of an inward
reality (sacramental)
• Original Nakedness: the first experience of
Adam and Eve when they were naked without • Adam and Eve are made for each other
shame. Before original sin, lust did not even
• We are all meant to give to others and receive
exist and all sexual desires were pure.
from others.
• Original Sin: The first sin of Adam and Eve,
when they distrusted God's plan and chose their
own will over the will of God. HUMAN SEXUALITY AS A LANGUAGE

• Original Solitude: The original state when • I want to give myself completely to you and to
Adam realized he was alone because he was receive you as a gift.
• I am not going to use you.
• I respect your dignity.
• I delight in you.
• I want to be a parent with you.
BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART
• Reflection on the sermon on the mount
• "You have heard it said, 'You shall not commit
adultery. “But I say to you that everyone who
looks at a woman lustfully has already
committed adultery with her in his heart." (Mt
5:27-8)
SERMON ON THE MOUNT
• The redemption of sexuality after the fall.
We are on a journey of redemption.
• Christ's word on adultery of the heart are a
call to conversion.
• Lust is a deception of the heart and a
distortion of the language of the body.
THE HUMAN HEART IS A BATTLEFIELD BETWEEN
LOVE AND LUST
• The only proper attitude towards another
person is love.
• "Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved
children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and
gave himself up for us. In sacrifice." (Eph 5:1-2).
• Christ appeals to the human heart.
• Is it possible to commit adultery with your
own wife? Yes- according to Pope John Paul.
ST PAUL'S TEACHING ON THE HUMAN BODY
• The opposition of the flesh and the spirit
• "The desires of the flesh are against the spirit,
and the desires of the spirit are against the
flesh." (Gal 5:17).
• Galatians 5:19-22 - Works of the flesh as
compared with the fruit of the spirit.
• Paul exhorts Christians to make good use of
freedom. "Do not use your freedom as an
opportunity for the flesh, but through love be
servants to one another." (Gal 5:13).
• Purity is a requirement of love.
• The Body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
• A section on the ethical responsibilities of art.
Art must not violate right to privacy.
• In between the extremes of materialism and
Manicheeism.
UNIVERSAL CALL TO HOLINESS
• "What God wants is for you all to be holy. He
wants you to keep away from fornication, and
each one of you to know how to use the body
that belongs to him in a way that is holy and
honourable, not giving way to selfish lust like
the pagans who do not know God. He wants
nobody at all ever to sin by taking advantage of
a brother in these matters." (Thessalonians 4:3-
5).
PERSONAL REFLECTION
• How is TOB relevant to the concerns and
needs of the Church in the world today?
What are the signs of the times?
• How can John Paul's teaching influence and
transform culture and society?
• How is this message relevant and timely?
THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY
• How do we picture life after death or heaven?
• Sadducees denied resurrection of body (Mk
12:18-27)
• JP2: "The resurrection (of the body). means...
A completely new state of human life itself."
• Gender a permanent dimension of our being
even in heaven. We do not marry in heaven.
• "The resurrection means a new submission of
the body to the spirit." "The forces of the spirit
will permeate the energies of the body."
• 1 Cor 2:9-10 "No eye has seen, no ear heard...
what God has prepared for those that love him."
• "Divinization in the 'other world' will bring the
human spirit such a 'range of experience' of
truth and love such as man would never have
been able to attain in earthly life." (Dec
9, 1981).
• Resurrection of body complete fulfillment of
nuptial meaning of the body.
• Nuptial meaning: "The capacity of expressing
love: that love precisely in which the person
becomes a gift and- by means of this gift- fulfils
the very meaning and being of his existence."
(Jan 16, 1980).
CELIBACY
• Our masculinity and femininity is a physical
sign given to us so that we might know that we
are called to enter a loving communion in
imitation of the trinity.
• Marriage common and natural response to
desire to love and be loved.
Then why celibacy?
• Mt 19:12 Christ talks on celibacy for the
Kingdom.
• "For there are eunuchs who have been so
from birth, and there are eunuchs who have
been made eunuchs by men, and there are
eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs
for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven. He who
is able to receive this, let him receive it."
• Self-denial required
• A charism or gift from God, and an invitation.
• "Man (male and female) is capable of
choosing the personal gift of his very self, made
to another person in a conjugal pact in which
they become ‘one flesh,' and he is also capable
of freely renouncing such a giving of himself to
another person, so that, choosing continence
'for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven,' he can
give himself totally to Christ." (John Paul II, April
28, 1982).
• 1 Cor 7:32-5: brings undivided attention on
the Lord.
• To be anxious of the things of the Lord and to
please the Lord.
• Celibate person a signpost of our destiny with
God.
• To consider: 1 Cor 7:17, 1 Cor 7:20, 1 Cor 7:28.
• Paul is not anti-marriage.
• Marriage and celibacy complimentary. Both
are an act of donation.
MARRIAGE
• Marital love reflects God's love for his people.
• Marriage is a symbol of Christ self-giving love
for the Church.
• Hosea and Ezekiel speak of Israel being like an
unfaithful wife, even a prostitute.
Ephesians 5
• "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved
the Church and gave himself up for her." (Eph
5:25)
• How much did Christ love the Church?
• JP2 calls marriage the 'primordial sacrament
as it "transmits effectively in the visible world
the invisible mystery hidden in God."
• God reveals himself to our world through
marriage.
Tobias and Sarah
• A beautiful testimony to marriage in the book
of Tobit.
• Marriages do not have to be pre-scripted by
the mistakes of the past
• Prayer before wedding night: Tobit 8:7-9- "I
take this wife of mine not because of lust, but
for a noble purpose. Call down your mercy on
me and on her, and allow us to live together to a
happy old age."
REFLECTIONS ON HUMANAE VITAE
• Contraception is every action before, during,
or after sexual intercourse that attempts to
prevent it from being procreative. These acts
are intrinsically evil and can never be approved.
(CCC 2370).
• Contraception is every action before, during,
or after sexual intercourse that attempts to
prevent it from being procreative. These acts
are intrinsically evil and can never be approved.
(CCC 2370).
HUMANAE VITAE
• Chastity means to live in the order of the
heart. (Nov 14, 1984).
• Continence protects the dignity of the
conjugal act.
PROPHECIES OF HUMANAE VITAE N.17
• Contraception leads to marital infidelity.
• General lowering of moral standards.
• Man forgets the reverence due to his wife,
reduce her to an instrument of his own desires,
no longer a partner with care and affection.
• Who will prevent public authorities from
imposing their use on everyone.
HUMANAE VITAE
• Key characteristics of human love: free,
faithful, total, fruitful.
• Contraception not part of God's plan.
Obstructs love of donation.
• Language of the body should be expressed in
the integral truth of its meaning.
• Contraception takes the gift of fertility out of
the gift of self.
SUMMARY
• These are some of the positive effects of
studying the theology of the body:
• What it means to be a human person
• A beautiful teaching about love and life-The
original beauty of God's plan for humanity and
its application towards our lives.
• An understanding of the beauty and goodness
of the body
• A positive message of the gift of sexuality
Understanding the relationships between love
and sex and the difference between love and
lust. Hope and redemption in Christ.
• What the Church teaches about sexual
morality.
• Train in faithfulness, building marriages for the
future.
• Help to discern your vocation and calling in
life.
• What God's purpose is for the body.
• A clear understanding about chastity.
• Learn about faith and what God has planned
for your lives. New found hope about faith and
life.
THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT
ISSUES AND PROBLEMS ON HUMAN LIFE
" You shall not kill"
ISSUES AND PROBLEMS ON HUMAN LIFE
Theological Foundation
For your life blood I will surely require
reckoning....whoever sheds the blood of man,
by man shall his blood shed; for God made man
in His own image (Genesis 9:5-6). Do not slay
the innocent and the righteous. (Exodus 23:7).
" God alone is the ultimate Master of life, he is
the creator."
• Human life is sacred
• Creation
• Result to murder
• Abel story
• Anger and envy
God's covenant with man is interwoven with the
gift of human life
However with man's anger and envy results to
murderous act
Contents:
Human life being sacred should not be
dispensed with no person has the right to do so,
for every lost life means a loss to his loved ones,
an interruption of his earthly existence and all
of God's plans that go with it, and a termination
if not total destruction of a temple of the Holy
Spirit. Actions or practices that relate to ending
or ruining human life should therefore be
subject to moral scrutiny.
God= the ultimate Lord and the Master of Life.
He gives us life
Mas was given a mission to protect and
preserve human life
MURDER & WAR
When looking at the Fifth Commandment, we
need to first look at the word "kill". If you were
to look at the original Hebrew, the term
"ratsakh" is used. Literally translated
"ratsakh" is to "murder". Thus, we must be
aware that in the case of this commandment, it
is the term of murder that we must look at. We
also must realize that these commandments are
for how we interact with other humans. Thus,
the argument that eating meat is murder, does
not apply.
Each and every single person is made in the
image and likeness of God. Because of this basic
fact, each person is unique and is deserving of
life. God is very clear in this commandment that
we are not to murder each other. God is the
giver of life, and thus, He is the taker of life. It is
up to God and only to God when a person may
die.
Intentionally murdering someone, killing
someone for the sake of it (homicide) or killing
in the moment or by neglect (manslaughter)is a
mortal sin that breaks this commandment in
each of these scenarios, you have murdered
someone either intentionally, or through your
neglect of the situation you happened to be in.
Murder is one of the four sins that cry out to
Heaven for justice. We read this in Genesis
when Cain killed Abel (c.f. Genesis 4:8-10).
Let it be clear that killing in self-defense killing
to defend another person i.e. an assailant trying
to kill a child) is not a mortal sin. Itis also
important to mention that pets do not count as
humans, and thus do not apply under this
commandment.
As mentioned earlier, only God can determine
when and how a person can die. Likewise, in the
Old Testament when God would destroy cities,
this is not murder. As God is the Maker and
giver of life, He has every right to take it away,
however He sees fit. Generally, He would be
violent to show that you are not to cross Him,
that He is
serious in the commandment that He gives us,
and that physical pain and sufferings is what
awaits those who oppose Him.
Avoiding war
2307 The fifth commandment forbids the
intentional destruction of human life. Because
of the evils and injustices that accompany all
war, the Church insistently urges everyone to
prayer and to action so that the divine
Goodness may free us from the ancient
bondage of war. 105
2308 All citizens and all governments are
obliged to work for the avoidance of war.
However, "as long as the danger of war persists
and there is no international authority with the
necessary competence and power, governments
cannot be denied the right of lawful self-
defense, once all peace efforts have failed. "106
2309 The strict conditions for legitimate defense
by military force require rigorous consideration.
The gravity of such a decision makes it subject
to rigorous conditions of moral legitimacy. At
one and the same time:
- the damage inflicted by the aggressor on the
nation or community of nations must be lasting,
grave, and certain;
- all other means of putting an end to it must
have been shown to be impractical or
ineffective;
- there must be serious prospects of success;
- the use of arms must not produce evils and
disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated.
The power of modem means of destruction
weighs very heavily in evaluating this condition.
These are the traditional elements enumerated
in what is called the "just war" doctrine.
The evaluation of these conditions for moral
legitimacy belongs to the prudential judgment
of those who have responsibility for the
common good.
ABORTION
Abortion deliberately causing the death of an
unborn baby. A fetus is a defenseless person,
regardless of its appearance and conditions of
pregnancy. All means should be taken to protect
it, and even the State Policies of the Philippine
constitution are behind this
(1987ConstitutioSection11-12).
Contraception a means to prevent the meeting
of the sperm cell and egg cell, is a step away
from abortion. In principle, a potential human
life is stopped herein from becoming one. The
sperm and egg possess characteristics of two
human parents so there is no question to the
possibility of a human offspring. The intention
of avoiding pregnancy is there from the start. If
pregnancy makes it through despite
contraception its agent will take the next step
which is abortion. Says St. John Chrysostom:
"Why do you sow where the field is eager to
destroy the fruit?".
EUTHANASIA
Euthanasia or assisted suicide is when an
individual wants to die and they get someone to
"put them down "like Old Yeller. Being in favor
of or actually engaging in this puts your soul at
risk. If suicide is murder against the self, then
"assisted" suicide is plain murder. It is the
deliberate killing of another human being. It is
wrong and evil regardless of who is committing
the heinous act. It is never merciful to end a
human life. The ends (ending the pain and
suffering does not justify the means (killing an
innocent person).
Euthanasia - No one has the right to terminate
life just to ease the unbearable sufferings of
another. The word was taken from Greek terms
"eu" meaning good and "Thanatos" meaning
death. But euthanasia or mercy killing is not
good death, thus not acceptable. If the person
asks for it, the act amounts to suicide making
use of another person. The Church, however,
allows the unplugging of sophisticated medical
apparatus that sustain a comatose existent. This
last gesture even alleviates the decency of life of
the relatives who are enduring the burden of
expenses for the patient.
SUICIDE
2280 - Everyone is responsible for his life before
God who has given t to him. It is God who
remains the sovereign Master of life. We are
obliged to accept life gratefully and preserve it
for his honor and the salvation of our souls. We
are stewards, not owners, of the life God as
entrusted to us. It is not ours to dispose of.
281 - Suicide contradicts the natural inclination
of the human being o preserve and perpetuate
his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of
self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because
it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with
family, nation, and other human societies to
which we continue to have obligations. Suicide
is contrary to love for the living God.
2282 - If suicide is committed with the intention
of setting an example, especially to the young, it
also takes on the gravity of scandal. Voluntary
co-operation in suicide is contrary to the moral
law.
Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or
grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can
diminish the responsibility of the one
committing suicide.
2283 - We should not despair of the eternal
salvation of persons who have taken their own
lives. By ways known to him alone, God can
provide the opportunity for salutary
repentance. The Church prays for persons who
have taken their own lives.
BIRTH CONTROL METHODS
Is it true that using birth control can be a
violation of the fifth commandment?
Yes, it is. Most people are unaware that most Most of the time, yes, it is. For simplicity's sake
birth control pills act as an abortifacient, which we will keep this answer relatively short and
means that it causes abortions. simple by describing the general way in vitro
fertilization works, though there may be
The primary way that the birth control pill
variable methods for doing it. All, however, have
prevents pregnancy is by preventing a woman
the general concept and are wrong for the same
from releasing her eggs from her ovaries. If a
principal reasons. In vitro fertilization is wrong
woman does not release an egg from her
for a number of reasons, one being the fact that
ovaries, the sperm cannot fertilize them, and
is a violation of the fifth commandment (for the
she will not be able to conceive a child.
other reasons, please see more questions i and
However, the birth control pill does not always
answers about in vitro fertilization).
prevent ovulation (as well, when women skip
days of taking the pill, this can also lead to The basic concept behind in vitro fertilization is
ovulation). When this happens, it is possible that eggs are fertilized outside a woman's body
then that the egg that is released will be (which is why they are often called "test tube
fertilized by a sperm and a child will be babies"), and they are then
conceived. From this point on, a new human life
"stored" as fertilized embryos. Most who
with a new human soul exists.
perform in vitro fertilizations would like people
However, the birth control has another effect. to believe that they embryos are not individual
babies yet. However, as we have already
Because of the hormones present in the pill, it
mentioned, at the moment that an egg is
prevents the wall of the uterus from building up
fertilized by a sperm, life is conceived and new
a lining. This lining is needed, however, for a
human person exists. At this point, any killing of
newly fertilized to implant and to grow.
this embryo or human person would be the
Therefore, when a woman is taking the birth
killing of an innocent life.
control pill, the new child cannot implant in the
uterine wall, and therefore, it will die. All of this With in vitro fertilization, these embryos are
happens unknown to the woman; she will never often willingly discarded, thereby constituting
have known she had conceived and was an abortion.
pregnant, in only for a few days. It is very
As well, when a woman is trying to get
important to realize that even though an
pregnant, she will have placed in her multiple of
abortion may not have been the direct intention
these newly conceived human embryos.
of the woman taking birth control, it did
However, this is done with the hope that one of
happen, and the abortion was committed. It is
the embryos will implant, knowing that not all
important for all people to come to realize that
them will do so. The others will be lost.
birth control pills are morally wrong for their
contraceptive intention (see more questions Each one of these "lost"
and answers on contraception) and for the fact
that they are abortifacients. human person. As well, if multiple pregnancies
occur, doctors will often use a technique termed
"selective reduction" in which they will abort
unwanted babies and allow the other babies to
ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION
be brought to term.
Is in vitro fertilization a violation of the fifth
commandment? (Donum Vitae)
Consequently, the practices used in vitro
fertilization are usually a violation of the fifth
commandment.
Donum Vitae by the Congregation of the
Doctrine of the Faith states, "The connection
between in vitro fertilization and the voluntary
destruction of human embryos occurs too often.
This is significant: through these procedures,
with apparently contrary purposes, life and
death are subjected to the decision of man, who
thus sets himself up as the giver of life and
death by decree."
DEATH PENALTY
Capital Punishment:
The state has taken back its stand on death
penalty. The truth is deterrence from crimes
does not hold much water to push for execution
of criminals. Christians believe that they deserve
a chance for reform, considering that many of
them are victims of social circumstances.
CLONING
Cloning is the process of producing individuals
with identical or virtually identical DNA, either
naturally or artificially. In nature, many
organisms produce clones through in
biotechnology refers to the process of creating
clones of organisms or copies of cells or DNA
fragments (molecular cloning).
Ethical Controversy:
Human reproductive cloning remains universally
condemned, primarily for the psychological,
social, and physiological risks associated with
cloning. A cloned embryo intended for
implantation into a womb requires thorough
molecular testing to fully determine whether an
embryo is healthy and whether the cloning
process is complete. In addition, as
demonstrated by 100 failed attempts to
generate a cloned macaque in 2007, a viable
pregnancy is not guaranteed. Because the risks
associated with reproductive cloning in humans
introduce a very high likelihood of loss of life,
the process is considered unethical.
There are other philosophical issues that also
have been raised concerning the nature of
reproduction and human identity that
reproductive cloning might violate. Concerns
about eugenics, the once popular notion that
the human species could be improved through
the selection of individuals possessing desired
traits, also have surfaced, since cloning could be
used to breed "better" humans, thus violating
principles of human dignity, freedom, and
equality.
Human being should be excluded from these,
because God ordained definite manner of
procreation by male and female. Cloning is
asexual or agametic a complete departure from
the natural origin of life. Stem cells, growing
organs or tissues from human sources life
fetuses, are a different story. If done for the
purpose of life-saving or life enhancement
research, the Church allows it.
Particular offenses against human life
HATRED & REVENGE
• DONATION OF ORGAN
ORGAN TRANSPLANT
Blood donation= every 3 months
For vital organs= after death= is a noble act
No no no if the donor has no full consent

MORAL DUTIES

No right to over one’s life even his own

Our body is not our own, its God's

• Take care of our Body= it also affects the soul

Prudence

Imprudent action is a high risk for taking life

Must be avoided

To take care of our body. Eat properly, avoid

things that can hurt the body

Scandal

• Leads other to do evil

• Damage virtue and integrity

• Draw others to spiritual death

• What does the bible say on having tattoo?

The Bible warns us against tattoos in

Leviticus 19:28 (Amplified)

"You shall not make any cutting in our flesh for

the dead, nor print or tattoo any marks upon
you: I am the Lord"

THE BODY IS THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT