Creed IIA

January 10, 2008

Before Class

• Read Chapters 4 and 5 in the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults
• Fill out Catechist Profile and return at January class.
• Read all handouts (optional)

Homework

• Complete IFG exam and return at next class
• Read Chapter 6 of U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults
• Read all handouts listed below:
  • The Blessed Trinity
  • God the Father
  • Sign of the Cross

To Make Up an Absence

If you are unable to attend this class, please submit to the instructor at the February class written responses to two questions from each chapter (for a total of four questions) from below. Each response should be 2-3 paragraphs in length and address the question completely. Include the question at the top of your response.

Chapter 4: Bring about the Obedience of Faith

1. How can faith be both a gift from God and a free, human act?
2. What is often meant by the phrase “blind faith”? Is faith “blind”? (see CCC ¶156, 158)
3. How is faith a pilgrimage? Why must we be pilgrims in this life? What are some consequences for us of being always “on the way”?
4. How is faith similar to and different from reason? Is one superior to the other? Explain.
5. Why are creeds called “symbols of faith”?

Chapter 5: I Believe in God (Trinity and Creation)

1. Why do we call the first Person of the Trinity “Father”? Independently from his creation, how is God “Father”?
2. How did God progressively reveal his mystery as a unity of three Persons? How would you teach this doctrine about God to others?
3. What is the difference between physical evil and moral evil? How is this difference relevant to a discussion of the theory of evolution?
4. Gaudium et Spes teaches that “methodical research in all branches of knowledge, provided it is carried out in a truly scientific manner and does not override moral laws, can never conflict with the faith...” Give an example of such research. What is an example of research that does conflict with the faith?
5. How are some theories of evolution incompatible with Divine Revelation? Describe a theory of evolution that is compatible with Revelation.