1. Explain the "hypostatic union:" This term defines our understanding of the relationship of God and man in Jesus Christ: he is both 100% God and 100% man. How this is possible is conceded to be a mystery.

2. Explain the term "subsidiarity:" This term defines the process of making decisions at the most local level possible level at which people can be effective and includes the participation of the people most directly involved.

3. Explain the terms "descending Christology" and "ascending Christology:" Descending Christology (Christology from above) begins its thinking in heaven and traces the descent of the eternal Word into this world. It is the more philosophical approach to understanding Jesus because it doesn’t rely heavily on the historical life of Jesus and finds its scriptural paradigm in the Gospel of John. Ascending Christology (Christology from below) was the earliest form to develop but has been recently rediscovered. It begins with the historical life of Jesus and traces His ascent to the Father. It finds its scriptural paradigm in the synoptic gospels as they deal more extensively with the historical life of Jesus.

4. Imago Dei: All people are due a dignity derived from the fact that we are all made in the image and likeness of God. This is an essential concept in Catholic social teaching.

DIACONATE STUDY GUIDE: Quiz 2 December 9, 2000 

What are the five models of the Church? (mnemonic: SHIMS)

Church as Sacrament
    Makes Christ present
    Visible manifestation of the grace of Christ in human community
    A way of making a sacred reality present and active
    Makes real the saving action of Christ
    Forms and words are not reality

Church as Herald
    Preaching the gospel
    Those who hear the word and are converted
    Preach the word to the end of the world
    Proclaiming the gospel as a divine message to which the world must humbly listen

Church as Institution
    Offers salvation to members
    Made up of elements, such as offices, doctrines, law and ritual forms
    Teaches, sanctifies, and rules with authority of Christ

Church as Mystical Communion
Provides spiritual support
Church and their connectedness with each other and God
Christ's Body, growing into final perfection of the Kingdom
Spirituality, community, and fellowship
Aids people in their quest to live holy lives

Church as Servant
Transforms society
Engage in social transformation
Service to the world, Jesus came to serve and not to be served
Serve, heal, reconcile, and bind up wounds out of love

By Raymond Vasquez Jr.  St. Vincent   Dec. 8-2000

DIACONATE STUDY GUIDE: Quiz 3 April 21, 2001

Question #1: What are the Characteristics of the Parables?

1)            Concern the kingdom of God

2)            Draw materials from the everyday (e.g. nature-based)

3)            Set up common expectations

4)            Thwart those expectations

5)            Reorient the hearer

6)            Open to multiple interpretations

Reference: The Church Emerging form Vatican II, page 150

Question #2: Define the following - Atheism, Marxism, Existentialism

Atheism                        Any system of thought that includes the claim that there is no God (Ibid. P. 259)

Marxism                        A form of atheism that anticipates the liberation of humankind especially through economic and social emancipation (i.e. redemption trhough social reform) (Ibid. P. 260)

Existentialism            A form of atheism that places great emphasis on the freedom of human beings to shape reality without being hampered by preset categories.  Human beings have the freedom to be an end unto themselves, the sole artisans and creators of their own history (i.e. people can shape their own reality; they don't need God)  (Ibid. P. 259)

Question #3: Explain and contrast: The Jesus of History and The Christ of Faith

Jesus of History refers to Jesus of Nazareth, the man in human form (e.g. the carpenter) who walked on the earth.  He is seen from a human perspective.

Christ of Faith refers to the post-resurrection Christ, who is seen from a divine perspective. He has always existed

1.What is a Sacrament?
          Outward sign of invisible grace
          Lived experience –           Past- Remembrance
                                       Present       - Activity & presence
                                       Future-        Promise of what is to come

 It is a symbolic ritual through which we can experience the graced presence of God in our lives.

 2. What is the principle of Sacramentality?   Why is it important?
          “What is true always and everywhere must be expressed sometime, somewhere.”
          Why (See Provided Article)

3. What is Grace?

Grace is the Love of God for us which in turn empowers us to Love one another.

 4. What is Myth?
           Myth is a universal story that explains a deeper meaning (please see Tad Guzie’s book for more detail).

 5. What is Exegesis?  What is Hermeneutics?
           Exegesis explains what scripture meant at the time and place that it occurred.
           Hermeneutics explains how scripture is interpreted and what it means in contemporary times.

6. What is a sign or Symbol as applied to Sacrament?
           Every sacrament is an outward sign / symbol that points to a deeper meaning.

Fourth Year Quiz 1 Study Guide 

1. Explain the morality grid. Discuss how it relates to “reflection,” “sensitivity,” and “method.”

Morality grid asks that we consider in our decision-making:
God (what relationship do I have with God?),
Human (what are theologians and scientists saying?)
Tradition/Scripture (what do Holy Scripture and the Church say about this?)
Situation/Context (What is the situation and context in which I need to evaluate the decision?) 

                  Reflection: Requires that we reflect on questions of moral knowledge, objectivity, truth, and experience. Evaluates relevance of relativism. Requires making a judgment. Recognizes limitations in determining the “whole” truth

                  Sensitivity: Moral living begins in the heart attuned to God, implies empathy

                  Method: strategy to love well in the midst of conflicting values – see question 5 

2. What is grace? 

                  Grace is the Love of God for us which in turn empowers us to Love one another. 

3. What are premoral evil and moral evil?

Premoral evil--evil that is not yet fully morally qualified, you do not know the context and situation in which the event occurred and cannot yet determine whether it is "moral evil."

Moral evil--premoral evil that is committed without sufficient reason. 

4. What is sufficient reason?

      Sufficient reason provides appropriate justification for an action. It involves careful reflection involving:
Weighing the social implications
Testing the generalizability
Reflecting on cultural influences
Learning from the wisdom of the past
Consulting broadly
Making full use of our religious beliefs

5. Explain the three approaches to ethics.

Teleological: The “end justifies the means.” Seeks the goal. Determines which action would bring about the goal being sought. Answers the question "What ought I to do?" by asking, "what is my goal?"  

Deontological: Duty or obligation. Seeks to establish the law, duty, right or obligation in question. Answers the question "what ought I to do?" by asking "what is the law?" or "what is my duty?" 

Discerning: combines both of the above. See criteria for “sufficient reason.” 

6. What is Imago Dei? 

            All people are due a dignity derived from the fact that we are all made in the image and likeness of God. This is an essential concept in Catholic social teaching. 

7. Explain the characteristics of being truly human.

Embodiment – we have a body, we exist physically.

Spirituality – we are spirit, we are reflective beings.

Solidarity – we are social, not in control of our lives but are affected by others.

Uniqueness – although we possess similar characteristics we are unique

Freedom – ability to chose to be or not be truly human, self-realization

Capacity for relationship with God – a gift from God, not a human characteristic

8. Discuss two or three highlights from Fr. Frank’s presentation on moral theology.

Incarnational principle – God loves us so much He (Jesus) became one of us. If you want to know God as a Christian, you need to understand Jesus (the divine handwriting of God). 

Stages of moral development (Kolhberg)

Spanking – avoid punishment

Lollypop – reward (do something to get to heaven)

Goody-goody – get approval from others

Playing by the rules – there is a rule that governs our behavior

Conviction – social contract and consensus, conviction to do the right thing

Principle – love, justice (hesed: Hebrew word for love and justice that cannot be separated) 

Sacramental principle – since what is true always and everywhere must expressed sometime and somewhere, we should use this principle in making moral decisions. God is not a god of grudges. 

Post-modernism – there is no meta-narrataive (no grand explanation describing the truth).

GUADALUPE CLASS FINAL EXAMINATION ANSWERS

  1. What is revelation? What is grace?

Revelation is God making himself known to us through tradition, through Scripture, through human relations as well as all that is around us in his creation. Grace is God's love that dwells within us and enables us, in turn, to love one another.

 2. What is the relationship between scripture and tradition?

Before Scripture there was tradition, which continues. Tradition is oral, Scripture is written; Scripture is the documentation of that Tradition, therefore, both form our belief system.

 3. What is the relationship between the Hebrew and Christian scriptures?

 The Hebrew Scriptures were the precursor and the prophesier of the Christian Scriptures. The God of the Hebrew Scriptures formed a covenant between Himself and the people. In the Christian Scriptures, Jesus if the fulfillment of the prophesy of the Hebrew Scriptures and becomes the New Covenant. Both make up our salvation history. Our understanding of salvation history requires our understanding of the relationship of the Hebrew Scriptures to the Christian Scriptures.

 4. What is the role of the prophet in scripture? Imagine yourself as a prophet. What would be your message in today's world; what important issues would you address?

The prophet in Scripture delivered the Word of God to the people, interpreted past and present events and announced coming events. The prophet was an intermediary between God and His people.

Personal Answers. Some areas for consideration:

The message would be peace, love and service. . The important issues would be respect for life and the Imago Dei.

 5. What is the difference between fundamentalism and contextual interpretation?

Fundamentalism is the belief that all statements made are literally true. Contextual interpretation is shaped by the reader or hearer's understanding of the statement in the context of his l her life experiences, culture, etc., as well as those in use at the time of the writing.

 6. Describe the three stages of development for the four gospels.

1. Actual Event (Life of Jesus)

2. Oral interpretation l proclamation by the apostolic preacher

3. Written Gospel

 7.  How would you explain god to one who is searching for meaning?

Personal Answer.

Some areas for consideration are:

Verify that the individual accepts there is a higher power.

Discuss what that higher power is capable of doing to and for us.

Contemplate cause and effect,. movement; beauty; mathematics; free will and use of (which involves choice) as proof of God

See also: Chapt. 29, "Church emerging from Vatican If' for some perspectives; specifically pgs 263 and 264).

 8. Has your image of God changed over the years? If so, how?

Personal Answer

 9. Why is it important to maintain both the humanity and divinity of Christ?

In Jesus' humanity, we can experience Him as one of us and in His divinity we can experience God. Belief in both Jesus' humanity and divinity is necessary to fully experience the presence of Jesus within the Trinity.

See also: "Responses to 101 Questions about Jesus", pgs. 92 and on; especially Q 82, pg. 98)

 10. Explain the difference between the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith.

The Jesus of history is prior to His death and resurrection, the Lord that walked on earth. The Christ of Faith, after the resurrection, is the Savior that walks with us now in Spirit

 11. Explain “ascending" and "descending" Christology?

Ascending Christology: emphasis on His human nature.

Descending Christology: emphasis on His Divine nature.  

12. How would you explain the message of Jesus to someone who had never heard of him?

Personal Answer: Some areas for consideration are:

The Kingdom of God is at hand and we can appreciate it through the Great Commandment: Love of God and Neighbor as self

The message is the Good News.

He preached he was the fulfillment of the prophet

He was a human and the Son of God who came to die and save us from our sins (redeemer) You are saved as a people and the reign of God is at hand and we are to love one another.

Who He was and what His message was is summarized in the Creed, which tells us Who, What, When, Where, and How He Is and Was.

 13. How are the cross and resurrection inseparable realities for the Christian?

The cross and resurrection are one single event of salvation history. Without the resurrection, the cross would have been just death. Without the death on the cross, there could have been no resurrection. The resurrection is the revelation that Christ lives and is no longer bound by time and space. It is seen as the completion of the redemptive act

 14. If Jesus were walking the earth today, what do you think he would be doing?

Personal Answer

 15. What does the doctrine of the trinity tell us about god?

 The central mystery of the Christian faith is one God. Father, Son and Holy Spirit, three persons sharing one nature. God, the Father, is the giver, the God, the Son, is the receiver, and God, the Holy Spirit is the gift of love that binds them together is the Holy Spirit The three are subsistent relations, each fully divine, each having the same substance with the other. We are made in the image of God. The destiny of every created being is to share in this union both through love of others and ultimately in the Trinitarian Life itself.

 16. What role does Mary play in our faith?

Mary is the perfect example of saying yes to God She is the first disciple; an example of discipleship. Mary's importance is always in relationship to Jesus and is primarily based in her motherhood to Jesus. Luke and John give symbolic importance to Mary as the embodiment of her people Israel. For us, she is a symbol of church. She intervenes for us in prayer to her son, Jesus.

 17. What is the church? Explain the importance of the following in church history - era of Constantine, Middle Ages, Reformation /Counter Reformation, enlightenment.

The church is the people of God.

A. Era of Constantine: Legalization of Christianity and convening of the first ecumenical council, Nicaea.

B. Middle Ages: Canon law came into existence,. Philosophy and Theology were integrated

C The Reformation: Led by Martin Luther. Caused a split in the Western Church into two distinct groups, Roman Catholics, who followed the Pope, and Protestants who did not.

D. The Counter Reformation: The church attempting to unify itself. It was a response to the Reformation and to internal problems such as charging for indulgences, interpretation of the Scriptures, Taxation of church property, and heresy. All resulted in the church's position becoming stated and codified. The five areas worth recognition were:

(1)     New vitality in religious life and religious orders.

(2)     Council of Trent.

(3)     Development of spiritual life.

(4)     Flourishing of theology & philosophy. (5) Growth of missionary spirit.

E. Enlightenment: This period held that reason was the most reliable guide to knowledge, over Scripture and Tradition. It relied on science over faith for explanations.

 18. Why are the models ( e.g. institution, community, sacrament, herald, servant) helpful in explaining church ? Be able to describe these models.

1. Institution (to organize)

2. Mystical Communion (to share)

3. Sacrament (to wonder)

4. Herald (to preach

5. Servant (to serve)

6. Community of Disciples (to witness)

Each shows a characteristic and role of the people. Together, they reveal a total picture of the Church, e.g. knowing which model a pastor of a church uses most can direct and effect the goals and practices of the members of that parish. The ideal is balance.

 19. What is the importance of the Second Vatican Council, with regard to our understanding of the church, ecumenism, other religions, and liturgy?

 Church: The Second Vatican Council clarified, directed and facilitated our understanding of the Church and the people. The church was re-evaluated as the people of God and as such we are the Church.

All people who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in some, though imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church.

Christians, while witnessing to their own faith and way of life, acknowledge, preserve and encourage the spiritual and moral truths found among non-Christians, also their social life and culture.

Liturgy is an action of Christ the Priest and of his Body, which is the Church, in a sacred action surpassing all others. The church earnestly desires that all the faithful should be led to a full, conscious, and active participation in the liturgical celebrations.  

20. What is a sacrament? What is the sacramental principle?

A sacrament is a visible sign of an invisible grace. The Sacramental Principle: what is true always and everywhere must be expressed sometime, somewhere.  

21. What does it mean to say that the world is “sacramental” ?

The world was made by God and reflects him, therefore the world is a means of sanctification and as such is a sacramental

 22. Briefly discuss the sacraments of initiation, healing, and vocation.

Baptism l Confirmation l Eucharist = Sacraments of Initiation

Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick = Sacraments of Healing

Marriage and Holy Orders = Sacraments of Vocation

 23. How is Jesus a sacrament? How is the church a sacrament?

Both are visible signs of invisible grace.

Jesus is a visible sign of the invisible God

The Church is a visible sign of the invisible Jesus.

 24. Explain why the liturgy is the source and summit of our faith?

From the liturgy, particularly the Eucharist, grace is poured forth upon us as from a fountain; the liturgy is the source for achieving in the most effective way possible human sanctification and God's glorification, the end to which all the Church's other activities are directed (CSL #10)

 25. What is the liturgical "Bill of Rights"?

 Full conscious and active participation in liturgical celebrations is our right and duty by reason of our baptism.

 26. What is baptism? What elements would be important in facilitating a pre-baptism class?

 Baptism is the initiation rite in which we become members of the Body of Christ By Baptism all are plunged into the paschal mystery of Christ: they die with him, are buried with him, and rise with him,- they receive the spirit of adoption as children. 

The following are important to convey in a pre-Baptism class:

1)       Welcoming

2)        What is means to be a Christian (Christian Values)

3)       History of Baptism

4)       Role of parents and godparents

5)       Discussion of original sin

6)       Rite of Baptism

7)       Meanings of symbols used in Baptism.  

27. What are some of the elements that go into a good homily?

Adequate preparation, - knowledge of your audience; good beginning, good end; appropriate for the listeners, is Scriptural based, contains one message, is well delivered and indicates the implications to our present life and circumstances, and is a legitimate call to action based on the concept

 28. Briefly explain the importance of inclusive language in liturgy, preaching, etc.

Inclusive language reflects that all people are full human beings with equal value and dignity,- it avoids excluding, demeaning or stereotyping anyone on any basis- It is gender neutral, avoiding sexist connotations. Its personal images of God reflect that all humanity is created in the image and likeness of God, without favor to any group or gender- (Adapted. from: Language for a "Catholic" Church; Thomas Groom," 1995) (GP)

 29. What are some of the sources or resources that might help a person make a good moral decision?

 Scripture, Teachings of the church, Community of faith and other communities, past experiences, Tradition and tradition, social implications

30. What is the "morality grid"? How is it important for moral decision making?

God                                          Humanity

Scripture, tradition, Principle                    Community /Situation/Event  

Basic discernment requires that all four quadrants be investigated before taking action/making a moral decision.

 31. What is the teaching of the church on conscience?

A person has the right to act in conscience and in freedom so as to make moral decisions, and the responsibility to properly form his/her conscience. The person must not be forced to act contrary to his/her conscience, nor may he/she be prevented from acting according to conscience, especially in religious matters. (CCC)

Conscience provides the appropriate judgment between good and evil. This judgment depends upon acquiring knowledge, evaluation of the knowledge, and application of the knowledge to the circumstances. (12 Tough Issues, p. 73/74)

 32. Briefly explain the discerning method of decision-making. Identify other methods.

Discerning Method of Decision Making:

To answer the questions "what ought I to do?"

·   We are to weigh the social implications of the act we are considering. A serious look at consequences for others and us must be included

·   We are to use the test of generalizability. Even though we are tempted to think that we are absolutely unique, we are to recognize our shared humanity and ask what would happen if our act became a norm for all

·   We are to reflect on cultural influences, particularly how they might bias our judgment.

·   We are to learn from the wisdom of past human experience, especially as this has been embodied in laws that have provided sound guidance.

·   We are to consult broadly, aware that our own self-interest might color our judgment and aware that others have special expertise and insight

·   We are to make full use of our religious beliefs, allowing them to enlighten the reality of our moral dilemma.

 Methods of Decision Making:

·         Teleological: Seeking the goal Determining which action would bring about the goal being sought Answers the question "What ought I to do?" by asking, "what is my goal?"

·         Deontological: Duty or obligation. Seeks to establish the law, duty, right or obligation in question. Answers the question "what ought I to do?" by asking "what is the law?" or "what is my duty?"

·         Responsibility: The person who acts in a way that fits what is going on. "What is happening?" is asked before the questions "what ought I to do?

·         Triple font theory: 1.) The act itself. 2.) All pertinent circumstances. 3.) The intention or mixed intentions of the person contemplating the act (This theory was proposed by St Thomas Aquinas in the 13th Century.

·         Morality Grid: four quadrants: God-Human-Principles (Scripture l Tradition)-Event

 33. What is meant by a consistent ethic of life?

Every human life, from the moment of conception until death, is sacred because the human person has been created in the image and likeness of the living God (Catechism of the Catholic Church) A consistent ethic of life means we must choose life in all issues,

 34. How is the concept of Imago Dei important for moral decision making?

"God created man in his image,' in the divine image he created him,. Male and female he created them. " (Genesis 1:27). Do my actions promote or diminish God's image in me and in others ? Is my relationship with God and others about to be enhanced or strained by my proposed action?

 35. Relate the importance of trinity for moral theology?

Moral Theology is concerned with God's revelation of divine love in Jesus and through the Spirit as an invitation calling for our response. It regards the response to the initiative of God's offer of love as the very soul of the moral life. (Reason Informed by Faith, p 6) The Trinity is the theological example for the freedom and totality of God's self-giving. God the Father is the giver), God the Son is the receiver, God the Holy Spirit is the gift of love that binds them together. (Reason Informed by Faith, p. 65). Moral Theology, then, is our relationship to God and the Trinity is our example

 36. Explain the concept of fundamental option.

A choice coming from the very depths of our inner being and values. It requires a solid understanding of our motives and prejudices. It presupposes that we are free to make a commitment to the way we will relate to the world It is the road which we choose to follow, whether that road is positive or negative.

37. What is meant by social sin?

Sin is a personal act, but we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them. This is Social Sin. Social Sin makes men accomplices of one another and can give rise to social situations and institutions that are contrary to the divine goodness (CCC #1868 & 1869). Therefore, personal sin and social sin go hand in hand. It is our sinful actions and lack of care for our neighbor that creates social sin. Since the source of social sin is our personal sin, the solution to it rests with our personal actions (Irenaeus). .

 38. Explain relativism and its impact on moral decision-making.

 Relativism is the view that morality varies according to differences in cultural or individual attitudes. Cultural relativism points to differences in moral norms between cultures and concludes that no moral norm is objectively correct for all cultures. Individual relativism (sometimes called subjectivism) alleges that moral rightness depends on conformity with one's motive, particular time and place. In this view, what is wrong for someone in one situation is right for someone in another situation even when the morally relevant circumstances are the same.

 39. What are some of the key moral issues facing us today?

Abortion, euthanasia, artificial conception, sexual morality, capital punishment, divorce and remarriage, homosexuality, racial discrimination, nuclear disarmament, contraception, genocide, war, and equal rights for women.

 40. What does the church have to say about morality and healthcare?

 We are made in the image of God. We are commanded to foster health, growth, and human well being for ourselves and for others. Everyone has the right and responsibility to a standard of living adequate for the health and well being of oneself and family. (Contemporary Christian Morality, Part 2, p. 27-28)

 41. What are some of the political and economic issues impacting morality in our time?

Personal Answer.

Some areas for consideration:

Homelessness, hunger, capitalism, consumerism, third world debt, healthcare, just wage issues, proper utilization of financial and human resources, proper allocation and utilization of environmental resources.

 42. What values underlie the church's teaching concerning sexual ethics?

The Church asks us to respect others and ourselves with the dignity that we all deserve. We are the Imago Dei. The values underlying this teaching include discipline, prudence, and modesty. It is important to have great esteem for the virtue of chastity because it makes full the human person's dignity and enables the person to love unselfishly and with respect for him/herself and others (Irenaeus)

 43. What are some reasons for the U. S. Bishops' opposition to capital punishment?

We believe that all life is sacred from conception to death, because we believe that we are created in the Image of God and therefore sacred The Catholic Bishops have stated that the gospel values are best preserved when we refuse to support the death penalty because 1) it sends the message we are willing to break the cycle of violence,. 2) it respects the dignity of each and every individual,. 3) it acknowledges that God alone is the Lord of life; 4) it is most in keeping with the example of Jesus who taught and practiced forgiveness (Where Do You Stand, p. 105).

 44. Why is social justice such an integral part of diaconal ministry?

By ordination, particularly and officially committed to service, the deacon is to inspire, promote and help coordinate the service that the whole church must undertake in imitation of Christ. He has a special responsibility to identify to the church those who are in need and particularly those who are without power or voice at the margins of our society. He is to speak and mobilize the whole church community's response. He thus becomes a representative figure in whom, the church reaches out to the needy and the needy challenge the church (Kraus, p.31)

45. How does ethnicity and culture impact on ministry?

 We must be aware of our tendency to feel that our own experiences and culture are the norm for all human beings. In ministering to persons from different ethnic, cultural or sexual backgrounds, it is important that we learn from and respect one another.

 46. Describe the three-fold ministry of the deacon.

Ministry of the Word

Ministry of Liturgy

Ministry of Service (Charity/Love)

 47. Be prepared to give a 1-2 minute homily on a liturgical theme of your choice, e.g. Lent, Easter.

 48. Be prepared to 1.) Give a closing blessing; 2) bless a religious article; 3) bless someone who is ill.

 49. List 3 pastoral considerations for 1) grief ministry 2) ministry to the sick 3) detention ministry.

Grief Ministry: Listen, Love, Faith, Acceptance, and Consistency

Ministry to the Sick: Listen, Love, and Prayer

Detention Ministry: Listen, Love, Faith, Acceptance, and Consistency

 50. Ou1line the key elements of the rite for the vigil for the deceased?

Preparation (obtain information about the deceased and family, if possible)

Welcoming

Introductory Rite

Liturgy of the Word

Homily

Intercessions

Blessing & Closing Prayer

51. What led to the writing of the psalms? How are the psalms important for us today?

The Psalms are prayer, expressing both the successes and failures of Israel They are humanity's attempt to praise worship and communicate its emotions to God They are also our prayer , dealing with basic human problems and situations. They include praise, religious instruction, lamentation, and petition, but they were primarily songs for worship. They express our emotions today as then,' bonding Israel's experience with our own.

 52. Explain the concept of "proportionate reason" and its importance for moral decision-making.

Proportionate Reason refers to the relationship between a specific value at stake and the harm, limitation or inconvenience, which will inevitably come about in trying to achieve that value. It refers to both a specific value and its relation to all the elements (including the premoral evils) in the action. It truly defines what a person is doing in an action and not something merely added to the action already defined (Example: Amputation of leg is premoral evil, but the only method of saving the life, therefore there is proportionate reason for causing harm (amputation). If the life could have been saved by some other means, the amputation would be considered disproportionate reason. (Reason Informed by Faith, p. 273). One arrives at a decision that an action is proportionate or disproportionate only through the process of discernment.

 53. What is the importance of “agere sequitur esse” (action follows being) for moral theology?

Who I am (esse), dictates what I do (agere). If my "being" is good, my "good" actions will naturally flow from my being.

 54. Distinguish between the classicist and modern historically conscious worldviews.

The classicist perceives the church as a static and unchanging reality. The modern historical conscious world perceives the church as dynamic and a result of human and divine actions.

 55. Briefly explain the "portrait" of Jesus in each of the four gospels.

Mark: the harried, hurried, human Jesus

Matthew: Jesus the Teacher

Luke: the compassionate, forgiving Jesus

John: the noble, majestic, divine Jesus

 56. What is a parable? How did Jesus use parables to convey his message?

Parables are stories with a message. Jesus used them as a teaching tool to convey what we ought to be and do. One of the striking features of the parables is that they contrast the ordinary, everyday world with the extraordinary world of the reign of God. Because they are stories of ordinary people and events, they call us ordinary people to conversion, they engender hope, and they direct us to social action. They challenge us to picture the world differently and so to live differently. As a whole they disclose the profile of the sort of person or character, one ought to be if one lives under the rule of God.

 57. When Jesus preached about the "reign of god" what was he talking about?

God's reign is not a place, but a community-creating activity through which each person experiences a strong sense of solidarity with others. When he taught us to pray in expectation of the "kingdom" He was teaching us to pray for our world to exist in a certain way, all people caught up in the love of God and operating in concert with the Spirit.