Who wrote Genesis 1 and what does it teach Catholics about humans?
Priestly authors wrote Genesis 1. It teaches us that humans are made Imago Dei - in God’s image and likeness and that both men and women were created with equal dignity.
Who wrote Genesis 2 and what does it teach Catholics about humans?
Yawhist authors wrote Genesis 2. It teaches us that humans are special because God was personal when creating Adam - we can this when he breathes life (ruah/a soul) into Adam. Humans were made to get married.
What is Imago Dei?
The belief that humans were created in God’s image and likeness, as stated in Genesis 1.
What is sanctity of life?
The belief that human life is sacred because it was created by God.
When do Catholics believe that life begins?
At conception - the moment the sperm meets the egg and life begins.
What does it mean to be rational?
To be able to think, reason, and understand the world around us.
What does it mean to be relational?
To to make connections and have relationships with each other and God.
What does it mean to be volitional?
To be able to use our free-will and make decisions.
Why does the Catholic Church reject abortion and euthanasia?
Every person has sanctity of life - their life is sacred and should be protected. Taking a life is murder.
What is inalienable dignity?
The belief that every person is worthy of respect simply because they are human.
What did St. Paul teach about our bodies?
- “Your body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit”
- We are stewards, not owners of our bodies’.
- We should live purposefully, honour our bodies and protect life.
- Our bodies are not meant for sexual immorality - any sexual act that does not intend to create children is sinful, for example, watching pornography.
What is matrimony?
A union between two people. Marriage is a sacrament in the Catholic Church and a covenant that is made with God.
What are the purposes of a Catholic marriage?
- Permanent - it is forever and cannot be ended by divorce.
- Exclusive - it is just between the husband and wife. Adultery is a sin.
- Life giving
- Children should be brought up in the Catholic Church.
- Sacrament - marriage is a covenant made with God
What happens in a Catholic wedding ceremony?
- Nuptial Mass.
- Vows.
- Exchange of rings.
What is fidelity?
Faithfulness and loyalty.
What does the Catholic Church teach about being homosexual?
Being homosexual is not a sin. God creates all of us in his own image.
What does the Catholic Church teach about sexual intimacy between homosexual people?
It does not lead to **procreation (having children), so homosexual people are encouraged to live a life of chastity **(not having sexual intercouse). Same-sex marriage is not allowed in the Church, but blessings may be given.
What does the Catholic Church teach about how we should treat people who are homosexual?
- Pope Francis: ‘who am I to jude?’, ‘they should not be marginalised’.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church: Gay Catholics should be accepted and treated with respect, compassion and sensitivity.
What is IVF?
In Vitro Fertilisation is a medical prcedure whereby an egg is fertilised by sperm outside the body.
Why is the Catholic Church against IVF?
- Disrespects human dignity by creating life outside the body.
- Separates the sexual union from the creation of life.
- Left over embryos are destroyed - for Catholics this is murder.
- It can cause emotional and physical pain for the woman.
How does the Catholic Church suggest we should treat those born via IVF?
With respect - the person is still made in God’s image and should be treated with dignity.
What might the Catholic Church suggest that a couple do if they are struggling with infertility?
- Adopt.
- Use natural family planning.
- Use hormone therapy.
What is autonomy?
Having the freedom to make your own choices.
In My Sister’s Keeper, why is autonomy important in protecting human dignity?
Autonomy protects human dignity by ensuring individuals give informed, voluntary medical consent. It values people as individuals, not just for what they can provide to others.
