Redemption

Creation and Free Will

• God created the world perfectly and gave humans free will (Genesis 1).
• Free will allows humans to choose to love God, do good, or commit evil.
• The relationship with God must be a free choice.
• Sin, exemplified by Adam and Eve's actions, broke this relationship.
• Original sin makes all humans born with a tendency to sin.

Jesus' Death, Resurrection, and Ascension

• Jesus’ sacrifice redeems humanity, restoring the broken relationship.
• His death exemplifies love and forgiveness, e.g., "Father, forgive them" (Luke 23:34).
• Crucifixion serves as an example of obedience and suffering.
• Jesus' death tore the temple veil, ending separation from God.
• His resurrection and ascension signify victory over sin and death.

Catholic Church Tradition on Redemption

• Metaphors used by theologians to explain redemption.
  • St Irenaeus: Tree metaphor - sin from the tree of knowledge, redemption on the tree of the cross.
  • St Anselm: Slavery metaphor - humanity as slaves to sin, Jesus pays the ransom.
• Some Christians view Anselm's metaphor as diminishing human role in salvation.

Salvation: Past, Present, and Future

• Past: Jesus' life, death, and resurrection as foundational.
• Present: Ongoing, requiring acceptance of salvation and God’s forgiveness.
• Future: Completion at the end of time with the establishment of God’s kingdom.

Conscience

• Seen as the inner voice of God guiding right choices.
• Linked to natural law and moral understanding (St Thomas Aquinas).
• Guided by the Holy Spirit.

Church Layout and Features

• Church: Community of believers and worship.
• Changes Post-1965: Result of the Second Vatican Council.
  • Alterations in layout to enhance participation.
• Essential features: crucifix, lectern, tabernacle, altar.
• Differences among denominations (e.g., altar vs. communion table).

Redemption and the Mass

• Mass centers on Christ's sacrifice and resurrection.
• Two main parts: Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist.
• Eucharistic Prayer and participation in the communion meal.

The Eucharist

• "Eucharist" means thanksgiving.
• Catholics believe in the real presence of Jesus in the consecrated elements.
• Practices like Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction.
• Variations in belief and practice among Christian denominations.

Key Terms

• Altar: Place of sacrifice.
• Ascension: Jesus' return to heaven 40 days post-resurrection.
• Atonement: Restoring relationship with God.
• Blessed Sacrament: Consecrated bread and wine.
• Conscience: Inner voice of God.
• Eucharist: Mass as thanksgiving.
• Redemption: Restoration through Jesus' sacrifice.
• Salvation: Freedom from sin and separation from God.