What is the Problem? (Unit 2)

Original Sin means all humans are born into a reality where the "deck" is stacked against us and we are very likely to continue to add to the problem.

• True Statement

• False Statement

Answer explanation

The Catechism teaches Catholics that original sin deprives us holiness and that we are now inclined to sin (concupiscence).

Original Sin is not an action but a state of being.

• True Statement

• False Statement

Answer explanation

Pay attention the phrase, "a sin contracted and not committed-a state and not an act."

Original Sin means that as soon as a baby is born he/she has already done something sinful.

• True Statement

• False Statement

Answer explanation

O.S. = a state of being inclined to sin; it's not a action we commit.

Original Sin can be best thought of as a virus that spreads throughout all humanity (past, present, future); no one is immune to it.

• True Statement

• False Statement

Answer explanation

I think it is helpful to think of Original Sin like the CoVid-19 pandemic: highly transmissable.

If I am in a committed, romantic relationship with someone but I find myself attracted to someone else, I am sinning because I am tempted.

• True Statement

• False Statement

Answer explanation

This is what the Catechism says about Emotions (a.k.a. "passions"):

In themselves, passions are neither good nor evil - they are morally neutral. The Catechism explains that emotions and feelings only become morally good or evil "insofar as they engage reason and will." When our emotions and feelings are ordered by our reason and will towards what is good, they contribute to moral virtue. But when they are disordered and succumb to vice, they can lead to moral evil.

Which of the following is the ideal (or best) response Jesus encouraged his followers to engage in while living in modern-day "Babylons?"

• Loyalty & Subversion (active non-violence)

• Passive Compromise (assimilation)

• Violent Revolt

• Retreat & Withdrawal

Answer explanation

Re-watch this video if you do not recall Jesus' responses to "life in exile."

Match the following: Major Jewish Group/Sect & their Response to the Roman Empire:

• Loyalty & Subversion (active nonviolence

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• Retreat & Withdrawal (seclusion)

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• Passive Compromise (Assimiliation)

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• Violent Revolt

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Answer explanation

These were the major Jewish Sects in Jesus' Day: (1) Pharisees; (2) Sadduccees); (3) Essenes; (4) Zealots. All had different approaches to living under Roman rule, and they represent the various responses to "living in exile." Jesus did not align with any of these groups, which is partly why he was criticized and persecuted.

What image or metaphor does the Catechism use to describe our situation living in a broken world?

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Answer explanation

Refer back to Catechism no.409 where this is directly quoted.

The Christian story invites us to admit we all still live in modern-day "Babylons."

• True Statement

• False Statement

Answer explanation

Re-watch this video to discover why this statement is true.

Match the following character/object from the story of the Fall (Genesis 3) with what it symbolizes

• A symbol of human limits

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• Vulnerability & exposure & basic fear

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• A symbol of evil (devil/satan)

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• Symbol of Heaven

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• The presence of God--God's own energy

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Answer explanation

If you forget all the symbolism of Genesis 3 be sure to go back and review the slides from "Topic 2: What is Sin." The slides begin with the slide pictured here.