Christianity’s unique perspective about what it means to be human

The dignity of the human person While Judaism teaches that man is made in imago Dei, Jesus’ humanity reveals the nature of that image. Genesis 3:5 “Like gods” vs. God-like Power seeking vs. the power of humility The qualities that make us human separate us from the animals. The revelation of the Trinity teaches that we are relational beings, and illuminates the importance of the family. Praxis is love of self and the call to holiness (whole person)

The quality of human history Because Jesus became human through the incarnation, he became a participant in the human drama the difference between time and history Jesus lived life at every stage, from womb to tomb The cross of Jesus reveals that every moment in human life is meaningful, even, and sometimes particularly, those moments of intense suffering Happiness comes not from pleasure, but from virtue Praxis: respect for those who suffer, and for our own suffering

The reality of death Bodily death is inevitable Spiritual death is not inevitable Death is not an end but a birth Preparation for a happy death through the daily practice of one’s fundamental option

The fundamental option This is our basic orientation toward or away from God All experiences of the moral call invite us to “take up our cross and follow Jesus” These “mini-deaths” prepare us for our final option Our decisions either affirm our fundamental option, or form a counter-narrative to it. Praxis is practicing productive self-denial

The importance of the other Jesus identifies Himself with others, especially the poor Jesus often appears in disturbing disguise “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Salesians see Jesus in our students The Great Commandment is a singular commandment Praxis is love of God and others.

A final point These anthropological coordinates are distinctive to Christian revelation They must be accepted through fides et ratio, which correspond to one another in an analogical way. These coordinates form the basis of a uniquely Catholic way of seeing what it means to be human that will be the focal point of this class.

Quiz 1.Name and define the four anthropological coordinates. 2.Define the term “imago Dei.” 3.Explain the distinction between “like gods” and “God- like.” 4.What is the “Great Commandment” and how is it a singular commandment?