Is it Okay to Feel this Way? Unit 2: Part B Passions & Emotions

Passions & Emotions The term ‘passions’ means ‘emotions’ or ‘feelings’ that prompt us as human beings to act or not to act to something ‘felt’ or imagined to be good or bad. Passions are natural parts of the human being. In themselves passions are neither good nor bad, it is our response to the passions (What we do because we ‘feel’ a certain way) that is important. We are called to use our reason and wisdom in responding to the ‘feelings’ we experience by thinking about the short and long term effects of the choice on a personal and community level.

Passions & Emotions Jesus said “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”(Matthew 5.4) He reminded us that we must let ourselves feel the full range of emotions if we wish to experience the wonderful ways God responds to these emotions. Jesus showed us that our emotions, even when they aren’t “NICE” can draw us into a deeper relationship with God. Each emotion is a call to turn our hearts more toward God. Every emotion reminds us of our need for God and our dependence on God.

Emotions Love: is a call to be one with God, the source of all love. Hate: reminds us that evil is real, that we need God’s help to overcome evil. Anger: reminds us that we don’t have the ability or the right to control everything. Fear: calls us to place our hope & trust in God if we want to find true and lasting happiness. Joy: is a call to stand in God’s presence Sorrow: reminds us that only God can fill our emptiness; it is a call to seek comfort in God. Desire: reminds us that only God can satisfy our deepest longings.

How much do your EMOTIONS play in your decision making process?

Emotions Emotions are like horses. Some are tame, some are wild, all need to be cared for and ruled by prudence (practical wisdom), fortitude (courage), temperance (self-control), and justice (fairness), as a horse needs to be ruled by a rider. The horse should not lead the rider, nor should the rider lock the horse up in a stable all the time. Wise control is good for the horse as well as for the rider, and wise control of our emotions is good for the emotions as well as well as for the mind and will that govern them.

Passions – page 41 Our emotions and passions are gifts from God that help us to make connections between the life of the senses and the life of the mind. They encourage to act or not to act and to make choices between good and evil. We can’t choose our emotions but we can CHOSE HOW WE RESPOND to those emotions. Ask yourself…. WHY do I feel this way? WHAT choices for action do I have?

Bound in Leather – page 37-41 Why did Jacob wish away his emotions? Lynn says that Jacob “always takes the path of least resistance.” How is this related to his lack of emotions? Do you think Jacob would wish away his emotions a second time? Why or why not? Are all emotions valuable? Explain.

Not just part of the Problem – pg 45-46 Respect for the human person comes from the idea that “everyone should look upon their neighbour (without any exception) as ‘another self’”, above all keeping in mind the idea that every person has dignity and purpose, no matter what. The idea of serving others becomes more important when it involves the disadvantaged: “As you did it to the least of my brothers, you did it to me.”

Who will sit at the Table? Pg 47 Jesus talked about inclusivity by using the image of a banquet. To this banquet the rich and the poor, the powerful and the powerless, the pure and the impure were invited. In his culture, this image was shocking and challenging because it was hard to imagine such a thing happening. What image do you think Jesus would use to challenge us to be more inclusive? Name three ways meals were used to separate and rank people in Jesus’ day. What is significant about the way that Jesus socialized? In what ways do we separate and rank people in our society?

Inclusivity Leads to Peace pg. 48 Reflection Questions Have you ever been excluded from a group? How did it make you feel? Have you ever excluded others? How can we, as a Christian community, be more welcoming to others?

Passionate Crossword

Patch Adams Film Study