An Introduction into Being Human p.26-27 of textbook Act Human An Introduction into Being Human p.26-27 of textbook

Serenity Prayer

Begins with being yourself. Being Human Begins with being yourself. Sounds cliche, but the forces which prevent us from being ourselves are limitless.

Advertisements – tell us what to buy Preventive Forces Advertisements – tell us what to buy Peer pressure – tells us to conform False beliefs – distorts our rationalization of what brings happiness All these things contribute to our presenting a false image to the world.

8 steps “...to help us be true to ourselves.” 1. Everyone doesn’t have to like us: It’s impossible. We cannot please everyone 2. It’s okay to make mistakes: Humans, by nature, are not perfect. Mistakes are expected. Only real mistake is not learning from a failure. 3. Other people are okay, so are you: All humans deserve respect.

8 steps con’t 4. You don’t have to control everything Part of life is chance. We must learn to work within that and prepare against it, not control it. 5. We are responsible for how we feel and what we do. We must act and not react Take the blame for a bad day, and the credit for a good day.

8 steps con’t 6. It is important to try “God gives every bird his worm, but does not throw it into his nest” 7. We are capable and can change. The same is true of others. Ability to think; make decisions. We can choose to change for the better and put it into play. We must want it.

Ask for help. Admitting trouble is better than failing. 8 steps con’t 8. We can be flexible Do not try to do it all. Ask for help. Admitting trouble is better than failing.

Lesson 2: Humans are Made in the Divine Image p.28-31

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION Do you agree with British psychiatrist R.D. Laing who said “We are all murderers and prostitutes – no matter to what culture, society, class, nation one belongs, no matter how normal, moral, or mature one takes oneself to be.”   Or, do you accept the biblical view that humanity is fundamentally good, a precious and unique creation loved into existence by a loving God?

Made in the Divine Image.. God freely created humans out of love. God is the Creator; we are not. We are God’s creatures. We are magnificent creatures, the summit of God’s creative activity. God has put humans in charge of the rest of creation, commanding us to lovingly care for and use it for human betterment. Christian beliefs about creation

God is the Creator Did not have to create us; created out of His love and goodness. We are kept and exist because of Him, regardless if we believe or not. Humans are not gods (or God) thus we must know our place as creatures and know we have limitations. When forgotten we bring trouble

Humans’ Place in Creation Humans are unique – all was created for us and put under our dominion – stewards. Our part is to love God and serve Him. How? By using God’s gifts responsibly and directing our motives back to God. Abusing the gifts of creation have left the world in decay (deforestation, pollution, diseases, poverty)

God Makes Us in the Divine Image We have godlike qualities, the abilities to think, choose, love, and relate to others in community. We are not somethings but someones. Made out of LOVE for LOVE and to LOVE.

God Made Us Male and Female Man and woman are complementary to one another. Genesis chapter 1 Man and woman have equal dignity Man and woman are sexual beings with both a spirit and a body. Our sexual natures are good (should not be abused).

Creation is Good Human beings are created with a fundamental goodness. We are born good and have the potential to always do good. To prove our goodness, God gave his only Son to redeem us. God knows we are good and so allowed His son to sacrifice himself for the salvation of humanity.

Read p.26-31 HOMEWORK: Complete #1-5 on p. 31 .

“How do you view Humanity?” Handout Question “How do you view Humanity?” Handout

Lesson 3: Human Dignity p. 32-36

Human Dignity and Self Esteem Healthy Self Esteem Worthlessness Narcissism

What is human dignity? This is what Notre Dame students think human dignity is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiYqe8Ou8jc

The cornerstone of Christian morality… Dignity: The quality or state of being worthy of esteem or respect. Our connection to God and all that He gave us means that from the very moment of conception, all humans possess profound dignity. All humans have worth and value because the creator gave us worth and value. No one has to EARN dignity.

Three I’s Human dignity is inherent, inviolable, and inalienable. Inherent – because it is an essential characteristic of being human. Inviolable – because no one has the right to violate or profane it. Inalienable – because it cannot be taken away by anyone. WHY?

p. 33-35 OUR SPIRITUAL NATURES What distinguishes us from other creatures on earth? ABILITY TO THINK FREE WILL ABILITY TO LOVE RESPONSIBILITY CAPACITY TO GROW

Summarize our Spiritual Nature Summarize and give an example for each of the aspects of our Spiritual Nature outlined on p. 33-36. Fill out the chart provided- we will take this up at the end of class. If finished, please answer #1,3,4,5 on p. 36.

Lesson 4: Subsidiarity and our Social Nature p.37-38

Trinity We are created as social beings in imitation of the Trinity.

GOD is one nature in three persons Holy Spirit Father

We are social beings Just like the Trinity is three in one, humanity is many in one – We live to be in communion; “no man is an island” Love of neighbour is inseparable from love of God We are all connected

Truths about People and Society- rd. p.37 the human person is the principle, subject, and object of every society; participation of all in society is necessary; every society needs authority; subsidiarity should rule; societies should promote virtue and work for the common good; people in society should be treated with respect; principle of solidarity.

Key Terms An explanation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GD0moAiq22k Subsidiarity: The principle of Catholic social teaching that holds that a higher unit of society should not do what a lower unit can do as well (or better) An explanation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GD0moAiq22k A Catholic view: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jTR6eLnzBA

Key Terms Common Good: “Sum total of social conditions that allows people, either as groups or as individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily.” (Pastoral Constitution of the Church in the Modern World, 26) Solidarity: The Christian virtue of social charity and friendship

Social Beings: School the human person is the principle, subject, and object of every society; Focus on student learning- but respect for all people at school participation of all in society is necessary; Focus on attendance, support for all students; every student and teacher needs to try their hardest! every society needs authority; Principal, VP’s, teachers; leadership rooted in Catholic values. There need to be rules for school to run smoothly. subsidiarity should rule; Students get electives and decide what to do after high school. Student Council helps make decisions. societies should promote virtue and work for the common good; Focus on each student reaching full potential. Initiatives to help others. Social justice initiatives. people in society should be treated with respect; principle of solidarity. Seen in the way we treat each other. Decisions we make on how to interact.

Social Nature of Humans It is part of our human nature to live in various societies. Societies are groups that are bound by a principle of unity that goes beyond each individual in these communities. We are people who want to “belong.” Over the next few days, we will learn more about Jean Vanier and L’Arche. Jean Vanier works to create inclusive communities for all peoples.

“Belonging” We are going to be watching clips about more issues raised by Jean Vanier about the importance of belonging. http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/ssjv/belonging.html?index=1

Retreat Planning Ideas: https://www.playmeo.com/subscription/free/ http://actionhub.weebly.com/inclusive-games.html https://www.yourschoolgames.com/about-the-games/inclusive-competition/inclusive-sports-formats

Lesson 5: Humans are Wounded By Sin p.39-42

A depiction of the Garden of Eden

Original Sin Adam and Eve chose themselves over God through an act of disobedience. Their pride led to the downfall and the expulsion from Eden. This act infected all humanity and so we are born with and suffer Original Sin

Humans sin Humans fall victim to weakness, cowardice and avarice along with other forms of evil. We sometimes have the best intentions to do well, but through weakness end up doing wrong.

Example Turn to your partner and think of an example of: Weakness Cowardice Avarice (extreme greed for material gain) Intention to do good, but ended up being bad

Sin Sin is choosing self, by ignoring God’s law and this harms us as individuals. This act of choosing ourselves (selfishness) results in us ignoring other members of our community or raising ourselves up higher then others This leads to the issues and circumstances that have plagued humanity for thousands of years such as...

Salvation Humans proved we are unable to save ourselves, so God sent Jesus Christ. Paschal Mystery: God’s love and salvation revealed through the life, passion, death, resurrection, and glorification (ascension) of Jesus Christ. The sacraments, especially the Eucharist, celebrate this great mystery of God’s love

Looking to Jesus to Live Jesus teaches us how to live morally and upright. His death saves us from sin His sacrifice shows us how to love – his death and resurrection destroy sin and death.

Considering What it Means to Be Human Let’s read the story of St. Maximilian Kolbe Read the question on the bottom of p. 41. Take a moment to think about this and share with a partner.

St. Max con’t Kolbe did not take his own life. He sacrificed his life for a man who was already condemned to death Although he may have had loving intentions, the young protestor could have spoken out about injustices in other life-giving ways. Taking your own life shows disrespect for the gift of life- the injustice the young man was trying to protest.

Buechner wrote.. The life I will touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops and what far place and time my touch will be felt. Our lives are linked. No man is an island. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwAYpLVyeFU

HOMEWORK If not complete from yesterday, do #1-5 on p.38. Complete #1-4 on p. 42 for HW.

Exit Card Write about an action in your own life , either good or bad, that had a ripple effect on others. How did you learn that others were effected by your action? How did you feel about this ripple effect?