Next class will meet Sunday, December 2.
(No class this Sunday.)
Last time, we worked through the second chapter of Theology of the Body for Teens: "Love Defined." Students should understand and be able to explain these key points:
- The nature of love as an act of will, willing the good of another.
- The differences between self-donating love as giving and self-indulgent "love" as taking / using.
- The differences between abstinence as saying "No" and chastity as a "YES!" Abstinence focuses on avoiding poor choices, but chastity focuses on living a life of authentic love.
- Chastity is the successful integration of sexuality within the person. The inner unity that results makes happiness possible.
- The Personalistic Norm = Love is the only proper response toward another person.
- Utilitarianism = maximizing pleasure, minimizing pain; using another for somebody's gain
- The differences between love and lust.
Quotes to ponder from Pope St. John Paul the Great:
“Authentic love is not a vague sentiment or a blind passion. It is an inner attitude that involves the whole human being. It looks at others not to use them but to serve them. Love, in a word, is gift of self.”
“For love is not merely a feeling; it is an act of will that consists of preferring, in a constant manner, the good of others to the good of oneself.”
“Chastity can only be thought of in relation to the virtue of LOVE.”
“Chastity is the sure way to happiness. … Chastity sets you free to love.”
"Only the chaste man and the chaste woman are capable of true love."
At home assignment:
- Read and discuss"Digging Deeper: Chastity Frees Us to Love" on pages 32-33.
Optional enrichment:
- Do one of the ideas on p 35, "Work it Out."
- Watch this little clip from The Princess Bride and consider how Westley's answer expresses the true nature of love.
If you missed missed class or want to review:
Please read Chapter 2, Intro / Story Starter pp 19-22, To The Core pp 24-25, and Live it Out p 34 of the workbook. Also, of course, see the reading assignment above.
Future class dates:
December
02 - TOB Chapter 3: Naked Without Shame
16 - TOB Chapter 4: Hope and Redemption in Christ
That's the last class before Christmas break. We resume on Jan 6.
Happy Thanksgiving!