grade 9 open religion hre 101 mrs. micallef-grande workroom 320

Grade 9 Open Religion Grade 9 Open Religion HRE 101HRE 101

Mrs. Micallef-GrandeWorkroom 320

Table of ContentsTable of Contents

• Unit 1: Faith Unit 1: Faith ……………………..3-27……………………..3-27

• Unit 2: Scripture Unit 2: Scripture ……………………..28-65……………………..28-65

• Unit 3: Following Jesus Unit 3: Following Jesus ……………………..66-93……………………..66-93

• Unit 4: Thirteen Reasons Why Unit 4: Thirteen Reasons Why ……………………...94-95……………………...94-95

• Unit 5: Narnia ….....96-114Unit 5: Narnia ….....96-114

Unit 1Unit 1: Faith & the Search : Faith & the Search for Godfor God

• Students will learn:Students will learn:

- The spiritual nature of human beings- The spiritual nature of human beings- Definitions of faithDefinitions of faith- Stages of faith development and how Stages of faith development and how

spiritual truth is a journey of spiritual truth is a journey of discoverydiscovery

- Multiple Intelligences and FaithMultiple Intelligences and Faith- Simon Birch AssignmentSimon Birch Assignment

Trip or Journey?Trip or Journey?

• In your groups, In your groups, brainstorm the difference brainstorm the difference between a ‘trip’ and a between a ‘trip’ and a ‘journey’‘journey’..

• Is ‘Religion’ in general, Is ‘Religion’ in general, and this course in and this course in particular, a trip or a particular, a trip or a journey?journey?


Journey:Journey:

•Religion is discovering open Religion is discovering open questionsquestions which need life which need life answersanswers (answers (answers which we discover by living them).which we discover by living them).

•Religion is a life-long search, with Religion is a life-long search, with open-ended questions. open-ended questions.

•Religion is waiting on the unexpected.Religion is waiting on the unexpected.

•Religion is looking at life with a new, Religion is looking at life with a new, fresh perspective. fresh perspective.

•Religious language involves story Religious language involves story telling about the ways in which God telling about the ways in which God shares himself with people.shares himself with people.


TripTrip• Religion is finding Religion is finding answersanswers to to

textbook questionstextbook questions..

• Religion gives students answers, Religion gives students answers, facts, questions with definite facts, questions with definite answers. answers.

• Religion involves learning the Religion involves learning the expected, the predictable.expected, the predictable.

• Religion is asking, “What am I Religion is asking, “What am I supposed to believe?”supposed to believe?”

What is Faith?What is Faith?

• The Uncertainty PrincipleThe Uncertainty Principle: A : A Scientific rule that suggests Scientific rule that suggests notnot everything can be explained everything can be explained through scientific method. through scientific method. Sometimes things happen that Sometimes things happen that we can’t explain, or that we we can’t explain, or that we can’t ever truly explain.can’t ever truly explain.

• Can you think of an example of Can you think of an example of something we may never be something we may never be able to prove scientifically?able to prove scientifically?

The Shroud of TurinThe Shroud of TurinAn example in uncertainty (and An example in uncertainty (and

faith)faith)

The Shroud is a 14½ foot long, 3½ foot wide linen cloth that bears the ventral and dorsal image of a scourged, crucified man. Owned by the Dukes of Savoy (former ruling family of Italy) until the late 1980's and now the property of the Catholic Church, it has been permanently kept in Turin, Italy, since 1578. It is stored in a special reliquary in a chapel behind the altar in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The cathedral was erected specifically to house the Shroud and was built adjoining the Royal Palace (the King's former residence) in Turin.

Photo of the frontPhoto of the front

Photo Close-up of the Photo Close-up of the HeadHead

CHEST AND STOMACH AREA

TOTAL REAR VIEW

TOTAL REAR

Definition of FaithDefinition of Faith

Faith can be defined as believing that Faith can be defined as believing that something is absolutely true without something is absolutely true without needing empirical (sensory) needing empirical (sensory) evidence. It is something you evidence. It is something you believe in your heart, not your head. believe in your heart, not your head. However, faith can be informed However, faith can be informed through experience.through experience.

E.g. You believe you will be a great E.g. You believe you will be a great dancer one day even before you start dancer one day even before you start your first lesson in dance class.your first lesson in dance class.

TaskTask

• Read pp.52 – 55 of the textbook Read pp.52 – 55 of the textbook • On a separate sheet of paper, On a separate sheet of paper,

answer the following questions:answer the following questions:

1) Which person do you relate to 1) Which person do you relate to the most and why? Explain your the most and why? Explain your answer using personal detail.answer using personal detail.

2) Which person do you relate to 2) Which person do you relate to the least and why? Explain your the least and why? Explain your answer using personal detail.answer using personal detail.

Response is due at the end of classResponse is due at the end of class

Catholic Definition of Catholic Definition of FaithFaith

• Faith for Catholics is to believe that Faith for Catholics is to believe that God will support you and be with God will support you and be with you in all your endeavors. To you in all your endeavors. To believe that God has an intention for believe that God has an intention for your life and means for only good your life and means for only good things to come from your life. It is things to come from your life. It is believing that the object of your faith believing that the object of your faith will do something for you – that will do something for you – that object for Catholics (and all object for Catholics (and all Christians) is God, and we have a Christians) is God, and we have a long history of God’s actions in our long history of God’s actions in our life as a Christian community. life as a Christian community.

Simon BirchSimon Birch

• Simon Birch Simon Birch is a wonderful film that is a wonderful film that illustrates the journey Simon and his illustrates the journey Simon and his friend, Joe, go through and how their friend, Joe, go through and how their faith and friendship are tested. faith and friendship are tested.

• Complete the film worksheet during Complete the film worksheet during the movie and then prepare your the movie and then prepare your rough draft and good copy of your rough draft and good copy of your letter.letter.

• See assignment and rubric for See assignment and rubric for details.details.

Faith StagesFaith Stages

• Faith develops in stages and Faith develops in stages and grows deeper and more real grows deeper and more real with experiences you have.with experiences you have.

• James Fowler, a theologian in James Fowler, a theologian in the 80’s, described six stages of the 80’s, described six stages of growth that lead to mature faith.growth that lead to mature faith.


• Stage 1Stage 1: Imitative faith : Imitative faith - At first faith comes from At first faith comes from

imitating the values and imitating the values and attitudes of significant persons attitudes of significant persons in lifein life

• Stage 2Stage 2: Literal-minded faith: Literal-minded faith- Religious information is taken - Religious information is taken

literally and can become literally and can become fundamental (without fundamental (without exception)exception)


• Stage 3Stage 3: Conventional Faith: Conventional Faith- pre-adolescencepre-adolescence- They accept things about God They accept things about God

because it is what the church teachesbecause it is what the church teaches- Don’t reflect or question muchDon’t reflect or question much• Stage 4Stage 4: Reflective faith: Reflective faith- AdolescenceAdolescence- Choices and values become a more Choices and values become a more

personal commitmentpersonal commitment- Start to establish what they truly Start to establish what they truly

think and believethink and believe


• Stage 5Stage 5: Paradoxical Faith: Paradoxical Faith- AdulthoodAdulthood- A deeply mature faith that A deeply mature faith that

comes from maturity and comes from maturity and experienceexperience

- A person can remain committed A person can remain committed to a institution or church even to a institution or church even in the face of their inadequacies in the face of their inadequacies and weaknesses without giving and weaknesses without giving up its principlesup its principles


• Stage 6Stage 6: Incarnational Faith: Incarnational Faith

- Most rare of all; people’s faith Most rare of all; people’s faith may develop to the point that may develop to the point that their very lives become their very lives become absorbed into God’s loveabsorbed into God’s love

- Less self-seeking, they become Less self-seeking, they become visible signs of the meaning of visible signs of the meaning of life and God’s life on earthlife and God’s life on earth

Multiple IntelligencesMultiple Intelligences

• Howard Gardiner (Harvard Howard Gardiner (Harvard University) studied intelligence University) studied intelligence and discovered that people can and discovered that people can be “smart” in different ways. be “smart” in different ways.

• He discovered that we seem to He discovered that we seem to have eight (8) different forms of have eight (8) different forms of intelligence, each one varying intelligence, each one varying in degree depending on our in degree depending on our personal preferences.personal preferences.

Eight IntelligencesEight Intelligences

• Mathematical/LogicalMathematical/Logical• MusicalMusical• LinguisticLinguistic• SpatialSpatial• NaturalisticNaturalistic• InterpersonalInterpersonal• IntrapersonalIntrapersonal• Kinesthetic (Physical)Kinesthetic (Physical)

TaskTask

• Take the Multiple Intelligence Take the Multiple Intelligence testtest

• Share top 2 intelligences with Share top 2 intelligences with the class. the class.

• How does understanding the How does understanding the fact that we all learn better in fact that we all learn better in certain ways help us as certain ways help us as students?students?

• Create a name tag and decorate Create a name tag and decorate with your 2 intelligences. This with your 2 intelligences. This will be put on display in the will be put on display in the classroom classroom

Unit 2Unit 2: Scripture: Scripture

Students will learn:Students will learn:

• 1. Scripture developed through 1. Scripture developed through divine inspiration, oral and written divine inspiration, oral and written traditions in a variety of literary traditions in a variety of literary forms.forms.

• 2. Scripture tells the ongoing 2. Scripture tells the ongoing relationship of God’s revelation to relationship of God’s revelation to people.people.

• 3. Scripture stories are still relevant 3. Scripture stories are still relevant for us today as a guide to our daily for us today as a guide to our daily living.living.

The BibleThe Bible

• The word “Bible” comes from a The word “Bible” comes from a Greek word meaning “books”Greek word meaning “books”

• All the Biblical writings were All the Biblical writings were inspired by God but written by inspired by God but written by everyday human beingseveryday human beings

• The Bible can be seen as a handbook The Bible can be seen as a handbook on how to live on how to live

• The Bible was written in different The Bible was written in different places and times over a period of places and times over a period of about 1,000 yearsabout 1,000 years

• The Bible reveals God’s perfect love The Bible reveals God’s perfect love and life changing message for all and life changing message for all people people

The Bible compared to a The Bible compared to a NewspaperNewspaper

• The Bible is similar to the Newspapers of todayThe Bible is similar to the Newspapers of today• Both the Bible and the Newspaper are divided into Both the Bible and the Newspaper are divided into

sections. Here are examples of some of these:sections. Here are examples of some of these:BibleBible NewspaperNewspaper-poetry-poetry -sports-sports-history-history -world news-world news-prophecy-prophecy -comics-comics-letters-letters -editorial-editorial-mythology-mythology -life-life

• Each section is written by Each section is written by a different authora different author• Each section is written for Each section is written for a different purposea different purpose• Each section is written for Each section is written for a different audiencea different audience• Each section is written at Each section is written at a different time and a different time and

contextcontext

Newspaper ActivityNewspaper Activity

• Read 2 newspaper articles from 2 Read 2 newspaper articles from 2 different sections of a newspaper and different sections of a newspaper and complete the worksheet provided. complete the worksheet provided.

• Discussion:Discussion:1) Why is it important to read these 1) Why is it important to read these

articles in a different way? articles in a different way? 2) How does this activity relate to the 2) How does this activity relate to the

way in which we read the Bible?way in which we read the Bible?

Literary Forms in the Literary Forms in the BibleBible

MythMythNarrativeNarrative

ListListParableParable

LawLawGospelGospel

SermonSermonHistoryHistory

Lyric PoetryLyric PoetryLove PoetryLove Poetry

PrayerPrayerProphecyProphecy

Literary Forms in the Literary Forms in the BibleBible

Task:Task:

1)1)Read through the ‘Literary Read through the ‘Literary forms’ worksheet, brainstorm forms’ worksheet, brainstorm examples as a class and write examples as a class and write them down on the sheet.them down on the sheet.

2)2) Using the Bible, complete the Using the Bible, complete the ‘Literary forms in the Bible’ ‘Literary forms in the Bible’ worksheetworksheet

The BibleThe Bible

Like a Newspaper, the Bible is also written in sections. Like a Newspaper, the Bible is also written in sections. The two major sections of the Bible are: The two major sections of the Bible are:

1.1. The Hebrew Scriptures (or Old Testament)The Hebrew Scriptures (or Old Testament)2.2. The Christian Scriptures (or New Testament)The Christian Scriptures (or New Testament)

The Hebrew ScripturesThe Hebrew Scriptures

The Hebrew Scriptures can be further divided into the The Hebrew Scriptures can be further divided into the following sections:following sections:

1.1. Law Law 2.2. HistoryHistory3.3. PoetryPoetry4.4. Major ProphetsMajor Prophets5.5. Minor ProphetsMinor Prophets

Task: Task: Complete the Old Testament Bookshelf Complete the Old Testament Bookshelf worksheet by counting the amount of books in worksheet by counting the amount of books in each section. Record your answers on the sheet. each section. Record your answers on the sheet.

Development of Development of ScriptureScripture

• Oral HistoryOral History – stories, songs, and – stories, songs, and recounting of events were passed on by recounting of events were passed on by word of mouth for many generationsword of mouth for many generations

• Written HistoryWritten History – Over many years – Over many years stories, recorded experiences, instructions, stories, recorded experiences, instructions, and guides were written at different times and guides were written at different times for different purposesfor different purposes

• Edited HistoryEdited History – The most accurate and – The most accurate and original accounts of events were collected original accounts of events were collected and accepted as authentic. These first and accepted as authentic. These first were written in Hebrew, then translated were written in Hebrew, then translated into Greek and then Latin. The New into Greek and then Latin. The New Testament was originally in Greek and the Testament was originally in Greek and the Old (Hebrew) Testament was in Hebrew.Old (Hebrew) Testament was in Hebrew.

Tips on Reading the Tips on Reading the Scriptures and Interpreting Scriptures and Interpreting

themthem

• Look for repetition. Often repeated Look for repetition. Often repeated messages and themes are indicators that messages and themes are indicators that the author is trying to emphasize the author is trying to emphasize something of greater importance.something of greater importance.

• Don’t take Don’t take everythingeverything literally. However, literally. However, there are many events and themes that there are many events and themes that need to be taken that way.need to be taken that way.

• Understand what the passage meant to the Understand what the passage meant to the people of that time period first, then you people of that time period first, then you can apply the message you learned to can apply the message you learned to yourself.yourself.

• Be faith seeking and understanding in your Be faith seeking and understanding in your attitude as a reader.attitude as a reader.

• Remember to try and leave your biases at Remember to try and leave your biases at the door when you read the Bible. Don’t the door when you read the Bible. Don’t let your biases block you from let your biases block you from understanding the simple and prophetic understanding the simple and prophetic message revealed in the Bibles pages.message revealed in the Bibles pages.

Bible InterpretationBible Interpretation

• Observation – What are the facts? Observation – What are the facts? What do the words mean? Who is What do the words mean? Who is speaking and to whom?speaking and to whom?

• Interpretation – What did the Interpretation – What did the passage mean to the original passage mean to the original audience?audience?

• Evaluation – What does the passage Evaluation – What does the passage mean to us today? mean to us today?

• Application – How should I apply Application – How should I apply what I learn from this passage to live what I learn from this passage to live a life that follows Jesus?a life that follows Jesus?

Contextual versus Literal Contextual versus Literal InterpretationInterpretation

• Catholics are contextual readers Catholics are contextual readers of the Bible which means they of the Bible which means they examine the Bible looking at examine the Bible looking at the historical cultural context of the historical cultural context of the period.the period.

• On the other hand, literalists On the other hand, literalists read the Bible as though it were read the Bible as though it were a historical or scientific a historical or scientific textbook.textbook.

• Copy out examples teacher Copy out examples teacher gives from the board.gives from the board.

Contextual VS. Literal Contextual VS. Literal InterpretationInterpretation

• Read the following passages. Read the following passages.

• Genesis 2: 21-23Genesis 2: 21-23

- Genesis 7:6Genesis 7:6

- Leviticus 20:9-10Leviticus 20:9-10

- Deuteronomy 6:4-9Deuteronomy 6:4-9

- For each passage, create a t-chart (literalist For each passage, create a t-chart (literalist on one side and contextualist on the other) on one side and contextualist on the other) and respond to these 2 questions:and respond to these 2 questions:

1)1) How would a literalist reader interpret this How would a literalist reader interpret this passage?passage?

2)2) How would a contextual reader interpret How would a contextual reader interpret this passage?this passage?

Catholic Interpretation of Catholic Interpretation of the Biblethe Bible

• Most Protestant churches consider the Bible to be the Most Protestant churches consider the Bible to be the onlyonly source of revelation. source of revelation.

• The Catholic Church teaches that God’s revelation in The Catholic Church teaches that God’s revelation in matters of faith and morals comes from three sources:matters of faith and morals comes from three sources:

1. Holy Scripture1. Holy Scripture

2. Apostolic Tradition2. Apostolic Tradition

3. Magisterium3. Magisterium – the Church’s teaching authority that – the Church’s teaching authority that consists of the Bishops (including the Pope). It is the consists of the Bishops (including the Pope). It is the official teaching authority of the Roman Catholic official teaching authority of the Roman Catholic Church.Church.

FundamentalismFundamentalism – literal interpretation of Scripture which – literal interpretation of Scripture which does not take anything into account except the literal does not take anything into account except the literal meaning of the words as they occur. This is not common meaning of the words as they occur. This is not common practice for Catholic churches.practice for Catholic churches.

Types of TruthTypes of Truth• Religious – God tries to Religious – God tries to

communicate with people through communicate with people through their lives.their lives.

• Moral – “Thou shalt not murder”Moral – “Thou shalt not murder”• Symbolic – “If your eye causes you Symbolic – “If your eye causes you

to sin, pluck it out.”to sin, pluck it out.”• Proverbial – “The early bird catches Proverbial – “The early bird catches

the worm.”the worm.”• Historical – “Jesus lived his young Historical – “Jesus lived his young

life in Nazareth.”life in Nazareth.”• Scientific – The Earth goes around Scientific – The Earth goes around

the Sun.the Sun.• Task:Task: Complete the ‘Types of truth’ Complete the ‘Types of truth’

worksheetworksheet

Truths in GenesisTruths in Genesis

• As a class, read the first story of As a class, read the first story of Creation (Gen. 1-2:4) and the Creation (Gen. 1-2:4) and the second story of Creation (Gen. second story of Creation (Gen. 2-4:25)2-4:25)

• Task:Task: Complete the Genesis Complete the Genesis assignment worksheet. assignment worksheet.

1)1)Creation story 1 questionsCreation story 1 questions2)2)T-chart comparision of creation T-chart comparision of creation

stories 1 and 2 stories 1 and 2 - This is due at the end of class. - This is due at the end of class.

Thinking Mark out of 28.Thinking Mark out of 28.

Truths of GenesisTruths of Genesis

Class TaskClass Task: Brainstorm truths : Brainstorm truths contained in the Creation story then contained in the Creation story then copy out note.copy out note.

•There is only one GodThere is only one God•God created everythingGod created everything•God created everything goodGod created everything good•God created man and woman in God’s God created man and woman in God’s imageimage•God made humans the caretakers over God made humans the caretakers over the rest of the creationthe rest of the creation•God gave humans free willGod gave humans free will•God makes us co-creatorsGod makes us co-creators•God made the Sabbath day holyGod made the Sabbath day holy

Hebrew ScripturesHebrew Scriptures

• The subject matter of the Hebrew The subject matter of the Hebrew Scriptures is 1800 years of Jewish Scriptures is 1800 years of Jewish history beginning with Abraham, the history beginning with Abraham, the “Father of the Jewish People”, and “Father of the Jewish People”, and ending with the defeat of Nicnor’s ending with the defeat of Nicnor’s rebel army in 161 C.E.rebel army in 161 C.E.

• The Patriarchs (father figures) of the The Patriarchs (father figures) of the Hebrew Scriptures include:Hebrew Scriptures include:

• 1. 1. AbrahamAbraham who had the first who had the first covenant with Godcovenant with God2. 2. Isaac Isaac who was the son of who was the son of AbrahamAbraham3. 3. JacobJacob who was the second son of who was the second son of Isaac and the father of the 12 tribes Isaac and the father of the 12 tribes of Israelof Israel


Other important figures include:Other important figures include:

1. 1. JosephJoseph who was able to interpret who was able to interpret the Pharaoh of Egypt’s dreams and the Pharaoh of Egypt’s dreams and aided him in saving Egypt and Israel aided him in saving Egypt and Israel from a long and deadly droughtfrom a long and deadly drought

2. 2. MosesMoses who led the Hebrew who led the Hebrew people out of Egypt and to the people out of Egypt and to the promised landpromised land

3. 3. DavidDavid who defeated Goliath as a who defeated Goliath as a child and became the second King of child and became the second King of IsraelIsrael


• Is revelationIs revelation because the message comes because the message comes from God the creatorfrom God the creator

• It describes It describes God’s saving actionsGod’s saving actions and and interactions with human beings through the interactions with human beings through the Jewish peopleJewish people

• It was written by It was written by inspired authorsinspired authors during the during the time before Jesustime before Jesus

• It is a It is a record of the faithrecord of the faith of the Jewish people of the Jewish people• Generally, the Hebrew Scriptures are divided Generally, the Hebrew Scriptures are divided

into into threethree major categories: major categories:1. The Law1. The Law – contains the first five books of – contains the first five books of the Bible. Also referred to as the Torah or the the Bible. Also referred to as the Torah or the Pentateuch.Pentateuch.2. The Prophets2. The Prophets – contains the works and – contains the works and actions of the prophets of Israel.actions of the prophets of Israel.3. The Writings3. The Writings – contain the material of the – contain the material of the Hebrew Scriptures that is not part of the Law Hebrew Scriptures that is not part of the Law or the Prophets.or the Prophets.

Some Key Scripture Some Key Scripture Passages (OT)Passages (OT)

• Adam and EveAdam and Eve

• Noah and the FloodNoah and the Flood

• Abraham and IsaacAbraham and Isaac

• Joseph and his brothersJoseph and his brothers

• Moses and the burning bushMoses and the burning bush

• Samson and DelilahSamson and Delilah

• David and GoliathDavid and Goliath

• Daniel and the lionsDaniel and the lions

Old Testament Old Testament Modernization Modernization Assignment Assignment

• Students will be placed in Students will be placed in groups of 4. They will pick groups of 4. They will pick their top 3 stories from the their top 3 stories from the previous list and develop either previous list and develop either a skit, puppet show or film. a skit, puppet show or film. This performance will show a This performance will show a modern interpretation of the modern interpretation of the original story. original story.

• Refer to the assignment and Refer to the assignment and rubric for instructions.rubric for instructions.

The Ten The Ten CommandmentsCommandments

• Task: On a separate sheet of paper, divide Task: On a separate sheet of paper, divide your sheet into 4 equal sections. Copy out your sheet into 4 equal sections. Copy out the questions the teacher provides and the questions the teacher provides and write down at least 5 answers per box. write down at least 5 answers per box.

• As a class, we will take up answers and As a class, we will take up answers and discuss rules, authority figures and major discuss rules, authority figures and major influences.influences.

• Class question: What does this exercise Class question: What does this exercise teach us? teach us?

Ten CommandmentsTen Commandments

• The Ten Commandments are a set of The Ten Commandments are a set of guidelines/laws, given to us by God, to live guidelines/laws, given to us by God, to live by and show that God is a by and show that God is a justjust being and a being and a legitimate authority – someone who has legitimate authority – someone who has our best interest in mind and that of the our best interest in mind and that of the common good. Just reading them through common good. Just reading them through tells us this. tells us this.

• There are other guidelines or rules that There are other guidelines or rules that help develop our sense of virtue. help develop our sense of virtue. Developing right attitudes helps inform Developing right attitudes helps inform our conscience. Our conscience our conscience. Our conscience (awareness of what is right or wrong in (awareness of what is right or wrong in any given situation) needs good any given situation) needs good information based on wisdom and the right information based on wisdom and the right attitude to see it through. Having a healthy attitude to see it through. Having a healthy and informed conscience helps us see the and informed conscience helps us see the goodness of God in life, both in ourselves goodness of God in life, both in ourselves and in othersand in others

Ten Commandments Ten Commandments TaskTask

• On a separate sheet of paper, answer On a separate sheet of paper, answer the following questions:the following questions:

• 1) Which commandment do you find 1) Which commandment do you find the easiest to follow in your life right the easiest to follow in your life right now? Why?now? Why?

• 2) Which commandment do you find 2) Which commandment do you find the most difficult to follow in your the most difficult to follow in your life right now? Why?life right now? Why?

• 3) In your opinion, which 3) In your opinion, which commandment is the most important commandment is the most important for society to follow? Explain your for society to follow? Explain your choice. choice.

• We will discuss our answers in a We will discuss our answers in a circle.circle.

New TestamentNew Testament

• Students will learn the Students will learn the following:following:

- BeatitudesBeatitudes

- Jesus as Messiah to the whole Jesus as Messiah to the whole worldworld

- Jesus as God with usJesus as God with us

New Testament LibraryNew Testament Library

Task: Task:

Fill out the New Testament Fill out the New Testament bookshelf worksheet. Count the bookshelf worksheet. Count the books in each section and write books in each section and write

the answers on the sheet. the answers on the sheet.

Christian ScripturesChristian Scriptures

• Is revelation because the source Is revelation because the source of the information is directly of the information is directly from writers who lived and from writers who lived and experienced being with Jesus experienced being with Jesus (God’s Son) or those who knew (God’s Son) or those who knew himhim

• It contains Jesus’ words and It contains Jesus’ words and recorded actionsrecorded actions

• It was a record of faith for early It was a record of faith for early 11stst Century Christians and Century Christians and beyondbeyond


• Christian Scriptures are divided into Christian Scriptures are divided into four sections:four sections:

1. Gospels according to Matthew, 1. Gospels according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and JohnMark, Luke and John2. Acts of the Apostles which 2. Acts of the Apostles which describe early Christian life after describe early Christian life after Jesus’ death and resurrectionJesus’ death and resurrection3. Epistles which are a series of 3. Epistles which are a series of lettersletters4. Revelations which is mainly 4. Revelations which is mainly prophetic while also being a letter of prophetic while also being a letter of encouragement to the faithful encouragement to the faithful


• Christian Scriptures contain 27 Christian Scriptures contain 27 books that we refer to as the books that we refer to as the canon, meaning “rules”canon, meaning “rules”

• These books and letters are These books and letters are considered authoritative considered authoritative teaching on the Christian faith teaching on the Christian faith and lifeand life

The GospelsThe Gospels

• The word “gospel” comes from the Greek The word “gospel” comes from the Greek word word evangelionevangelion, meaning “good news”, meaning “good news”

• The first three Canonical Gospels – The first three Canonical Gospels – Matthew, Mark and Luke are so similar Matthew, Mark and Luke are so similar that they are called the Synoptic Gospelsthat they are called the Synoptic Gospels

• John is different in how it begins and in the John is different in how it begins and in the way the stories are told (some stories are way the stories are told (some stories are not included in the Synoptics due to the not included in the Synoptics due to the different audience John was addressing). different audience John was addressing). Jesus is still seen as the Messiah of the Jesus is still seen as the Messiah of the Jewish people and the world.Jewish people and the world.

• ““Q” is material which represents a written Q” is material which represents a written collection of sayings from Jesus that were collection of sayings from Jesus that were likely used to compose the Gospelslikely used to compose the Gospels

• ““Q” is short for “Quelle” – a German word Q” is short for “Quelle” – a German word for for sourcesource

Gospel according to Gospel according to MarkMark

• Mark wrote the first Gospel Mark wrote the first Gospel shortly before 70 C.E.shortly before 70 C.E.

• Written in RomeWritten in Rome

• Gentile audienceGentile audience

• The shortest of the four GospelsThe shortest of the four Gospels

Gospel according to Gospel according to MatthewMatthew

• Mostly based on the Mostly based on the information in the Gospel of information in the Gospel of MarkMark

• Written for a Jewish ChristiansWritten for a Jewish Christians

• 70 C.E.70 C.E.

• Matthew used the “Q” sourceMatthew used the “Q” source

Gospel according to Gospel according to LukeLuke

• Written between 70 – 90 C.E.Written between 70 – 90 C.E.

• Luke was a Syrian doctor from Luke was a Syrian doctor from AntiochAntioch

• Luke depending on Luke depending on eyewitnesses and apostles for eyewitnesses and apostles for his information as he was not his information as he was not part of the first generation of part of the first generation of ChristiansChristians

• Used “Q” as a source Used “Q” as a source

Gospel according to Gospel according to JohnJohn

• Quite different than the other three Quite different than the other three as it contains many details not found as it contains many details not found in the other Gospelsin the other Gospels

• Written around 90 C.E.Written around 90 C.E.• Very symbolic and literaryVery symbolic and literary• Someone edited the original between Someone edited the original between

90 C.E. and 100 C.E.90 C.E. and 100 C.E.• Style and content lend us to believe Style and content lend us to believe

it was written by an eyewitness that it was written by an eyewitness that was very hurt by Christians being was very hurt by Christians being removed from the Jewish removed from the Jewish Synagogues in the later part of the 1Synagogues in the later part of the 1stst CenturyCentury

Skinny Poem Group taskSkinny Poem Group task

• Students will first complete an Students will first complete an individual skinny poem based on 3 individual skinny poem based on 3 topics provided.topics provided.

• Open mike sharing.Open mike sharing.• Students will be assigned a group Students will be assigned a group

and passage from John’s gospel. and passage from John’s gospel. • Read the passage and compose a Read the passage and compose a

skinny poem based on passage. skinny poem based on passage. • Write it out using construction paper Write it out using construction paper

and markers. and markers. • Groups will then present their poem Groups will then present their poem

to the classto the class• Application mark /10Application mark /10

Gospel of John TaskGospel of John Task

• Students will be placed into Students will be placed into groups of 3-4 and assigned a groups of 3-4 and assigned a story from John’s gospel. story from John’s gospel.

• Read the passage as s group and Read the passage as s group and respond to the assigned respond to the assigned questions.questions.

• Write your responses neatly on Write your responses neatly on the chart paper provided. the chart paper provided.

• Present to the classPresent to the class

• Communication mark /10Communication mark /10

Newspaper articlesNewspaper articles

• Students will review the Students will review the components of a newspaper components of a newspaper article and review samples. article and review samples. This will help prepare them for This will help prepare them for their writing assignment.their writing assignment.

Gospel of John Article Gospel of John Article AssignmentAssignment

• Using the knowledge gained Using the knowledge gained from the previous activity, from the previous activity, students are now required to students are now required to create a newspaper article based create a newspaper article based on one of the passages from on one of the passages from John’s gospel. John’s gospel.

• See assignment instructions and See assignment instructions and rubric for more details.rubric for more details.

Unit 4Unit 4: Following Jesus: Following Jesus

• Students will learn the Students will learn the following:following:

- Self-esteem, Body Image and Self-esteem, Body Image and EmotionsEmotions

- Virtue as a right or “best” Virtue as a right or “best” attitudeattitude

- Specific concepts: Friendship, Specific concepts: Friendship, Love, Chastity, Forgiveness, Love, Chastity, Forgiveness, Inclusiveness, Obedience Inclusiveness, Obedience

- Moral Decision Making (using Moral Decision Making (using good judgment)good judgment)

ME, MY BODY, ME, MY BODY, AND YOUAND YOU

In your In your notebooknotebook, write an , write an individual response to these individual response to these questions.questions.

• What do you like about your body?What do you like about your body?• What do you think others notice What do you think others notice

most about you?most about you?• What does your body say to others What does your body say to others

about who you are?about who you are?• DISCUSSDISCUSS the photo on page 18 the photo on page 18• Is our image of ourselves always Is our image of ourselves always

the image that others have of us?the image that others have of us?• What might distort our physical What might distort our physical

image of ourselves?image of ourselves?• What helps us to see ourselves as What helps us to see ourselves as

we are and to appreciate our own we are and to appreciate our own bodies?bodies?

Physical DimensionPhysical DimensionLife and physical health are Life and physical health are

precious gifts entrusted to precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, reasonable care of them, taking into account the taking into account the needs of others and the needs of others and the common good.common good.

Concern for the health of its Concern for the health of its citizens requires that citizens requires that society help in the society help in the attainment of living attainment of living conditions that allow them conditions that allow them to grow and reach maturity: to grow and reach maturity: food and clothing, housing, food and clothing, housing, health care, basic health care, basic education, employment, and education, employment, and social assistance.social assistance.

Emotions I have Emotions I have experiencedexperienced

Brainstorm a list of emotions and Brainstorm a list of emotions and draw circle faces with the draw circle faces with the appropriate expressions.appropriate expressions.

• Are you sometimes surprised by Are you sometimes surprised by how you feel? Explain.how you feel? Explain.

• Is feeling bad always a bad thing? Is feeling bad always a bad thing? Is feeling good always a good Is feeling good always a good thing? Explain.thing? Explain.

• How do emotions affect the way How do emotions affect the way you make decisions?you make decisions?

Emotions I have Emotions I have experiencedexperienced

Which of the following statements do Which of the following statements do you agree with most strongly? you agree with most strongly? Explain the reasons for your Explain the reasons for your choice.choice.

• It is better to control your own It is better to control your own emotions rather than to be emotions rather than to be controlled by them.controlled by them.

• It is better to be controlled by your It is better to be controlled by your own emotions than to control own emotions than to control them.them.

• It is better to allow emotions to It is better to allow emotions to enter into your decision making enter into your decision making process than to exclude them.process than to exclude them.

Social DimensionSocial Dimension

Respect for the human person Respect for the human person proceeds by way of respect for the proceeds by way of respect for the principle that "everyone should look principle that "everyone should look upon his neighbour (without any upon his neighbour (without any exception) as 'another self,' above exception) as 'another self,' above all bearing in mind his life and the all bearing in mind his life and the means necessary for living it with means necessary for living it with dignity." No legislation could by dignity." No legislation could by itself do away with the fears, itself do away with the fears, prejudices, and attitudes of pride prejudices, and attitudes of pride and selfishness which obstruct the and selfishness which obstruct the establishment of truly fraternal establishment of truly fraternal societies. Such behaviour will cease societies. Such behaviour will cease only through the charity that finds only through the charity that finds in every man a "neighbour," a in every man a "neighbour," a brother. (1931)brother. (1931)

Called to RelationshipCalled to Relationship

Identify as many factors as Identify as many factors as possible that contribute to a possible that contribute to a person’s self-esteem.person’s self-esteem.

Create a split-page organizer. Create a split-page organizer. • On one side, identify the On one side, identify the

various kinds of relationships various kinds of relationships you are involved in. (e.g. you are involved in. (e.g. parent, sibling, friend, etc.). parent, sibling, friend, etc.).

• On the other side, identify On the other side, identify what actions help or hinder what actions help or hinder each relationship.each relationship.

Called to RelationshipCalled to Relationship

Identify in writing what Identify in writing what factors make your factors make your relationship with God easy relationship with God easy or difficult as compared to or difficult as compared to their relationship with their relationship with other people in their life.other people in their life.

Read pages 70 – 72 in the Read pages 70 – 72 in the text and complete the text and complete the reflection questions on reflection questions on page 72.page 72.

PersonhoodPersonhood

• Self-esteem – To have self-Self-esteem – To have self-esteem means to recognize your esteem means to recognize your value as a person, to see your value as a person, to see your individual value and worth as a individual value and worth as a child of God.child of God.

TaskTask

• Read and discuss the article Read and discuss the article “How can I improve my Self-“How can I improve my Self-Esteem?”Esteem?”

• Read and discuss the article on Read and discuss the article on “Body Image and Self-Esteem”“Body Image and Self-Esteem”

What blocks us from being What blocks us from being as loving as we can be?as loving as we can be?

• There are attitudes and actions that There are attitudes and actions that can be a road block to us living can be a road block to us living happy Spirit filled lives as Human happy Spirit filled lives as Human Beings.Beings.

• We will cover the following factors We will cover the following factors that block the Spirit of the that block the Spirit of the Beatitudes in our lives:Beatitudes in our lives:

- Media MessagesMedia Messages- How you handle your emotionsHow you handle your emotions- How you choose and develop How you choose and develop

friendships friendships - Your willingness to forgive and Your willingness to forgive and

forgetforget- How you make decisions when How you make decisions when

tempted to do wrong or go against tempted to do wrong or go against your moral convictionsyour moral convictions

Mainstream Media Mainstream Media CultureCulture

• Believe image is body oriented (physical)Believe image is body oriented (physical)• Sex, Wealth and Violence are the primary Sex, Wealth and Violence are the primary

characteristics that make you a free and characteristics that make you a free and powerful individual and happy as a person.powerful individual and happy as a person.

• ““Cool” is important and therefore you Cool” is important and therefore you must exclude others and draw attention to must exclude others and draw attention to yourself by “fitting” in, not standing out as yourself by “fitting” in, not standing out as unique and different.unique and different.

• Cool therefore is redefined every year or Cool therefore is redefined every year or two through fads and styles – all send two through fads and styles – all send signals of power through sex, wealth and signals of power through sex, wealth and violence and thereby encourage violence and thereby encourage discriminatory attitudes of who is ‘IN’ discriminatory attitudes of who is ‘IN’ versus ‘OUT’versus ‘OUT’

Inclusivity vs. Inclusivity vs. DiscriminationDiscrimination

• Discrimination is a form of Discrimination is a form of “pre-judging” other people. We “pre-judging” other people. We make judgments for or against make judgments for or against others that are based on others that are based on ignorance, or lack of ignorance, or lack of understanding. understanding.

• Forms of Discrimination: Forms of Discrimination: racism, sexism, ageism.racism, sexism, ageism.

Inclusivity vs. Inclusivity vs. DiscriminationDiscrimination

Stages of DiscriminationStages of Discrimination

1.1. JokingJoking

2.2. AvoidanceAvoidance

3.3. Discriminatory ActionDiscriminatory Action

4.4. ViolenceViolence

5.5. Mass Violence with intent to Mass Violence with intent to exterminateexterminate

TaskTask

• Have you ever had a situation where Have you ever had a situation where you felt you had to do something or you felt you had to do something or act in a way that was not in keeping act in a way that was not in keeping with your personality or who you with your personality or who you are? are?

• What situations can you think of What situations can you think of where you can be invited to be “not where you can be invited to be “not yourself?yourself?

What influences our What influences our relationships?relationships?

• Personality – how we prefer to Personality – how we prefer to express ourselves and be ourselves express ourselves and be ourselves in relation to othersin relation to others

• Communication (verbal and non-Communication (verbal and non-verbal)verbal)

• Conflict Resolution ExperienceConflict Resolution Experience• Conscience – how informed is it Conscience – how informed is it

prior to making a decisionprior to making a decision• Our valuesOur values• How our family has raised us to How our family has raised us to

thinkthink

EmotionsEmotions

• In Christian writings, emotions In Christian writings, emotions are often called are often called passionspassions. They . They are gifts from God that help us are gifts from God that help us to make connections between to make connections between the life of the senses and the life the life of the senses and the life of the mind. They encourage us of the mind. They encourage us to make good or bad choices to make good or bad choices depending on how we handle depending on how we handle each situation and our general each situation and our general attitude towards life.attitude towards life.

Basic EmotionsBasic Emotions

• Love – is a call to be one with God, the Love – is a call to be one with God, the source of all lovesource of all love

• Anger and Fear – remind us that we don’t Anger and Fear – remind us that we don’t have the ability or the right to control have the ability or the right to control everything. We must place our hope in everything. We must place our hope in God.God.

• Joy – is a call to stand in God’s presence.Joy – is a call to stand in God’s presence.• Sorrow – reminds us that only God can fill Sorrow – reminds us that only God can fill

our emptiness; it is a call to seek comfort our emptiness; it is a call to seek comfort in God and others.in God and others.

• Desire – reminds us that only God can Desire – reminds us that only God can satisfy our deepest longings.satisfy our deepest longings.

AttitudeAttitude

• When you develop good attitudes When you develop good attitudes towards different situations so that towards different situations so that you know how to handle things you know how to handle things better – these can be called virtues.better – these can be called virtues.

• Virtues are the best attitudes to adopt Virtues are the best attitudes to adopt in any given situation so that if you in any given situation so that if you have the right attitude going into a have the right attitude going into a situation then you are likely to make situation then you are likely to make the right decision. Virtues are the right decision. Virtues are necessary when you are seeking to necessary when you are seeking to have good relationships with others. have good relationships with others. In this unit we will learn of a few In this unit we will learn of a few different kinds of virtues.different kinds of virtues.

FriendshipFriendship

• We choose our friends – it’s a We choose our friends – it’s a choice. How we choose them is the choice. How we choose them is the question.question.

• Things that help strengthen a Things that help strengthen a friendship:friendship:

- commonality- commonality

- sharing- sharing

- trustworthy with secrets- trustworthy with secrets

- proximity (able to spend time - proximity (able to spend time together)together)

- support- support

FriendshipFriendship

• Things that can end a friendshipThings that can end a friendship

- relocating- relocating

- broke a promise or secret- broke a promise or secret

- abuse your friend for money- abuse your friend for money

- outgrow your friend in - outgrow your friend in maturitymaturity

- over-dependent- over-dependent

Big Bang Theory clipBig Bang Theory clip

• Watch a clip from the show, Big Watch a clip from the show, Big Bang Theory, about friendship.Bang Theory, about friendship.

Discussion Questions:Discussion Questions:• What can we learn from the What can we learn from the

proposed equation on friendship? proposed equation on friendship? • What are the flaws that exist in his What are the flaws that exist in his

argument? argument? • Is there a formula to having a Is there a formula to having a

successful friendship? successful friendship?

Love?Love?

• Infatuation: Liking and pursuing a Infatuation: Liking and pursuing a relationship with someone purely for relationship with someone purely for their looks.their looks.

• Philia: A greek word meaning Philia: A greek word meaning ‘friendship’ and implies a loyalty to ‘friendship’ and implies a loyalty to someone you care for.someone you care for.

• Agape: A greek word meaning Agape: A greek word meaning ‘sacrificial love for another’; it is a deep ‘sacrificial love for another’; it is a deep self-sacrificing loveself-sacrificing love

• Eros: A greek word for romantic love. Eros: A greek word for romantic love. This does not have to be physical/sexual This does not have to be physical/sexual however is always passionate and implies however is always passionate and implies an attraction in most uses of the word.an attraction in most uses of the word.

InfatuationInfatuation

• List some of the ways you List some of the ways you would know someone is would know someone is infatuated with you as opposed infatuated with you as opposed to being in love with you.to being in love with you.

• What ways can we ensure that What ways can we ensure that our dating relationships are our dating relationships are truly based in love? HINT: truly based in love? HINT: How are dating relationships How are dating relationships like our regular friendships?like our regular friendships?

ChastityChastity

• Read the handout on Chastity Read the handout on Chastity and how it relates to self-and how it relates to self-respect, self-control and true respect, self-control and true love. love.

ChastityChastity

• Sexuality is a gift from GodSexuality is a gift from God

• A foundation for real intimacyA foundation for real intimacy

• Protection for the dignity of the Protection for the dignity of the human personhuman person

• A right attitude toward othersA right attitude toward others

Moral Decision MakingMoral Decision Making

DILEMMASDILEMMAS

• ““How far to go” on a date – Use your horoscope.How far to go” on a date – Use your horoscope.

• Which article of clothing to buy – Depend on your Which article of clothing to buy – Depend on your friends’ judgment.friends’ judgment.

• Which school to go to – Flip a coinWhich school to go to – Flip a coin

• You love to be in love, and have two You love to be in love, and have two boyfriends/girlfriends. They find out about each boyfriends/girlfriends. They find out about each other and you have to choose between them. You other and you have to choose between them. You make your choice on the basis of a gut feeling.make your choice on the basis of a gut feeling.

• You have to attend an important family event. You You have to attend an important family event. You would rather be with your friends at some other would rather be with your friends at some other special event. You choose based on which will give special event. You choose based on which will give you the most immediate satisfaction.you the most immediate satisfaction.

• You choose school courses based on which ones You choose school courses based on which ones your friends are signing up for, rather than on truly your friends are signing up for, rather than on truly what interests you and is best for the long-term.what interests you and is best for the long-term.

Decision Making ModelDecision Making Model

- Review handout on the DMM- Review handout on the DMM

- Analyze the scenario provided on the - Analyze the scenario provided on the handout and apply the DMM format in handout and apply the DMM format in your answer.your answer.

Share with the class and discuss. Share with the class and discuss. •SeeSee – Understand the problem/situation – Understand the problem/situation

•JudgeJudge – Make a decision that you feel is the – Make a decision that you feel is the best possible decision given the best possible decision given the circumstancescircumstances

•ActAct – Follow through with your decision – Follow through with your decision

•EvaluateEvaluate – Reflect on your decision and – Reflect on your decision and assess whether you made the best decision or assess whether you made the best decision or not and learn something from the experience not and learn something from the experience so you don’t repeat the same mistakeso you don’t repeat the same mistake

Unit 4: Thirteen Reasons Unit 4: Thirteen Reasons Why Why by Jay Asherby Jay Asher

• We will be reading a novel as a We will be reading a novel as a class that deal with the class that deal with the following themes:following themes:

- Human dignityHuman dignity

- SuicideSuicide

- FriendshipFriendship

- Decision-makingDecision-making

- ConscienceConscience

- ChastityChastity

- Morals and valuesMorals and values

Thirteen Reasons WhyThirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asherby Jay Asher

• As we read the novel, we will As we read the novel, we will pause to discuss and complete pause to discuss and complete the following types of tasks:the following types of tasks:

• Developmental assets reviewDevelopmental assets review

• JournalsJournals

• Letters to HannahLetters to Hannah

• Advice for HannahAdvice for Hannah

Once we are done reading the Once we are done reading the novel, we will complete a bingo novel, we will complete a bingo choice board assignment.choice board assignment.

Unit 5: Narnia and the Unit 5: Narnia and the New TestamentNew Testament

In this part of the unit students will In this part of the unit students will learn:learn:

- The Gospel MessageThe Gospel Message

- Jesus’ life, death and resurrection Jesus’ life, death and resurrection as our hope in the worldas our hope in the world

- The meaning of the Kingdom of The meaning of the Kingdom of God as demonstrated through a God as demonstrated through a life committed to the Beatitudeslife committed to the Beatitudes

- How to apply the Beatitudes in How to apply the Beatitudes in their own life and that of their their own life and that of their friends and neighboursfriends and neighbours

The Lion, the Witch and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobethe Wardrobe

• C.S. Lewis writes us a story that C.S. Lewis writes us a story that takes into a new way of takes into a new way of understanding the Gospel understanding the Gospel Message found in the New Message found in the New TestamentTestament

• The Wardrobe becomes a The Wardrobe becomes a “gateway” into a new world…“gateway” into a new world…but one that is very much the but one that is very much the same as our own same as our own


• Like our world, the world of Narnia Like our world, the world of Narnia is in turmoil:is in turmoil:- always winter, never summer - always winter, never summer (including no Christmas)(including no Christmas)- ruled by an evil Witch that turns - ruled by an evil Witch that turns you to stone if you do not obey her you to stone if you do not obey her (no justice)(no justice)- trees, creatures and some animals - trees, creatures and some animals are on her side, but not all of themare on her side, but not all of them- the king of Narnia is Aslan, the - the king of Narnia is Aslan, the Great Lion who is prophesized to Great Lion who is prophesized to come back with the help of 4 come back with the help of 4 humans to save Narniahumans to save Narnia


• Narnia, like our world during World Narnia, like our world during World War II, is heading toward an War II, is heading toward an inevitable war.inevitable war.

• Lewis is trying to show how God is Lewis is trying to show how God is still present, even in the darkest hours still present, even in the darkest hours of human history. It is through Jesus of human history. It is through Jesus and his teaching that the world can be and his teaching that the world can be freed of evil and grow in peace but freed of evil and grow in peace but only through the courageous efforts only through the courageous efforts of each individual to do good.of each individual to do good.

• God can also help show us the way to God can also help show us the way to personal healing and growth. Let’s personal healing and growth. Let’s take a look at Peter, Susan, Edmund take a look at Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy to see how this is true.and Lucy to see how this is true.

Peter the MagnificentPeter the Magnificent

• Peter is in charge of the well-Peter is in charge of the well-being of his siblings once they being of his siblings once they are moved to Scotland for their are moved to Scotland for their own protection. own protection.

• Peter struggles with his own Peter struggles with his own leadership qualities…he is not leadership qualities…he is not confident in himself at firstconfident in himself at first

• Peter tends to be bossy and Peter tends to be bossy and uncertain – which is particularly uncertain – which is particularly bothersome to Edmundbothersome to Edmund

• Peter needs to learn about Peter needs to learn about leadership and understand that leadership and understand that one must lead with love firstone must lead with love first

Peter the MagnificentPeter the Magnificent

• Peter enters into battle to protect both his Peter enters into battle to protect both his family and the kingdom of Narnia. He is family and the kingdom of Narnia. He is outnumbered, intimidated and scared but outnumbered, intimidated and scared but all of Narnia is behind him. Witnessing all of Narnia is behind him. Witnessing Aslan offer his life for Edmund and all of Aslan offer his life for Edmund and all of Narnia inspires Peter. It is also the faith Narnia inspires Peter. It is also the faith of those around him that inspire him with of those around him that inspire him with the courage to stand up to the White the courage to stand up to the White Witch and, like Aslan, risk his life for a Witch and, like Aslan, risk his life for a greater good. greater good.

• Peter is renamed the “Magnificent” in Peter is renamed the “Magnificent” in respect to the change that occurs in his respect to the change that occurs in his heart – he has found himself and heart – he has found himself and discovered his ability to lead with his discovered his ability to lead with his heart for this is the greatest kind of leader.heart for this is the greatest kind of leader.

Susan the GentleSusan the Gentle

• Susan is the oldest daughter – Susan is the oldest daughter – second oldest in the familysecond oldest in the family

• Susan needs life to be under control Susan needs life to be under control – logic is the way you establish – logic is the way you establish controlcontrol

• Susan always feels the way she does Susan always feels the way she does things is the right way – this annoys things is the right way – this annoys others in her familyothers in her family

• Susan needs to allow others to take Susan needs to allow others to take their own sense of responsibility and their own sense of responsibility and to trust them. Control can be shared to trust them. Control can be shared and brought about through and brought about through gentleness and humility versus fear gentleness and humility versus fear and angerand anger

Susan the GentleSusan the Gentle

• By witnessing Aslan’s By witnessing Aslan’s willingness to forgive Edmund willingness to forgive Edmund and show him mercy and grace, and show him mercy and grace, Susan realizes that not Susan realizes that not everything has to be dealt with everything has to be dealt with in an authoritarian way. There in an authoritarian way. There is great power in mercy – often is great power in mercy – often times by showing grace one can times by showing grace one can cause greater positive change in cause greater positive change in others. Susan truly learns the others. Susan truly learns the power of grace and mercy and power of grace and mercy and so is renamed Susan the Gentle.so is renamed Susan the Gentle.

Edmund the JustEdmund the Just

• Edmund is the one hurt the most Edmund is the one hurt the most from the separation of his family from the separation of his family during the warduring the war

• Edmund, however, does not process Edmund, however, does not process his feelings…he bottles it all uphis feelings…he bottles it all up

• Edmund feels that he was entitled to Edmund feels that he was entitled to something different and is angry that something different and is angry that nobody can change his nobody can change his circumstances for himcircumstances for him

• Upon meeting the Witch, Edmund Upon meeting the Witch, Edmund sees someone who can take him sees someone who can take him away from his pain and give him away from his pain and give him exactly what he wants immediately exactly what he wants immediately (just like the pop culture of (just like the pop culture of consumption today)consumption today)


• Once free, Edmund meets with Once free, Edmund meets with Aslan. Aslan speaks with Edmund. Aslan. Aslan speaks with Edmund. We never know what they speak of, We never know what they speak of, but it is believed that Aslan validated but it is believed that Aslan validated Edmunds pain and gave him Edmunds pain and gave him forgiveness (grace). This was more forgiveness (grace). This was more powerful than punishing him.powerful than punishing him.

• Once Edmund experienced Once Edmund experienced forgiveness, he begins to want to live forgiveness, he begins to want to live his life for a reason – with purpose to his life for a reason – with purpose to do good to others. This is the power do good to others. This is the power of love to change people. Edmund of love to change people. Edmund risks his life for his brother and risks his life for his brother and Narnia – he truly understands the Narnia – he truly understands the virtue of valuing others over himself.virtue of valuing others over himself.


• The Witch is lying to him for she is The Witch is lying to him for she is being selfish herself and only wants being selfish herself and only wants her will to be satisfiedher will to be satisfied

• Edmund starts to become like the Edmund starts to become like the Witch and would have if she had not Witch and would have if she had not turned on him – selfish and corruptturned on him – selfish and corrupt

• While in prison, Edmund realizes While in prison, Edmund realizes what his choices have afforded him what his choices have afforded him and he starts to desire to be free, and and he starts to desire to be free, and with his freedom, help others with his freedom, help others become free. He starts to see how become free. He starts to see how our lives are all interconnected. He our lives are all interconnected. He sees how quickly evil desires can sees how quickly evil desires can destroy what is most valuable to us destroy what is most valuable to us in life.in life.

Lucy the ValiantLucy the Valiant

• Lucy is the youngest in the familyLucy is the youngest in the family• Like all children, she does not have a Like all children, she does not have a

problem believing in the problem believing in the “impossible” – in other worlds and “impossible” – in other worlds and different possibilitiesdifferent possibilities

• No surprise, Lucy is therefore the No surprise, Lucy is therefore the first to see the world of Narnia first to see the world of Narnia through the Wardrobe.through the Wardrobe.

• Still, at first she is not sure if the Still, at first she is not sure if the snow that falls is actually snow. She snow that falls is actually snow. She believes quickly though and allows believes quickly though and allows herself to be overwhelmed with joy herself to be overwhelmed with joy and wonder.and wonder.


• Lucy’s first friend is Mr. Tumnus. Lucy’s first friend is Mr. Tumnus. He has plans to kidnap her because He has plans to kidnap her because the Witch has ordered him to do so. the Witch has ordered him to do so. Her innocence and kindness Her innocence and kindness overwhelms Tumnus and he decides overwhelms Tumnus and he decides to free her and do the right thing.to free her and do the right thing.

• Lucy’s attempt to tell her family Lucy’s attempt to tell her family about what she has seen is met with about what she has seen is met with doubt and mocking from all of her doubt and mocking from all of her siblings, especially Edmund.siblings, especially Edmund.

• Lucy is the example of how child-Lucy is the example of how child-like faith can wear away so much in like faith can wear away so much in older children and adults that we older children and adults that we lose our ability to believe and have lose our ability to believe and have faith in anything beyond our senses.faith in anything beyond our senses.


• The professor (an adult) restores The professor (an adult) restores faith in Lucy by showing how it faith in Lucy by showing how it is possible to use logic to is possible to use logic to believe in her story.believe in her story.

• Lewis is showing how faith is Lewis is showing how faith is logical and that it is perhaps the logical and that it is perhaps the children that we should listen to children that we should listen to the most.the most.

• Lucy is the constant source of Lucy is the constant source of faith in the story – her faith faith in the story – her faith fuels her enthusiasm and good fuels her enthusiasm and good will to help others.will to help others.


• Lucy is Valiant in that she does not Lucy is Valiant in that she does not compromise her faith at any moment. She compromise her faith at any moment. She knows what she has seen and is determined knows what she has seen and is determined not to let it go. She inspires others to be not to let it go. She inspires others to be braver in their faith and allow it to become braver in their faith and allow it to become part of who they are.part of who they are.

• Lucy is the point we all need to return to, Lucy is the point we all need to return to, the inner child that frees us up to believe the inner child that frees us up to believe again. She is renamed Lucy the Valiant again. She is renamed Lucy the Valiant for her bravery in holding true to her faith. for her bravery in holding true to her faith. It is her faith that inspires others to believe It is her faith that inspires others to believe and experience how they can participate in and experience how they can participate in the life of God. Lucy most closely the life of God. Lucy most closely resembles a true disciple of Jesus Christ resembles a true disciple of Jesus Christ from the very beginning of the story. The from the very beginning of the story. The others follow her by the end and are others follow her by the end and are disciples themselves.disciples themselves.

The God in the The God in the WardrobeWardrobe

• The Gospel Message is about The Gospel Message is about returning to God. It is about a return returning to God. It is about a return to the heart of faith – the truth about to the heart of faith – the truth about who we are as human beings and who we are as human beings and about how we can serve others with about how we can serve others with love and compassion as Jesus did.love and compassion as Jesus did.

• The message in Narnia is another The message in Narnia is another way to understand the Gospel way to understand the Gospel Message. The story centers on the Message. The story centers on the powerful message and presence of powerful message and presence of Christ as the source of life itself – Christ as the source of life itself – the source of healing for our wounds the source of healing for our wounds and of empowering our spirits to do and of empowering our spirits to do impossible things in the name of impossible things in the name of love and justicelove and justice

Beatitudes and NarniaBeatitudes and Narnia

The following are the Beatitudes The following are the Beatitudes that best fit the main characters that best fit the main characters in Narnia:in Narnia:

• Lucy – Blessed are the pure in Lucy – Blessed are the pure in heartheart

• Peter – Blessed are those who Peter – Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for hunger and thirst for righteousnessrighteousness

• Susan – Blessed are the meekSusan – Blessed are the meek• Edmund – Blessed are the Edmund – Blessed are the

mercifulmerciful

BeatitudesBeatitudes

• The word Beatitude comes from the The word Beatitude comes from the Latin word, Latin word, beatitudobeatitudo meaning meaning happiness/blessinghappiness/blessing

• In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus describes the qualities of the citizens describes the qualities of the citizens of the Kingdom of Heavenof the Kingdom of Heaven

• Each of the blessed individuals Each of the blessed individuals indicated in the Beatitudes are not indicated in the Beatitudes are not considered blessed according to considered blessed according to worldly standards, but with a worldly standards, but with a heavenly perspective, they truly are heavenly perspective, they truly are blessedblessed

grade 9 open religion hre 101 mrs. micallef-grande workroom 320

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