Overview

Christians believe human beings are created in the image of God, with dignity, goodness and worth. We image God in qualities such as goodness, compassion, love, wisdom, justice, creativity and more. Human beings are called into faithful, trusting, relationships with God and each other. We are sexual beings: human sexuality is good, intended for goodness, life and love.

Every person is called to live a meaningful and purposeful life, in love, justice, truth and peace. Each is created with free will, able to make decisions. It would not be possible to enter into free, loving relationships with God and others, if we had no choice. Therefore God allows us freedom to make bad decisions as well as good. The presence of evil and suffering can dim our ability to ‘see’ and ‘know’ God. Much suffering is caused by misuse of freedom. Much good arises from loving, life-giving choices and self-giving for the sake of others.

More Information

“Then God said, “And now we will make human beings;
they will be like us and resemble us.” (Genesis 1:26)

“I came that you may have life and have it to the full” (Jn 10:10)

“Seeing the crowds, he went up the hill.
There he sat down and was joined by his disciples.
Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:
‘How happy are the poor in spirit;
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy the gentle;
They shall have the earth for their heritage.
Happy those who mourn;
They shall be comforted.
Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right;
They shall be satisfied.
Happy the merciful;
They shall have mercy shown them.
Happy the pure in heart;
They shall see God.
Happy the peacemakers;
They shall be called children of God.
Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right;
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:1-10)

When a person freely chooses what they know to be wrong, they sin. Sin damages relationships with God, others and self. Jesus Christ shows the way to live as fully alive person – in self-giving love for others. He reveals the purpose and meaning of life, to love as he loves. He brings healing and forgiveness for sin. He forgives and teaches us to forgive each other. Jesus reveals God’s desire for every person, on earth, to life to the full (John 10:10) and beyond death, eternal life with God who is Love (a state we call ‘heaven’)

Catechism of the Catholic Church

 

(Paragraph numbers for the Catechism are shown - Click the Nos section to view)

HUMAN BEINGS  Nos 355-384
LIFE IN CHRIST  Nos 1691-1698 
LIFE IN THE SPIRIT   Nos 1699 
THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON  Nos 1700 
HUMAN BEINGS:  IMAGE OF GOD  Nos 1701-1709 
IN BRIEF  Nos 1710-1715  

MERCY AND SIN Nos 1846-1848, Nos 1849-1851
IN BRIEF  Nos 1870-1876 
 FORGIVENESS OF SINS"  No 976, Nos 977-980, Nos 981-987