The Decalogue: Study Guide 1

Study Guide 1
THE DECALOGUE
I. Introduction
Try to read this passages from the bible and observe if there are differences in the structure and
content.
Exodus 20:1-17 Deuteronomy 5:6-21
The Ten Commandments The Decalogue

1 6
Then God delivered all these I, the LORD, am your God, who
commandments: brought you out of the land of Egypt, that place of
slavery. 7You shall not have other gods beside me.
2
”I, the LORD, am your GOD, who 8You shall not carve idols for yourselves in the
brought you out of the land of Egypt, that place of shape of anything in the sky above or on the earth
slavery. 3You shall not have other gods besides below or in the waters beneath the earth. 9you shall
me. 4 You shall not carve idols for yourselves in not bow down before them or worship them. For I,
the shape on anything in the sky above or on the the LORD, your God, am a jealous god, Inflicting
earth below or in the water beneath the earth; 5you punishment for their father’ wickedness on the
shall not bow down before them of worship them. children of those who hate me, down to the third
For I, the LORD, your God, am a jealous God, and fourth generation 10 but bestowing mercy,
inflicting punishment for their fathers’ wickedness down to the thousandth generation, on the children
on the children of those who hate me, down to the of those who love me and keep my
third and fourth generation;” but bestowing mercy commandments.
down to the thousandth generation, on the
11
children of those who love me and keep my You shall not take the name of the
commandments. LORD, Your God, in vain. For the LORD will not
leave unpunished him who takes his name in vain.
7
You shall not take the name of the
12
LORD, your God, in vain. For the LORD will not Take care to keep holy the Sabbath
leave unpunished him who takes his name in vain. day as the LORD, your God, commanded you. 13
Six days you may labor and do all your work; 14but
8
Remember to keep holy the sabbath the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD, your
9
day. Six days, you may labor and do all your God. No work may be done then, wheather by you,
work, 10 but the seventh days is the sabbath of the or your son or daughter, or your male or female
LORD, your God. No work may be done then slave, or your ox or ass or any of your beasts, or the
either by you, or your son or daughter, or your alien who lives with you. Your male or female
male or female slave, or your beast, or by the slave should rest as you do. 15for remember that
alien, who lives with you. 11In six days the LORD you too were once slaves in Egypt, and the LORD,
made the heaven and the earth, the sea and all that your God, brought you from there with his strong
is in them; but on the seventh day he rested.That is hand and outstretched arm. That is why the LORD,
why the LORD has blessed the Sabbath day and your GOD, has Commanded you to observe the
made it holy. Sabath day.
13 16
You shall not kill. Honor your father and your mother, as
the LORD, your God, has commanded you, that
14
You shall not commit adultery. you may have long life and prosperity in the land
which the LORD, your God, is giving .
15
You shall not steal.
17
You shall not kill.
16
You shall not bear dishonest
18
witness against your neighbor. You shall not commit adultery.
17 19
You shall not covet your neighbor’s You shall not steal.
house.
20
You shall not bear dishonest witness
You shall not covet your neighbor’s against your neighbor.
wife, nor his male or female slave, nor his ox or
21
ass, nor anything else that belongs to him. You shall not covet your neighbor’s
wife.
New American Bible (NAB)
You shall not desire your neighbor’s
house or field, nor his male or female slave, nor his
ox or ass, nor anything that belongs to him.
New American Bible (NAB)

II. Division of the Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments, also known as Decalogue (from the terms DECA and LOGOIS), which
means ten words respectively. These are precepts bearing on the fundamental obligations Of religion and
morality and embodying the revealed expression of the Creator's will in relation to man's whole duty to
God and to his fellow-creatures.
They are found twice recorded in the Pentateuch, in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5, written by
God on two tablets of stone. This Divine Code was received from the Almighty by Moses amid the
thunders of Mount Sinai, thus resulting to the ground-work of the Mosaic Law. There is no numerical
division of the Commandments in the Book of Moses but the injunctions are distinctly tenfold. The order,
too, is the same except in the numbering, which is due to a difference of opinion concerning the' initial
precept on Divine worship.
For better understanding of its contents, the most common of these groupings was based on Jesus'
quick summary of the Decalogue. "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your
soul, and with all your mind." This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: "You
shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34)
To facilitate a better appreciation of the Commandments, the following are adopted to group them
according to its basic imperatives.
a. A Call to Love God
1. First Commandment : "I, the Lord, am your God. You shall not have other gods
besides me."
2. Second Commandment : "You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in
vain."
3. Third Commandment : Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day" (Lord's day)."
b. A Call to Livc
1. Fourth Commandment : "Honor your father and your mother."

2. Fifth Commandment : "You shall not kill."
c. A Call to Sexuality
1. Sixth Commandment : "You shall not commit adultery,"

2. Ninth Commandment : "You shall not covet your neighbor's
wife."
d. A Call to Fairness and Equality
1. Seventh Commandment : "You shall not steal."

2. Tenth Commandment : "You shall not covet your neighbor's goods."
e. A Call to Truth
1. Eighth Commandntent : "You shall not bear false witness against

your neighbor."
III. The Ten Commandments and its value in the community life.
We must remember, however, that whatever ordering we make out of the commandments, these
must not obscure the basic unity of the Ten Commandments. They form an organic whole in which all of
the commandments relate to, and mutually condition, one another. No one can relate to God authentically
while sinning against one's neighbor, neither can one adequately love one's neighbor while rejecting our
heavenly Father (cf CCC 2069). Through the Ten Commandments God actually reveals to us the basic
norms of the law written into our human nature, the Natural Law, on how to act toward God and Neighbor
(cf: CCC 2070).
The Catechism for the Filipino Catholics (CFC) provides us with clear and understandable reasons
on what value can we draw out of the Ten Commandments as Filipinos. (cf CFC 870-873)
1. The Ten Commandments constitute the basic imperatives needed for life in community, like a
community "Bill Of Rights." (cf CFC 870)
2. The lasting and exceptional value of the Ten Commandments in their historical origin, their covenantal
character and their liberating power. (cf CFC 871-872)
3. The Decalogue, set in the context of Exodus, is that great liberating act of God which stands at the
center of salvation history. (cf CFC 873)
Finally, it is best to understand the Ten Commandments as dynamically forming together a

consistent pattern for Christian moral living.
The Ten Commandments are needed to provide: (cf: CFC 876)
a) credible and durable moral norms for everyday life;
b) a pattern and structure for living according to Christ's Commandment to love God and neighbor;
and
c) a universally accessible source for relating to non'Christians in moral matters.

Directions:
1. All Activities should be sent to my email
2. The File name should be your Last name, Given Name, and Middle Initial
3. Use Microsoft word and attach the file into the email that you will send to me.
Activity for Study Guide 1 (Answers must be at least minimum of 2 paragraphs) (answer must be
sent to my email: [email protected]
1. What can you infer from the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20:1-17 and the Decalogue
found in Deutoronomy 5:6-2? Are difference in structure and in content?
2. Must the Church and State be separable in governing us?
3. Is there a difference between the Ten Commandements and the Bill of Rights (Philippine
Constitution) ? Explain.
Study Guide 2
A CALL To LOVE GOD
I. Human Experience: (Answers must minimum of 2 paragraphs per item)
Activity: A study of human growth and development involves the study of all kinds of people, to
determine how and why they change or remain the same over time in response to the call of God.
Activity for Study Guide 2
1. It is true that everyone experiences birth and death, but what other commonalities and
differences are there in the human experience?
2. How do these similarities and differences effect how and how well we learn?
II. Value: GOD-CENTEREDNESS
Each person has a set of hierarchy of values or order of values from the least important to the
greatest one. We have to take note that this hierarchy of values may not be similar to one another because
the intrinsic worth or v different degrees of desirability. Two individuals Iliay come up witll the same set
of values but there is no guarantee of getting a similar most important or a number one value.
The values pertaining to the soul (to the intellect and will) occupies the greatest level of
importance, though having the least level of desirability. The Aristotelian ranking of values shows that the
biological values occupy the least level Of importance. Therefore, we must aim for the values that lead us
to the spiritual growth.
God — the Highest Good (Summum Bonum) — is the highest value. The first three
commandments is a call to love God above anyone and anything else in this world. When God demands
to make Him the number one value in one's life it also means that He is to be made the heart of all
individual activities. Although the calling is for each individual's priority of values, the intention is for the
whole community to make God the highest value to live a life that is centered on God.
This value, God centeredness, is very much evident in the life of the chosen people, Israel, in the
Old Testament when Yahweh made His covenant with them as they wondered on the desert after their
liberation from Egypt. Yahweh revealed to them that He is a faithful and loving God, thus, He expects the
same response from His chosen people.
III. Christian Message:

1. Word of God
Exodus 19 : 1-8
lln the third month after their departure from the land of Egypt, on its first day, the Israelites came to the
desert of Sinai. 2After the Journey from Rephidim 10 the desert of Sinai, they pitched camp.
While Israel was encamped here in front of the mountain, Moses M'ent up the 'nountain of God.
Then thé Lord called to him and said, "Thus shall You say to the house of Jacob; 4tell the Israelites.' You
have seen for yourselves 110)" | treated the Egyptians and how I bore you up on eagle wings and brought
you here to 5 Therefore, if you hearken 10 my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my special
possession, dearer to me than all other people, though all the earth is mine. 6 You shall be to me a
kingdom- of priests, a holy nation. That is what you must tell the Israelites. 7so Moses went and
summoned the elders of the people. When he set before than all that the LORD had ordered him to tell
them, 8the people all answered together, "Everything the LORD has said, we will do. " Then Moses
brought back to the LORD the response of the people.
Activity for Study Guide 2:

Directions: Answers must be written on a separate word document and sent to my email
([email protected]) with a file attachment including your name as the title of the file (e.g. Dela Cruz,
Juan).
Guide Questions for Reflection:
a. How do you interpret the message of Lord to Moses up the mountain of God?
b. What are the good things the Lord did to the people of Israel?
c. What condition(s) did the Lord expect from the Israelites?
d. How did the people react to the message of the Lord?
e. Imagine yourself as one of the Israelites during that time. How are you going to react to 'the given
situation? How Avill you respond to the message of the Lord?
Study Guide 3
2. Church Teaching
The first three commandments or the command to love God with all our heart, with all our soul
and with all our strength is our response to God who loves us first. We need to establish the fact that we
are not forced to love God just for the sake of loving Him. What we need to seek out, first and foremost,
is the reality that God is love and everything, including us, comes into existence because His love is
overflowing.
Once the unconditional love of God is established we are expected to respond in two distinct
ways. The first is to reciprocate His love and the second is love by loving our neighbors. This chapter will
focus on the first expected response of man, that is, a call to love God.
a. THE FIRST COMMANDMENT
"I, the Lord, am your God. You shall not have other gods besides me."
(Ex.20:2-3; dt 5:6-7)
1. Introduction
This commandment is first not just because it heads the list, but because, together with its
preamble, it is the most important. From it all the Other commandments are derived and governed. The
foundation of moral life is to love God and gratefully accept His lordship and out-going creative love.
True happiness and our final destiny are achieved within the framework revealed in God's laws. "Eternal
life is this: to know you, the only true God, and Him whom you have sent, Jesus Christ" (Jn. 17:13).
2. Fruits of the First Commandment
a. Liberating Truth : Adoration to one God frees us from slavery to and idolatry of the
world.
Idolatry - the substitution of someone something else for God.
b. Reconciling Truth : God's unique oneness, as the Father of us all, makes

us one family.
c. Loving Truth : It makes possible a unified love of God. We can love Him with our
whole heart, completely and above all.
3. What does it command?
a. Duty of Prayer or Worship
The First Commandment, in proclaiming . the Lordship of the one true God,
expresses this duty of worship.
Worship is the recognition of God's Lordship expressed in filial devotion and service.
Prayer is man's response to the goodness of God. This response includes man's loving relationships
with his neighbors.
To love and to serve God in faith and hope is our first duty and privilege. In a larger sense, the
First Commandment fosters all the elements of the virtue of religion: adoration, prayer, sacrifice, religious
vows, and grounds the basic human right to religious liberty (cf. CCC 2095-2109).
b. Veneration of Mary and the saints
The official prayer of the Church is directed to the worship of the Father, through Christ our Lord,
in the Holy Spirit. Veneration of Mary and the saints does not in any way detract from this Christ-
centered worship of God. Yet, while the PCP Il commends fostering devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary
and the other saints, it cautions: "we must make sure that [these] devotions are seen in relationship with,
and in subordination to, Christ the one Mediator between God and humankind" (PCP2 174).
1. Grk: Latreaia (worship) - The supreme worship which is due to God alone.
2. Grk: Dulia (veneration) - To honor with special reverence.
The honor and reverence of everything belonging to God.
a. Dulia -veneration due to Saints

b. Hyper Duliaveneration due to Mary alone
4. What does it Prohibit?
a. All fornts of Idolatry
Modern Idols divinized economic power, possessions ad wealth, politics,

personality cults, honor, success, drugs, and many more.
b. All forms of IrreLigious Practices or Activities
Irreligious Practices:
Magic, sorcery, witchcraft, satanism, astrology, fortune-telling, and all ways of seeking to
manipulate events for self interest, or discover hidden knowledge by means alien to God.
Irreligious Activities:
Sacrilege - violating sacred places, things and persons.
Simony - selling or buying spiritual goods.
Tempting God - demanding signs, complaining.
I. No Carved Images
God reserves for Himself alone the right to express and produce images of Himself. But as
embodied spirits, we experience and express the spiritual realities touching our lives in a physical,
material way, through signs and symbols. Yet we must recognize the ever present temptation: from
merely reminding us of God, the material image tends to gradually "become" a god, and idol. An image
can either bring the reality it represents to mind, to aid devotion and attention, or it can become a
substitute for the realty itself, and thus be an object of idolatry. Thus, the First Commandment forcefully
reminds us that God, the Creator, is infinitely beyond any of His creatures; no image or mental concept
can ever "capture" Him. Deus semper major -- God is always greater. (cf CFC 889-891)
A. THE SECOND COMMANDMENT
You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain."
(Ex. 20: 7; DI. 5:11)1.
1. Introduction
Love entails and giving sense of importance even to the last details of things connected to the
object of love. The Second Commandment demands a concrete expression of man's love for God, that is,
showing respect, reverence and giving importance to the most obvious thing that represents God, that is,
His most holy name.
2. Name in the Bible
a. Name in the Old Testament
It is common knowledge that "name" for the people of the Bible held a special importance
and power. The "name" stood for the person; the name made the person present and active. God's name
was conceived as the Divine presence, the shekinah (Hebrew), of God himself. When the name was truly
spoken, when God's word was remembered, then God was really present and speaking through His
remembered word. So the name of God was God's gift to His covenant people. To swear falsely, using
God's name was to break the covenant. (CFC 895)
b. "Name" in the New Testament
The same special quality and power of name is found in the New Testament authors.
"God highly exalted him and bestowed on him the above every other name, so
that at Jesus' name, every bend and every tongue proclaim: JESUS IS
LORD!" (Phil 2: 9-11)”
Peler and John cured the cripple ...in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean,
" (Acts 3:6)
Before the Sanhedrin, Peter preached: "there is no other name in the whole
world given to men by which we are to be saved." (Acts 4: 12)
It was believed that knowing the name of someone gave power over that person. Moreover,
the phrase "name in vain" meant more than coarse language. Originally it referred to using God's name
in sorcery, invoking curses on others and conjuring up evil spirits, or claiming the power inherent in
God's personal name to do harm to others. In view of this Biblical understanding of name, then, using the
name of God in vain was equivalent to refusing to follow and obey God, even trying to manipulate the
power of His name for one's own benefit and to do evil to others. (c/ CFC 897)
Reverencefor God's Name
l . In the Old Testament, God's naming of Himself was an act of revelation. In Exodus 3:14, God replied
to Moses' inquiry about his name: "I am who am. It expressed: God's eternal selfsufficient uniqueness, His
lordship over history's temporal sequence of past, present and future, in a saving, liberating presence.
2. In the Gospel, God revealed himself as the Blessed Trinity, through Jesus Christ: God as Father (Jn.
1:18; Mt 6:9), himself as the only Son of
the Father (Lk. 1:32f, Mt. 11:27) sharing the "I am" of the Father (Jn. 8:58), and the Holy Spirit whom he
would send from the Father
(Jn, 15:26).
3. As Christians, we are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Mt. 28:29). We become members of the Body of Christ, the Church, graced
with the Holy spirit, and given our Own Christian names. Thus, we are drawn into the communion of the
Triune God as sons/daughters of the Father, through Christ our brother, in the indwelling Holy Spirit, in
the Christian community, the Church. (CFC 899)
Because of these, Christians are expected to show reverence for God's name. We begin our prayer by
invoking God's name with the Sign of the Cross. In praying the Lord's prayer we say, "holy be your
name." In the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, God is praised and thanked a number of times. All these
things are ways of expressing Christians' observance of the Second Commandment.
a. Lack ofreverencefor God's name:
l . Blasphemy - is an insult or curse against God, his saints or sacred persons or things.
2. Cursing - is invoking divine or supernatural power to send injury or harm upon others.
3. False Oaths or Perjury - taking false oaths or using God's name to confirm a false statement. Oath is
calling on God to witness the truth of what is said or promised.
4, Obscene Language - obscene, silly or suggestive talk that is out of place.
5. Breaking of Vow - a vow is a promise made to God, under pain of sin,
to do what is especially pleasing to Him (marriage vows, baptismal vows, ordination of priests)
6, Calumny- is calling God evil or attempting to deny any of the good
that He does.
7. Apostacyisthe renunciation of Christ or denial of Him after having;
received Hilli and having been believer. It is falling away from faith.
b. Lack ofrespectforfellow human persons:
Misuse of power in the name of God
Misuse ofreligion - is either in frightening people with threats of eternal punishment, or enticing them
with calls for superficial, ernotionally-laden conversion.
c. THE THIRD COMMANDMENT
"Remember to keep holy the Sabbath Day (Lord's Day)."
(Ex. 20.•8; Dt. 5:12)
1. Introduction
The Third Commandment is a little bit complicated in the sense the original text in the Old Testament is
"Sabbath Day." The Jews, therefore, considered this day ae a special day, a holy day and a day of rest. In
the new covenant with Yahweh through Jesus, the Christian community adopted a new day and a new
name for that day, "The Lord's Day," as the day of worship and recreation. The new Sabbath for the
Christian community was changed to Sunday, the Lord's Day.
2. Understanding the Sabbath Day
Given the Old Testament context the Third Commandment binds together the two tablets of the Law
Two basic sources of the Third Commandment's Sabbath rest:
a. stressing on our direct relatinnqhip to God by relating the Sabbath rest to God's creative action in
Genesis.
"In six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them; but on the seventh
day He rested." But the creation story does not end after the creation of man. The ultimate end
goal is the Sabbath, i.e., fellowship with God the creator. 'Ibe sabbath is a symbol of the final celebration
and rest which is the conclusion of all God's work . . . creation itself is directed toward a final end.
"God rested on the seventh day." The rest was not an absence of work; when God stopped working, He
created something new, something which was not there before — REST. Therefore, what was created on
the seventh day? Tranquility, serenity, peace and repose." (cf CFC 905)
b. Focusing on its human, liberating effects especially the great liberation from slavery in Egypt.
"For remember that you too were once slaves in Egypt, and the Lord, your God, brought you from there
with His strong hand and outstretched arm. That is why the Lord, your God, has commanded you to
observe the Sabbath." (Dt. 5:15)
This reason clearly emphasizes the Sabbath as:
1. commemorating the day of liberation; and
2. its social dimension, focusing on the socially disadvantaged and
oppressed — children, slaves, animals, aliens.
These two sources of Sabbath rest should complement rather than contradict each other. Worship and
humanitarian liberating rest bind together the Two Tablets thus opening ourselves to both aspects of
Worshippink (Q)d and respecting one another. Thus, our Sabbath celebration and rest is a foretaste of
heaven.
Front Sabbath to the Lord's Day
In the New Testament, especially as recorded by the four evangelists, Jesus faithfully observed the
Sabbath and attending synagogue services (Mt. 4:23; Mk 1:39; Lk. 4:15; Jn. 18:20). On the other hand
there were also incidents which show Jesus in conflict with the Sabbath law in the legalistic interpretation
that held sway in his days (Mk 2:27-28; Mk. 3.•4-5., Mt. 12.•7).
Since Jesus was rejected by the Jews, after his resurrection on Easter Sunday and the Pentecostal
enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, a whole new dimension was added to the Sabbath. Thus, because "Jesus
rose from the dead on Easter Sunday, the day after the Sabbath, Christians have always kept this day as
the new Sabbath . . . Sunday is the Easter celebration; it is the day when the presence of the Lord Jesus is
celebrated, especially in the Eucharist. (cf CFC 910) For Christians, Sunday is also the coming of a new
creation and of the final Sabbath rest already foretold in the creation account.
We have to take into consideration, however, that as time passes by, the Lord's Day or Sunday rest
became more and more identified with "going to mass" and avoiding all "servile work." The fuller
significance of the Lord's Day was gradually lost. Thus, Vatican Il stresses the renewal of spirit in
Sunday observance by stressing both its re-creating and worship dimensions. In other words, Sunday
Eucharist offers in a unique way a foretaste of the "rest" which completes God's work of creation
(worship) and of redemption (liberation).
4. What does it Command?
As members of the new People of God, the Church, we have the duty to worship together as a community
people with Christ as head, and to deepen our relationship with God. So in accordance with the Third
Commandment, the Church decrees should fulfill this obligation by actively participating in the Eucharist,
the
On the other hand there is also a need to properly understand the rest
on the Lord's Day as concerning more than just psycho-physical recreation. It means a rest in God's
presence. As Christians we have to learn more about the deeper, properly Christian meaning of both our
work and our recreation. A proper Christian view of work and recreation can be sketched as an ethics of
grace, opposing three particular modern attitudes:
a. heightened anxiety is an over-anxious attitude against all eventualities that• often ends in perverted,
desperate, enslaving effort for self-made security and independence.
b. hyper-activismmeans being over active and industrious making people so "task-oriented" that they lose
all sense of proportion making their own efforts "idols" for them.
c. success-orientationmeans making success or achievement their
only goal, thus, having the tendency to judge everything, even their friends and neighbors, uniquely in
terms of usefulness and productivity.
All three attitudes, fostered to some extent by modern industrialization and technology, together form a
sort of "ideology Of Romance. " In contrast, the Third Commandment prevents us from absolutizing our
own achievements by preserving the sense of God's presence, a reality beyond all our powers, yet forming
the basis for all dealings with our fellow persons, our social conditions, and the ultimate meaning we
discern in our lives (cf CFC 914-922).
11. Value: PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF LIFE
Life is a precious gift from God. Every person who believes and follows Jesus would eventually realize
and recognize how Jesus valued life. He cured the sick and disabled, his teachings give hope especially to
the poor and the oppressed,
he gave favor to the sinners and the lost, he drove away evil spirits and for several occasions he brought
back to life the dead. These activities of Jesus were obviously signs of the Reign of God that usually
accompanied his teachings. These are basically concerning the promotion of life and its protection. In
other words, God dignified human life by sending His divine Son to become man and share our human
existence. To
follow Christ, therefore, means concretely doing all in our power to defend, maintain, and promote the
dignity and value of human life.
The Fourth commandment will remind us of God as the source of life. God created everything and the
pinnacle of His creation is the human person. He made man and woman in His image and likeness and
gave them the responsibility
to have dominion all over His creation and to pro-create. In Other words, God made man His instrument
of a continuous process of creation. The Fifth Commandment, on the other hand, aims to protect the value
of human life by rejecting any threat to it that may arise in the exercise of our God-given stewardship on
earth. Both the responsible transmission of human life and the protection and promotion of human
life, are "basic ways of loving other" showing further that we are one big human family.
Ill. Christian Message:
I. Word of God
Luke 10 : 29-37
29But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor? " 30Jesus replied,
"A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to J They stripped and beat him and went
off leaving him half-dead. 31 priest happened to be goiny down that road, but when he saw him, he passe
y on the opposite side. 3 Likewise a vile came 33 to t lace;gnd when he saw him, he passed by on the
opposite Sl e.
But maritan aveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the • t. He approached the victim,
poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took
him to an inn and caredfor him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the inn-
keeper with the instruction, 'Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay
you on my way back ' 3 Which of these three, in you opinion, was neighbor to the robber's victim? " 37He
answered, "The one who treated him with mercy. " Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise.
Guide Questions for Reflection: Activity for Study Guide 3
a. Who are the characters in the story?
b. Why is this story entitled
"The Good Samaritan?
c. Who is the true neighbor of the victim? Why?
d. What qualities does the Samaritan evoke to be labeled "gooct' or "true neighbor?" Enumerate.
e. What lessons can you get out from the story?
Study Guide 4: Honor thy Mother and thy Father
2. Church Teaching
Loving our neighbors is easier said than done. The second part of the Ten Commandments demands this
difficult but wonderful fruit of loving God. For how can we clailll to love God whom we cannot see while
neglecting our neighbors wh0111 we can touch and see all the time. The Fourth and Fifth
Commandments are the first two commandments on loving our neighbors precisely because they
command to value life both for its promotion and protection. Our parents are the first among our
neighbors and that indirectly includes all our family members, grandparents and relatives. But neighbors
do not end with our own family members and relatives alone. In fact, our own family is just a part and
parcel of an even bigger family which is the community
we live in, our society, and, for a greater scale, the whole of humanity. For this reason we shall take full
responsibility in the promotion and protection of life as represented by the Fourth and Fifth
Commandments.
a. THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT
"Honor your Father and your Mother."
(Ex. 20:12; Dt. 5:16)
Parents are God's co-creators, They are instruments of God to continue the creation of man created in
God's image and likeness. Likewise, man is made the care taker of all of God's creation when God
commanded go and multiply, have dominion over all the earth " in the book of Genesis.
The role of parents in the plan of God since the creation of the first man is Of great importance and must
be examined deeply as this will lead us to a better understanding of God's love. Here, we shall be in touch
with the most basic unit of any community, the family, and how relationship within the four corners of the
home influences the life of the society. The Fourth Commandment connects the command to love God to
loving our neighbor by giving us the first model of our neighbors, our parents.
2. Understanding and Clarifications
The original text states "Honor your father and your mother." Nowadays, we can simply say "Honor or.
respect your parents" or for some they will write, consciously or unconsciously, "Honor or respect your
mother and your father." Take note that today, these things do not make any difference. But in the time of
the Old Testament and even beyond it, during the time of Jesus in the culture and context of the Jews,
these things matter. Why? Because they are living in a patriarchal society, wherein women were seen as
inferior to men. It is just right for them, therefore, to write first the father before the mother and not the
other way, around. On our part, we do not care about these things and, perhaps, would even favor to write
first the mother before the father. Reason?
Because unlike the Jews who are patriarchal, Filipino society is more matriarchal in orientation. This
means that for most Filipino families mothers dominate the decision making at home.
For another reason worth mentioning, they would prefer to write first the mother because the father is not
worth the respect demanded by the commandment or the other way around. In any case, the Fourth
Commandment demands respect to both our parents.
A number of clarifications are also needeå to properly understand the true meaning of the Commandment
(cf CFC 1002-1009):
1. Its original meaning referred more to the obligation of grown children, now adults, to take care of their
parents. In time the meaning of the Commandment was legitimately expanded to include young children's
duties toward their parents.
2. This original focus on taking care of aged parents highlights two meaningful points that were present in
the Third Commandment.
a. Human life and parents are not to be evaluated in terms of productivity. Aged, unproductive parents
like Sunday rest and worship — have
their own fundamental personal value and worth which must be
respected.
b. Also like worship and rest on the Lord's Day, this respect for aged parents is a necessary virtue not just
for the individual family but for the community as well. Respect for the aged is creative of, and actively
builds up, the Christian community.
3. Both parents are to receive equal respect. Both the book of Exodus and Deuteronomy expressed a
patriarchal pattern of society. But the book Of
Leviticus has "Revere your mother and father" (Lv. 19:3), showing a balance which unfortunately has not
always been kept in the ensuing ages. So, the Fourth Commandment is not based on any patterns of
society, rather, it reflects the primal force of human love from which new human life is continually
generated, according to God's divine plan of sharing His creativity.
4. Despite its obvious cofrespondence with Filipino cultural values, the Fourth Commandment is often not
the "easiest" to keep. There are three obstacles to honoring father and mother in the Philippines that came
out based on practical and actual experiences:
a. The sad fact that not all fathers and mothers act as loving parents.
b. This obstacle arises from the particular stages of the children's and
youth's natural growth and development which demand a certain "distancing" from parents.
c. The generation gap that cultural history has always created between parent? and children, but which has
become much more intense in contemporary times because of the speed and extent of cultural change.
3. Church Teachings on Family
The will of God is for the people to share in His divine life as a family. That is why, the family is the
basic community where the plan of God is seen to be accomplished. It is in the family where human life is
generated and developed to the fullest. We Filipinos have traditionally recognized
children as a gift from God. Moreover, this cooperative work of God and the parents does not stop at
birth, but continues all through the years of nurturing and educating the child.
The nature of the family can be considered under three titles:
a. Covenant Relationship
We Filipino Catholics connect the basis of marriage from the
creation df man in the image and likeness of God who is Love and this constant refrain to love one
another just as God loves us is perfected in
the covenant of Jesus Christ with the Church. Man and woman are created for one another, to unite and
become one flesh in a communion of love thot grounds their and family life. This union is modeled on the
covenant God madc with his people when He promised thetn unswerving fidelity and love. 'I'his love
must be seen in the reality of fan)ily life tnore than the daily activities and events that are part of fanlily
routine but as originating from God Himself who is love. It is a "covenant" love because it creates and
sustains the basic community we need to beconje and survive as persons. Our family is the "covenant"
where we truly belong and find our "home."
b. Domestic Church
Christian family constitutes a specific revelation and realization of ecclesial communion. The family is
not only where "new citizens of human society are born, (but) by the grace of the Holy Spirit received in
Baptism, these are made children of God, thus perpetuating the People of God through the centuries. Thus
the family is, so to speak, the domestic Church" (LG 1 1). It is where we come to exercise the daily
Christian virtues of generous self-giving in active charity, in mutual forgiveness and obedience, in prayer
and thanksgiving. Actually, our Christian families, like the Church itself, in some real way share in the
Communion of Persons and Love of the Blessed Trinity. Thus, by its very nature as an "intimate
community of life and love," and "inspired and sustained by the new commandment of love," the
Christian family "is placed at the service of the building up 'of the Kingdom of God in history by
participating in the life and mission Of the Church" (FC 50, 64, 49).
c. Foundation of Civil Society
The family is the first and vital cell of society. Through its service to life by birth and the education of its
youth in social virtues,
the family grounds and continually nourishes the existence and development of society itself. The
experience of communion and sharing which is characteristic of the family's daily life represents first and
fundamental contribution to society. At a time when even Philippine society is• becoming more and more
depersonalized, the family constitutes an irreplaceable school in developing,' guarding and
transmitting the social virtues and values of respect, dialogue,
generous service, justice and love., But its role goes beyond procreation and education to embrace, in
association with other families, many social and political activities for the common good, The family
must "not live closed in on itself, but [must] remain open to the community, moved by a sense of justice
and concern for others, as well as by a consciousness of its responsibility towards the whole society" (FC
64).
4. What does it comnmnd?
a. Family Relationship
1. Filial Respect for parents is demanded of children and adults by the Fourth Commandment.
2. Parental respect and responsibility for children.
Care and respect for their children as persons in their own right are enjoined by the Fourth
Commandment. Thus we read in the Pauline letters: "Fathers, do not nag your children lest they lose
heart" (Col 3:21). "Fathers, do not anger your children, bring them up with the training and instruction
befitting the Lord" (Eph 6:4). In the teaching of Christ, he himself offered
a very positive picture of human parents: "What father among you will give his son a snake if he asks for
a fish, or hand him a scQrpion if he asks for an egg? If you, with all your sins, know how to give your
children good things, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask
Him" (Lk. 11 :11-13). But it is especially in Chi•ist's portrait of the merciful, forgiving father in his
parable of the "Prodigal Son" (c/ Lk 15:11-13) that we understand the full Christian meanjng of
parenthood.
b. Duties of Christian Parents
I. The duty to provide so far as they can for their children's needs.
2. The duty to guide their children in maters of faith and morals.
3. The duty to create for them an environment for personal growth.
Duties of Christian parents with regard to particular levels of development:
a. In infancy and childhood, parents provide for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of their
children.
b. As they grow older, the parents are called to promote their growing autonomy and independence.
c. Parents have the primary responsibility for the education of their children, both secular and religious.
It means more than just "blind obedience" that shows more servile fear than authentic filial respect. True
obedience arises, rather, from a willingness to listen to what is being asked, and to respond in a fully
personal, conscientious manner.
The commandment's to "honor" means showing proper gratitude, affection, respect, obedience and care to
parents (CCC, 22140. In the complex system of typical Filipino family relationships,.involving ate, kuya,
Iola and 1010, etc. This proper respect is extended to all who have contributed to one's care, upbringing,
and education. The act Of honoring, far from being merely a convention of social custom, is basically a
religious act, whose deep roots and true nature are revealed in sacred Scriptures, In the Old Testament,
extreme punishment was
decreed for transgressors. This indicates how closely one's procreators are linked with the creator. In
honoring our parents we honor God himsel€ This is expressed positively in the rewards promised to those
who obey the Commandment.
c. Duties of Children to their Parents
1. Respect for parents or filial piety derives from gratitude toward those who, by the gift of life, their love
and their work, have
brought their children into the world and enabled them to grow in stature, wisdom and grace. Filial
respect is shown by true docility and obedience. As long as the child lives at home with his parents, the
child should obey his parents in all that they ask of him when it is for his good or that of the family.
2. Children should also obey the reasonable directions of their teachers and all to whom their parents have
entrusted them. But if a child is convinced in conscience that it would be morally wrong. to obey a
particular order, he must not do so.
3. As they grow up, children should continue to respect their parents. They should anticipate their wishes,
willingly seek their advice and accept their just admonition. Obedience toward parents ceases with the
emancipation of the children; not so respect, which is
always owed to them. This respect has its roots in the fear of God, one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
d, Responsibilities of Grown Children to their Parents

1. As much as they can, they must give them material.and moral support in old age and in times of illness,
loneliness or distress. (cf Sir. 3:2-6•, 12-13, 16).
2. Filial respect promotes harmony in all family life; Gt also concerns relationships between brothers and
sisters.
3. For Christians, a special gratitude is due to those whom they have received the gift of faith, the grace of
Baptism and life in the church. These may include parents, grandparents, other members
Of the family, pastors, catechists, and other teachers or friend.
commanded, or by doing what is forbidden.
6. Conclusion
Filipino *Christians are noted for their love of family and childcenteredness. Thus, we would have little
difficulty with the fourth commandment. However, problems do arise.
l. Disrespect - includes irreverence and stubbornness against lawful authority. Examples of disrespect of
parents are: children talking back at their parents, refusing to accept or listen to their correction, ridiculing
them or striking them.
2. Unkindness is contrary to the love we owe our parents, like: despising them, hates them or makes them
angry.
3. Disobedience- is refusing or neglecting to do what is commanded, or by doing what is forbidden.
6. Conclusion
Filipino *Christians are noted for their love of family and childcenteredness. Thus, we would
have little difficulty with the fourth commandment. However, problems do arise.
1. Parents and children alike must learn how to communicate with one another openly and
deeply, in a loving, forgiving, mutually supportig atmosphere that is honest and truthfyl.
2, Parents as well as children must be willing to admit errors, since:
a. no one is perfect or sinless; loving forgiveness is whqt Christ asks of all; and
c. truth and a proper sense Of right and wrong are the only bases for genuine forgiveness and
interpersonal relationships.
The whole family must 100k beyond itself and strive to offer
Christian witness of the Gospel values of justice and protection of human rights to the wider
Philippine community of town, province, region, and
nation.
Activity for Study Guide 4 (Answers must be written on a separate word document, to
be sent to my email.)
1. What are the obstacles in a parent-child relationship?
2. What are the solutions to overcome the obstacles in a parent-child relationship?

Study Guide 5
b. THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT
"You shall not kill."
(Ex. 20:13; 5:17)
1. Introduction
Human life is a precious gift from God. But this gift is constantly being threatened by actions
not only of others but, sometimes, by our own selves. These threatening actions — whether
our own or those of others — show lack of respect for God's greatest gift. Some of these
actions are markedly dangerous so they cannot escape notice. Others are so common and seem
so trivial that we do not think of them as life threatening even if they are just as dangerous.
The Fifth Commandment reminds us to protect God's gift of life. Vatican Il repeats this
reminder when it says, "The Council lays stress on respect for the human person: everyone
should look upon his/her neighbor as another self, bearing in mind (the person 's) life and the
means necessary for living it in a dignified way. . ." (GS 27).
The Fifth Commandment forbids direct attack on human life and physical integrity. It protects
God's gift of life from womb to tomb. It promotes practical care and respecte for. the 'life, and'
dignity of all persons
Moreover, the Fifth Commandment tells us that God alone is the ultimate Lord and Master of
Life. He is our Creator. He gives us Life. He also gives us
the mission to protect and preserve human life. He also gives us the right to life and bodily
integrity.
Duty of Love:
a. The fifth commandment commands us to promote, protect and enhance the quality of
human life.
b. It calls us to safeguard our life and bodily welfare and that of our fellow man and woman.
c. It enjoins us to control our anger. Great/Extreme anger can lead one to murder the other.
d. It invites us to love our enemies and pray for them.
3. What does it prohibit?
a. Vatican Il goes on to list the varieties of crime which include:
1. All offenses against life itself, such as genocide, abortion, euthanasia, and willful suicide.
2' All violations of the integrity of the human person, such as mutilation, physical and mental
torture, undue psychological pressure.
3. All offenses against human dignity, such as subhuman living conditions, arbitrary
imprisonment, deportation, slavery, prostitution, the selling of men and children, degrading
working conditions where people are treated as mere tools for profit rather than as free and
responsible persons.
b. Some particular offenses against life are listed in the Catholic Faith
Catechism. These are:
4. Drugs and alcohol abuse and smoking
They are considered offenses of the fifth commandment
because they endanger health, and often lead to other sins. They
are forms of vices that render physical harm. Medical studies have shmul that these vices can
cause serious physical harm and
addiction, and psychological and social difficulties and dependence, which these vices can
cause. The quality of life, and sometimes life itself, of both the user and their family and close
friends suffer greatly.
5. Abortion
The intentional ejection of a fetus from the mother's womb. This crime is equivalent to the
killing of an innocent human being.
Direct Abortion is any destruction of the product of human conception, whether before or
after the implantation in the womb. A direc%abortion is one that is intended either as an end
in itself or as means to an end. No matter what the motive, a direct abortion is a willful attack
on unborn human life.
Indirect Abortion is the foreseen but permitted evacuation of fetus which cannot survive
outside the womb. The evacuation is not the intended or directly willed result, but the side
effect, of some legitimate procedure. As such is morally allowable.
6. Murder
It is the voluntary and unjust killing of a human being. It is a grievous evil. A murderer
violates the rights of God over human life, and besides taking a life, robs a victim of the
opportunity to gain merits for heaven and prepares himself for
7. Euthanasia
It literally means "easy death." It is the act or practice of putting people to death because they
or others decide that continued life would be burdensome. Originally, this is termed as "mercy
killing" which meant administration of an easy and painless death to one who is suffering
from an incurable and agonizing disability or disease.
5. Suicide
It is the terrible and unalterable act of taking of one's own life. This act expresses a total loss
of will to survive which results from extreme depression and despair. This is considered as
self-murder, committed by those in despair, who do not believe or hope in God's mercy and
ability to carry them through all adversaries.
6. Hatred
It is an habitual anger or a strong dislike of or ill-will to anyone. It is the inner source of

violence against others.
7. Revenge
It is the desire to inflict unjust punishment on someone who has injured him out of anger.
When serious, revenge is vengeance, a sin against charity and justice, most sinful and
unchristian.
8. Sterilization
It is any action that deprives the body, either temporarily or permanently, of the power either
to beget or to bear children. It consists in rendering the faculties of generation unfruitful.
9: Capital Punishment
The Church acknowledges the right and duty of legitimate public authority to punish
malefactors with penalties commensurate with the gravity of the crime. These punishments
include the death penalty (CCC, 2266). At present, though, the moral question on whether the
state should inflict capital punishment is still open. This is based on the observation that
capital punishment seems not to meet all the traditional reasons for punishment. These
traditional reasons are:
l. retribution or vindication of the rights of the victim,
2. reform or rehabilitation of the criminal, and
3. deterrence or discouraging others from committing the same crime.
Guide Questions for Reflection/Activity for Study Guide 5: Answers should be written on
a separate word document to be sent to my email.
1. What do you think are the reasons why reform and rehabilitation of a criminal is
needed?
2. Are you in favor of Capital Punishment ?
3. Why do you think we need penal establishments that imprisons people who have been
a threat to the society or who have caused damage/injury to persons and state?
Study Guide 6:
11. Value: MUTUAL RESPECT and GENDER SENSITIVITY
The first question that we ask after the birth of a child is, "Is it a boy or a girl?" Human life is
marked essentially by sexuality. This respect for human sexuality is primarily the concern of
the Sixth and Ninth Commandments in the relationship between men and women according to
their social status (single or married).
Just as life is a precious gift from God, Human sexuality is God's gift to us as well. We are
created according to God's image precisely as "male or female." It is not in lonely solitude but
rather as in relating to others through our sexual natures that we share in God's life of love and
creativity. Despite all misuses and misunderstanding, our sexuality is something good. It is a
God-given power for love and generatively that we must learn to gradually integrate ever
more fully within our total selves to live and associate with others in respect for interpersonal
relationships and their bodily expressions is the vocation of every responsible disciple of
Christ.
Activity for Study Guide 6: Answers should be written on a separate word document, sent to
my email.
l. List down ten factors that a woman can contribute to the success of man.
2. List down ten factors that a man can contribute to the success of a woman.
111. Christian Message:
1. Word of God
Genesis I : 26-31
26Then God said: "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion
over thefiS'h of the seaw the birds of the air, and the battle, and over all the wild animals and
all the creatures that crawl on the ground. God created man in his image, in the divine image
he created him; male and female he created them. 28God blessed them saying: "Be fertile and
multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the
air, and the living things that move on the earth. " 29God also said: "See, I give you every tree
that has seed-bearingfruit on it to be yourfood; oand to all animals ofthe land, all the birds
ofthe air, and all the living creatures that crawl on the ground, 1 give all the plants for food. "
And so it happened. 31God looked at everything he had made and he found it very good.
Evening came, and morningfollowed — the sixth day.
my email.
a. What do you think is the reason why God created man, male and female?
b. What are the roles God entrusted to them?
c. What is the message of this Bible passage to you?

2. Church Teaching
a. Introduction
God created man, male and female. To man and woman, God gave personal worth and dignity
with equal rights and responsibilities.
Although created as equals, man and woman have distinct sexuality. They are different not
only in the physical and biological sense but in the totality of the moral and spiritual
dimensions of their personal make up. Owing to their distinctiveness, woman and man are
called to mutual self-giving and to enhance each other's dignity. Their human calling is to
reflect the image and likeness of God according to their distinct giftedness. Woman and man
are key partners in the building of the home and society.
b. Understanding Human Sexuality
Human Sexuality is a gift of God. It is God's gift of womanhood and manhood to humanity. It
is an essential and fundamental component in the whole person of woman and man that
conditions their way ofxelating with their own person, with each other, and with the
community. It characterizes their distinct approach to their vocation in life.
1. Human sexuality is for loving. "It is a relational power through which we can show
understanding, warmth, openness and the comparison to others. Sexuality orients every man
and woman towards interpersonal dialogue and contributes to their integral maturation by
opening them up to the gift of self in love" (CFC, 1037). It is in sexuality that our way of
relating acquires an effective and truly human quality, and builds up a wholesome human
community.
2. Human sexuality is at the service of life. Woman and man are called to conjugal union and
the normal consequence of sexual relationship in marriage is new life, the begetting of
children.
3. Human sexuality signifies an essential dimension of the whole person, by which he/she
enters into relationship with others. It does touch every aspect of personal life, and has to be
developed by all men and women just as life itself must be. (NCDP, 287)
The basis for this wider understanding of human sexuality is creation. Man and woman
constitute two modes of "imaging" God and they fully accomplish such a vocation not only as
a single person, but also as couples, which are communities of love.
1. The first consequence of this fundamental truth of creation is that "In creating the human
race 'male and female', God gives man and woman an equal personal dignity, endowing them
with ipalienable rights and responsibilities proper to the human person" (CFC, 22). For
Filipino Christian, this basic equality of man and woman resting on God's creation is the solid
ground for an authentically Christian View of sexuality. 'But this equality as persons does not
entail any unisex ,sameness that denies all distinctiveness of the sexes.
2. On the contrary, the second consequences of God's creative action is that by their
distinctive sexuality, man and woman are both different and complementary, not only in their
physical and biological being, but reaching down to the depth of their moral and spiritual
being.
3. This complimentary is the ground for a third consequence: man and woman are called to
mutual gift of self, to reciprocity. By and through sexuality, we are called to live in a positive
complimentary relationship with one another.
John Paul Il develops this in Familiaris Consortio by relating creation directly with love. For
love is the key to:
a. God, the personal loving Creator,
b. His creating act through love, and
c. The human person created in His likeness precisely as man and woman for love.
Study Guide 7
a. THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT
"You shall not commit adultery."
(Ex 20:14; m 5:17)
1. Introduction
After discussions about' life in general with an emphasis on its very source, the family, we
shall now dig deeper into the very foundation of family life, i.e., the value of marriage. The
sixth commandment forbids married person from entering into sexual union with someone
other than spouse. But for the Ancient Israelites, this commandment had more social
significance than sexual. Its aim was to protect the family, the absolutely necessary basis for
society. The family and marriage were viewed directly in terms of the two Genesis creation
narratives. God created man, male and female so that man would not be alone (cf. Gen 2:18),
and to multiply and fill the earth (cf. Gen 1:27ff). Sexuality, therefore, is for both human
completeness and procreation. The sixth commandment has a truly liberating character
grounded on the authentic nature of our human sexuality, and of marriage as the model of
complete human condition.
2. Biblical Perspectives
a. Old Testament
The Christian view of sexuality and marriage is supported and developed by the biblical
narratives of God's relationship with Israel, His "chosen people," through salvation history.
1. Gen 2:25 There was the simple innocence of the original creation when "the man and his
wife were both naked, yet they felt no shame."
2. Gen 3:16 Sin entered and brought disorder into the couple's relationship to God and to each
other. The sexual relationship, while remaining fundamentally good, often became a divisive
force. Instead of feeling joy at the unique difference of the other sex, the partners experienced
the selfish desire of possession.
3. Hos2:21ff. Yahweh's Covenant with Israel was surprisingly portrayed in a marriage image.
The stress was on the strength, depth, and fidelity of Yahweh's love for His Chosen People.
Moreover, He forgave Israel when she proved to be an unfaithful spouse and promised to
redeem her.
b. New Testament
Jesus bypassed all the detailed prescriptions and prohibitions of the Torah regarding sexuality
and marriage. He focused On their essential dignity and value as created by God.
1. When the Pharisees and scribes tried to trap Jesus into rejecting the Mosaic law which
commanded the stoning of an adulteress, Jesus broke through their hypocritical moralistic
legalism. In an exercise of authentic divine merciful love, Jesus brought the "elder" to a
consciousness of their own sinfulness, while at the same time drawing the woman away from
her sin (cf. Jn 7:53-8:11).
2. When questioned by the Pharisees about divorce, Jesus reiterated the Creator's original
meaning of sexuality. .the two of them become one body" (Gen 2:24). "...let no man separate
what God has joined" (Mt 19.•3-6).
3. St. Paul used the same text (Gen 2:24) to teach that Christian marriage takes a new
meaning. It symbolizes the intimate love relationship between Christ and the Church. (cf. Eph
5:25, 32ff; 2 Cor 11:2)
3. Redeemed Sexuality
Through the redemption of Jesus, he restored man's relationship with God and most especially
to the mutual interrelationship between men and women within the community and in family
life. By word and example, Jesus revealed the true nature of our human sexuality and
marriage. More importantly, through his own resurrection, Jesus redeemed our whole persons,
with all our instincts, powers and relationships, including our sexuality.
Authentic married love is caught up into divine love and is directed and enriched by Christ's
redeeming power and the saving activity of the Church. Thus the spouses are effectively led to
God and are helped and strengthened in
their lofty role as fathefs and mothers, (cc GS, 48)
Sexuality and matTiage, then, are not just biological facts for Christians. They are real
personal power and an enduring state for love, a love which develops, heals, and creates.
The Sixth Commandment liberates us from two "tyrannies".
a. Tyranny of puritanical attitudes and misguided taboos regarding sexuality.
b. Tyranny of "indecency" promoted by the so-called "new morality" that exalts
casual sex while rejecting commitment and moral obligation.
For the married, the Sixth Commandment enjoins a free and responsible fidelity to a conjugal
union that is life-long (cf. CCC, 2364ff). This means:
a. A joining of a man and a woman in the fullness of their personal lives — a real, complete
communion at all levels.
b. A permanent, enduring bond that is "for keeps.',' For this reason, the total giving of self in
sexual intercourse be reserved for this state of marriage as a permanent covenant bond of
personal love. Here, sexual union takes on its full meaning, becoming truly human and
creative.
a. Adultery (Extramarital Sex). It is the violation of the marriage covenant by willful

participation in sexual activity with someone other than one s spouse. Since God's law
sanctions sexual relationships only with a legitimate marriage, the command not to commit
adultery covers, in principle, all varieties immorality. No sexual relationship of any Sort
should occur outside of marriage,
b. Bigamy. The crime of being simultaneously twice married, the crime of marrying
somebody while being legally married to somebody else.
c. Polygamy. It means, many marriages. It is the practice of marriage to more than one spouse
simultaneously.
Forms of polygamy:
1. Polygyny one man having multiple wives.
2. Polyandry one woman having multiple husbands.
d. Incest. A sexual intercourse between people who are usually legally prohibited from
marrying because of their matrimonial or blood relationship.
e. Divorce. It is legislatively created, judicially administered process that legally terminates a

marriage that is no longer considered viable by one or both of the spouses and that permits
both to remarry. It is also known as a dissolution of marriage.
f. Annulment. It is the determination by a court that a supposed marriage was never legally
valid. It is also called nullity of marriage, it is distinguished from divorce, which is the action
of a court in terminating a valid marriage.
g. Legal Separation. It is a possible step towards divorce. It is an order from the court that
can decide issues of property, debt, custody, parenting time and support even though the
parties are still legally married.
h. Living-in. An uncommitted free union. Couples who are living-in call each other as
"common-law husband" or "common-law wife."
In reality, adultery gravely injures the life and character of the individual married persons
involved, as well as of the conununity. Commitments are broken, suspicion and anger
aroused, personal trust betrayed, relationships destroyed, children threatened and the whole
social fabric of the community weakened. (cf. CCC, 2380-86)
Despite all sexist propaganda in the mass media, real human freedom and love are not found
in "free-sex". The Sixth Commandment guides us away from such false, ruinous attempts to
fulfill our yearning for true love and communion. But Christ is ever mindful of our human
frailty, and the many
temptations constantly bombarding us. His grace is ever present. God's fidelity to the covenant
holds firm and with it, our human covenants; in them alone will we find our true human
freedom and love.
my email.
1. Are you in favor of the Divorce Bill into becoming a law? Yes or No, and why?
State your reasons.
2. If polygamy will be permitted without the benefit of marriage, how will it affect
the society as a whole?
3. How are the children affected when their parents files legal separation?
Study Guide 8
b. THE NINTH COMMANDMENT
"You shall not covet your neighbor's wife."
(Ex 20:17; Dt 5:21)
I. Introduction
The Ninth Commandment completes the Sixth Commandment by going down to the very
source and root of all the sins of the flesh. Human covetousne$ has been the radical source of
sin that alienates us from God and our fellow human. The Ninth
Commandment rejects the effects of this covetousness, and the systematized covetousness
featured in much of today's consumerist and sexist societies. It calls us to acknowledge our
deep inbred lust for possessions and power toward the liberation of respect and solidarity with
one another.
2. Covetousness
Covetousness refers to our desires, the things for which we really long. Theses desires can
make difference to our lives, our mental state, and our spiritual lives. It is not difficult to recall
deep desires that makes us happy, frustrated, impatient, or disappointed. It is good to desire
other things,
Our desires are usually linked to the image of our hearts because they flow from the deeper
part of ourselves and our emotions. We can love with all our heart. However, "out of the heart
comes evil intentions like murder, adultery and fornication."
The following are New Testament teachings on covetousness:
a. "You have heard the commandment, 'You shall not commit adultery.' What I say to you is:
anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his
thoughts" (Mt. 5:27ff).
b. "If your eye is your trouble, gouge it out and throw it away" (Mt.
5:29).
c. "Put to death whatever is in your nature is rooted on earth: fornication, uncleanness,
passion, evil desires and that lust which is idolatry" (Col.
d. • Make no mistakes about this: no fornicator, no unclean of lustful
person — in effect an idolater — has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God"
(Eph. 5:5).
a. Virtue of Chastity (Purity of Heart). It refers to the wholesome
integration of one's sexuality within one's person. This creates in us an inner harmony and
unity of body and spirit that grounds our integrity as persons and in our self-giving in love.
Chastity deals with our external acts but precisely as expressing our inner "yearning
of the heart." Blessed are the pure-hearted, for they shall see God" (Mt. 5:8).
The "pure df heart" desigMtes those who direct their hearts, bodies and mind toward God:
1. in charity, or purity of heart (cf. 2 Tim 2:22),
2. in chastity, or purity of body (cf. Col 3:5), and
3. in orthodoxy, or purity of faith (cf. 2 Tim 2:26).
Chastity or purity of heart puts order into our sexual drives, much as telling the truth orders of
our speech. This means that it channels our sexual energies toward a positive, affirmative
service of love and fostering of life.
b. Modesty. Purity requires modesty, which is an essential part of temperance. Modesty

requires that the conditions for the definitive giving and commitment of man and woman to
one another be fulfilled. It inspires one's choice of clothing and protects the intimate center of
the person. Christian purity requires a purification of the social climate.
c. Self-Control. Purity calls for self-control. Self-control is demanded by chastity of both

single persons and of married couples. In both, this "mastering of oneself" is an integral part
of the formation of the good character and the spirit of self-sacrifice,
The Ninth Commandment forbids all willful consent 'to impure thoughts and desires and all
willful pleasures in the irregular motions of flesh.
a. Masturbation (Onanism). It is an abuse of our sexual powers because it lacks the

sexuality's essential relationship which is ordered towards self-giving love and the service of
life according to God's design. It is a result of deficient effective growth or a symptom of
much deeper personal problems.
b. Homosexuality. "Understanding human sexuality correctly includes recognition of

heterosexuality as normative, while respecting the personhood of those with homosexual
tendencies" (NCDP, 287). It represents another grave impediment to the integral sexual
growth of a person. Care must be taken to distinguish between a condition of homosexual
orientation, for which the homosexual cannot be held responsible, and homosexual acts (cf.
CCC, 2357-59).
c. Premarital Sex or Fornication. It is a term which refers to any sexual activity between
consenting unmarried partners. Sex between unmarried persons is distinguished from adultery
by use of the term "simple fornication", whereas a relationship where the woman is married is
considered "adultery."
d. Prostitution. A sex trade wherein a person is robbed of his of her dignity as a person by
being reduced to a mere means for the selfish pleasure of the buyer. There is absolutely no
commitment, no love, and no service of life.
e. Pornography. A depiction of erotic behavior intended to cause sexual excitement, The

word originally signified any work of art or literature depicting the life of prostitutes.
f. Sexual Harassment. The making of unwanted and offensive sexual advances or of sexually
offensive remarks or.acts, especially by one in a superior or supervisory position or when
acquiescence to such behavior is a condition Of continued employment, promotion, or
satisfactory evaluation.
g. Sex on Phone. It is a distasteful sexual act that happens through the us of phone.
Obviously, sex on phone is a conversational sexual activity with the aim of bringing two
individuals or group in the height of sex without intetu)urse.
h. Sex on text. Phone is being utilized in this kind of activity yet sexual is done via text
messaging. Verbal conversation is unnecessary unlike sex on phone.
i. Cyber Sex. It is a sexual activity that basically occurs through the use of computers that
controls or carry out sexual' operations without body contact.
j. Petting. The act or practice of amorously embracing, kissing, and caressing one's partner.
k. Necking. Affectionate play, or foreplay without contact with genital organs.
l. Immodesty (has three parts)
1. In dressing: refers to wearing of skimpy outfits to the extent of unleashing too much skin
or flesh.
2. In words: refers to uttering grievous statements that may personally offend individuals.
3. In deeds: Refers to. executing nasty acts that may jeopardize individuals. Contraception.
The artificial means of birth control. The Church encourages natural family planning methods.
my email.
1.) What solutions can you provide to prevent the widespread of Prostitution?
2.) Let us suppose you are a government official tasked to dismantle the widespread
of Cyber Sex dens, what solutions can you provide to enhance your campaign
against cyber sex dens, prostitution and pornography?
Study Guide 9:
Value: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND RESPONSIBILITY
Social justice refers to the obligation of everyone to give to everybody what is due to him/her
as a human being. These could be actual goods or abstract things like love, attention, and Care
due the person because of his/her dignity. It should not be misinterpreted as the offering of a
charitable gift. The principle Of social justice is based on the Christiandoctrine that the goods
of this world are originally meantfor all (John Paul Il, Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, 42).
Social justice is directly related to human rights; the major ones of which are:
Economic rights:
right to live, food, shelter and clothing right to work right to a just image right to property
right to rest right to medical care
Political rights:
• right to participate in government
• right to judicial protection
Religious rights:
• right to worship
Social rights:
right to assembly
• right to free association
Cultural rights:
right to a basic education right to freedom of speech
Other rights:
right to immigrate right to development right to social security in the event of sickness,
unemployment, old age, loss of support (e.g., death of parents of minors)
Each of these rights has a Corresponding duty. For example, the right to a
just wage carries with it the corresponding duty to do an honest day's work; the right to
freedom of speech has the corresponding duty to say only what is honest and true and to say it
with kindness. So every time we think and ;peak of our
rights, we must also think and speak Of our corresponding duty.
IV. Christian Message:

1. Word ofG0d
The Rich Young Man (Mark 10 : 17-22; Luke 18 : 18-30)
17As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him,
"Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? " 18Jesus answered him, "Why do you
call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19You know the commandments: 'You shall not
kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you
shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother. 20He replied and said to him, "Teacher,
all of these I have observed from my youth. Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,
"You are lacking in one thing. Go sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have
treasure in heaven; then come, follow me. " 2At that statement his
facefell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
The Rich Fool (Matthew 6: 19-24; Luke 12 : 16-21)
19 'Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and
where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where
neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. I For where your treasure is,
there also will your heart be. "
The lamp of the bod is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light;
2 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is
darkness, how great, will the darkness be.
24 „ No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and the other, or be devoted to one
and despite the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
my email.
a. What is the Gospel all about?
b. Recall your possessions. Do you need all of them?
c. Do you properly use the things you own orjust waste them?
d. How do you use the things you own?
e. How can you help in the proper distribution of goods in society?
Working hard and making business help the development of society. However, to work only
to make oneself rich is worshipping false god. Wealth can make it hard for us to follow Jesus
because it can take our hearts away from him. Thus, the story of "Rich Young Man" illustrates
this.
The rich young man prized his property more than Jesus. Most of us can think of examples of
people who select treasures of this earth over higher v,alues like service to others, honesty,
just wages to workers, and keeping the environment clean from pollution. Pursuit of riches
can be just as sinful as stealing and coveting our neighbor's goods. This is especially true
when we harm others in pursuit of material wealth.
Furthermore, in the story of "The Rich Fool," Jesus did not only condemn stealing and
coveting our neighbor's goods. He also warned the rich about the dangers of accumulated
treasures. Even if riches are obtained without exploiting people or without stealing, there is a
danger that riches can become the false gods of the rich. It is impossible to justify great wealth
when so many people are hungry, poorly, clothed, and living in depressed areas.
2. Church Teaching
"In the beginning, God entrusted the earth and its resources to the common stewardship
ofmankind to take care ofthem, master them by labor and enjoy their fruits. The goods of
creation are destined for the whole human race. However, the earth is divided up among men
to assure the security of their lives, endangered by poverty and threatened by violence. The
appropriation Q/ property is legitimate for guaranteeing the freedom and dignity ofpersons,
andfor helping each ofthem to meet his basic needs and the needs ofthose in his charge. It
should allowfor a natural solidarity to develop between men. " (CCC, 2402)
"The right to private property, acquired by work or receivedfrom Others by inheritance or gift,
does not do away with the original gift of the earth to the whole mankind. The universal
destination of goods remains primordial, even if the promotion of the common good requires
respect for the right to private property and its exercise. " (CCC, 2403)
"In recent times, the Church has come to a heightened awareness that Christ calls all Christian'
not only to a personal conversion of mind and heart. He also calls us to social responsibility,
to workfor the renewal of our communities through loie, justice peace and freedom. Using the
traditional structure of the 7th and 10th commandments which treat of personal freedom,
possessions and talents, and of the desires of the heart, shows how this social responsibility
can be brought out. For these commandments are the living Word of God that has developed
through the Judaeo-Christian tradition. Beyond their historical origins at the foot of
Mt. Sinai, they clarify and guide us, Christian Filipinos, today in ourfaith 's call to social
responsibility. " (CFC, 1 135)
Study Guide 10
THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT
"You shall not steal."
(Ex. 20:15; DI. 5:19)
I. Introduction
God has intended the earth and all it contains for the use of every human being. Private
ownership of material goods provides man with the necessary degree of independence and
freedom to live a dignified life.
"Seventh commandment has undergone a development through history "The story ofJoseph,
favorite son ofJacob, whose envious brothers sold him into slavery for twenty pieces of silver,
exemplifies its original prohibition against kidnapping. Kidnapping has particular relevance to
today's world-wide problem ofterrorism. Taking hostages for ransom has become a political
strategy that is not unknown even in our own country. The 7th commandment makes it very
clear that we cannot .use a person's life and liberty as a means to extort money or political
advantagefrom others, no matter how noble the cause." (CFC, 1141)
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) declares that the 7th Commandment prohibits
anyone to unjustly take or keep the goods of his/her neighbor and to cheat him/her in
whatever way with respect to his goods.
This is clearly affirmed in the Church document Gaudium et Spes (GS) which states:
"Therefore, there must be made available to all men everything necessary for leading a life
truly human, such as food, clothing, and shelter; the right to choose a state of life freely and to
found a family, the right to education, to employment, 10 a good reputation, to respect and to
appropriate information, to activity in accordance with the upright norm ofone 's conscience,
to protection of privacy and to rightful freedom in matters of religion..." (GS 26) Clear
enough, justice and respect for the right of others to private property is the call for everyone.
Yet, what is justice? How do we define and promote it? Justice is basically defined as "to give
or to receive what is due." Thus, it calls each one of us to afford to other people what rightly
belongs to them, and to enjoy what rightfully belongs to us.
Following the line of thought on what justice is, we can now understand why the following
actions are considered as violations of this commandment:
Stealing
Arson for insurance
Hoarding Paying unjust wages
Corruption of public money
Tav evasion
Financial Manipulative speculation
Over-pricing- damaging private or publicBusiness
Exorbitant property interest rates by individual,
Gambling debts
Work poorly done banks, insurance firms
These are just some Of the violations of the seventh commandment, but contemporary
Catholic morality takes a comprehensive. understanding of this cotnmandment. In today's
economic world, there are many hidden forms of enslavement and oppression. Therefore,
"You shall not steal" now refers not only to privately öwned personal possessions, but also to
public properties, social structures and conditions which should serve for the common good.
This should be a good reminder for the great majority of the Filipinos who are known to have
"extreme personalism" and often show little care and concern for what does not directly relate
to him or his family and friends.
Activity for Study Guide 10: Answers should be written on a separate word document, sent
to my email. (Minimum of 2 paragraphs)
1. Suppose you are a pastor who been living on unpaid mortgages and debt, the bank
then issues you a notice telling you that if you don’t pay your debt on its due date,
the bank will forcibly take your house and your car as a collateral for the interest
left unpaid.
Knowing that as a pastor, a nearby Chapel is registered unto your name. The
Chapel has insurance if destroyed by a natural disaster such as earthquake, fire,
typhoon and etc. Knowing that you have unpaid debts and have no means of
where to get the money to pay off you debt, would you as a pastor commit the act
of Arson? Yes or No. State your reasons.
Study Guide 11
b. THE TENTH COMMANDMENT
6'You shall not covet your neighbor's goods."
(Ex. 20:17; DI. 5:21)
1. Introduction
The tenth commandment deals with the disordered desire of the heart, covetousness, from
which stealing and exploitation arise (CCC, 2536).
It forbids not only unjust craving for another's property, but also envy at the success of others.
"Both the seventh and tenth commandments. govern our basic relationship injustice with
others -- the seventh commandment deals with our outward actions regarding possessions and
social structures, while the tenth commandment focus on the inner desire of our hearts from
which our actions originate." (CFC, 1154)
'The tenth commandment calls for detachment from material possessions, from inordinate
desire for acquiring goods. As PCP Il would remind us, one must guard himself/herselffrom
all consuming desire for profit and thirst for power. Consumerism is another danger. Its
effects in us, to name a few, are the following:
a. We become enslaved by our possessions and obsessed with getting more.
b. We close our eyes off to our own spiritual needs.
c. We turn a blind eye and deaf ear to the poverty and unjust exploitation of others.
Indeed, individuals could take heart to the reminder of Pope John Paul Il when he said that the
more one possesses, the more he/she grows on wants, while deeper aspirations remain
unsatisfied and even perhaps stifled. The question now would be: "How can I safeguard
myself from such? How then should we view private property?" Second Plenary Council of
the Philippines (PCP If), quoting the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and Gaudium
et Spes (GS) states that "God destined the earth and all.it contains for all peoples so that
created things would be shared by all under the guidanceforjustice tempered by charity. "
Truly, individuals have the right to private property, but Pope Paul VI points out that "no one
is justified in keeping for his exclusive use what he/she does not need, when others lack
necessities."
Thus, we are called to guard our hearts from desire to amass earthly goods without limit. As a
follower of Christ then, the Christian is called upon by the Church to uphold justice, equality,
and in his dealing with others with respect to
his right to own goods, and as regards use of Structures that serves the common good and the
dignity and integrity of all creation.
3.What does it prohibit?
The tenth commandement prohibits us from committing 'injustice by harming our

neighbor and his earthly goods. It also requires that envy and avarice be banished from
our hearts.
Both seventh and tenth commandments prohibit stealing and cheating in any form, however
commandment # 10 emphasizes that violations are not only found in the performance of these
acts, indeed, also in the desire or intention to perform them.
THE CHALLENGE OF THE AND THE COMMANDMENTS
"Ofprime importance throughout the Philippines today is the question of justice — the
problem of stealing on all levels, among individuals, between families, between businesses
and corporations, between private firms and the government. Widespreadpoverty, injustice,
exploitation ofboth people and natural resources, and violation of human rights, continue to
plague Filipinos. Land reforms program generally prove ineffectual because of radical
changes in their original provisions, due to political pressures. Many labor organizations
gravitate to becoming either "company unions, " protecting the interests of management, or
communist-inspired pressure groups more interested in unrest and disorder than the worker's
authentic good. " (CFC, 1136)
"Even on the local town levelän the Provinces, simple cooperatives have frequently failed due
to the greed and corruption. On the national level, conflictS continually arise between the
expanding needs of industrial growth and the rights Of individual Filipinos. Commercial
interests over-ride practical ecological concernfor the country's natural resources." (CFC,
1137)
"Years ago our Bishops pointed out thatfor a great many Catholic Filipinos "development and
the structural changes it entails have no connection withfaith
and the Sacraments. Injustice and ignorance are not among the sins ordinarily acknowledged.
'Y But in recent years most Filipino Christians have come to realize that , "poverty, violence,
and the task of building a new society with its own intrinsic values are questions that relate to
salvation itself " Yet, as Christians and Filipinos,
"we have to admit personal and collective failure to share our goods among our people. " We
must "analyze the root causes of misery — not only in terms Of individual selfishness, but in
terms of socio-economic, political and religious structures that may be causing or maintaining
these injustices." (CFC, 1138)
"Thus, the Church has been engaged in an on-going process Of
"conscientization " in our social responsibilities as Filipino Christians." (CFC, 1139)
A DISCIPLE OF SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION
It is a constitutive element of the covenantal morality to work for the full humanization of the
Christian community and the Filipino community that will be the realization of the "Reign of
God." The Seventh and the Tenth Commandments are provisions of the covenantal law that
make the responsibility of social transformation, an essential element of discipleship. It is the
duty of every Christian to help his fellowmen and the society he belongs to for the full
realization of the Reign of God.
The discipleship of social transformation entails the sowing of the values of the Gospel in four
aspects of societal life in order that we may bring about the realization of the Reign of God in
the here and now or the Pamamayani ng Kagandahang-loob ng Diyos:
1. Commitnwnt to the creation of a just socio-economic order in the society that will promote
the welfare of all. This implies the need for us to denounce models of economic development
that favor the rich in society but are oppressive to the common-tao especially the poor.
2. Commitment to the establishment of a just and peaceful political system in the governance
of our country. This commitment invites us to participate freely and actively in establishing
the political community by choosing wisely the leaders who will promote the common good
and effect electoral reforms that will ensure honest and just governance Of our country.
3. Commitment to the promotion of culture that will make education and wholistic human
development accessible to all.
4. Commitment to the promotion of ecological dimension in the society. The

interconnectedness Of human life and the natural environment calls for the protection of the
integrity of our ecosystems that sustain life.
Il. Christian Message:
1. Word of God
"The spirit of " (John 14 : 1, 5-9)
1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me ...
5Thomas said to him, 'Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the
way?' 6Jesus said to him, 'I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father
except through me. 7If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you
do know him and have seen him. 8Philip said to him, 'Master, show us the Father, and that
M'ill be enough for us. 9Jesus said to him, 'Have I been with you for so long a time and you
still do not know me Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say,
'Show us the Father? "
to my email.
1. What is the reading all about?
2. List down your troubles. From the list, choose one that troubles you the most.
3. How do you resolve this trouble?
Study Guide 12:
THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT
"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor (Ex neighbor."20 : 16; Dt. 5 : 20)
In its original meaning in the Old Testament, the Eight commandment refelRd to public
witness given in a court of law upon which the life or death 0
the defendant often depended. The freedom and very life of fellow huma beings, therefore,
were at stake. This explains the severity of the punishment breaking the commandment. For
example, Jezebel had two scoundrels give false witness against Naboth in order to have him
stoned to death, so that King Ahab, her husband, would be able to possess Naboth's small
vineyard. In punishment, the Lord sent Elijah to Ahab declaring: because you have given
yourself up to evil, I will destroy you... because Ofhow you have provoked me by leading
Israel to sin.(l Kgs 21:20-22)
In the New Testament, Christ showed himself not only as the Lord of the Commandments but
also as the Man of the Commandments. Jesus is the Lord of the Eight Commandment
because: For this was I born, for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Anyone
committed to the truth hears my voice (Jn. 18:37) As Lord, Jesus commanded: You have
heard my commandment 'Do not take false oath'. What I tell you is: do not swear at all... Say
'Yes' when you mean 'Yes' and 'No' when you mean 'No'. Anything beyond that is from the
evil one" (Mt. 5:33-37). For Christians, Jesus himself becomes the norm for the truth of our
basic relationship with God. Who is the .1 liar? He who denies that Jesus is the Christ. He is
the antichnist, denying the Father and the Son (Jn 2:22) (CFC 1225)
All throughout Jesus' life as man, He spoke only the Truth and lived according to the Truth. In
spite of the danger to His human life, Jesus stuck to the Truth. When he was brought before
Pilate and questioned, Jesus replied, "The reason I came into the world is to testify to the
Truth" (Jn. 18:37). Jesus stressed the importance of Truth when He said:
"Ifyou live according to my teaching, you are truly my disciples; then you will know the Truth
and the Truth will set youfree." (Jn. 8:31-32)

Jesus also warned his follower about spreading rumors and lies. assure you, on Judgment Day,
people will be held accountable for every word they speak. By your words you will be
condemned. (Mt. 12: 36—37)
When St. Paul was arrested and was brought to trial, he said before his judges, I strive to keep
my conscience clear before God and man. (Acts
24.•16)
From the Scriptures itself, we learn that as followers of Jesus, we are called to act as witnesses
of the Gospel and of the obligation that flow from it.
I he word Gospel is applied to the entirety of Christian teaching and. because of this, it has
becotne an expression of designating the Truth. All of us have the duty of proclaiming the
Gospel. We are called on to rid ourselves o/ malice and all deceit, in sincerity, envy and all
slander (l Pt. 2: l) and put on the new se(f— created in God Is image M'hose justice and
holiness are born of truth (Eph. 4:24).
The 80 commandment condemns any form of lying, gossip, envy' jealousy, half-truths,
insinuations and the like about one's fellowmen whether in thought, word or deed.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC, 2475-2482) also enumerates the following
offenses against truth:
a. Detraction and slander/calumny are offenses against the truth, for they destroy the good
name of others by publicly revealing, without necessity, their hidden faults. Thus, if we
commit these offenses, others will be deprived of their right to a good name and the respect of
their fellow human beings.
b. Gossiping or tale bearing, rash judgments and prejudices are equally destructive and have
harmful effects on the lives of persons or communities concerned. These are usually done by
immature, insecure and self-centered individuals who have nothing else to do except minding
other people 's business.
c. Perjury is the voluntary violation of an oath or vow either by swearing to what is untrue or
by missing to do what has been promised under oath.
d. Rash judgment is a quick opinion or pronouncement that is marked by or proceeding from

undue haste or lack of deliberation or caution.
e. Prejudice is a preconceived judgment. It is an injury or damage resulting from some

judgment or action of another in disregard of one's rights
to my email. Answers must me minimum of 2 paragraphs per item.
1. Is the act of “slander” applicable in the eight commandment which says that “You shall
not bear false witness against your neighbor”? Yes or No, and Why?
2. Suppose you are in a witness stand, being interrogated because you have seen how your
friend killed another person out of jealousy and anger. Knowing that the murderer is
your friend, are you willing to tell the truth knowing that it would convict and imprison
your friend? or are you willing to commit an act of perjury to protect your friend? State
your reasons.

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Study Guide 1

Exodus 20:1-17 Deuteronomy 5:6-21

The Ten Commandments The Decalogue

New American Bible (NAB)

a. A Call to Love God

1. Fourth Commandment : "Honor your father and your mother."

1. Sixth Commandment : "You shall not commit adultery,"

d. A Call to Fairness and Equality

1. Seventh Commandment : "You shall not steal."

1. Eighth Commandntent : "You shall not bear false witness against

Finally, it is best to understand the Ten Commandments as dynamically forming together a

The Ten Commandments are needed to provide: (cf: CFC 876)

a) credible and durable moral norms for everyday life;

c) a universally accessible source for relating to non'Christians in moral matters.

1. All Activities should be sent to my email

2. Must the Church and State be separable in governing us?

A CALL To LOVE GOD

I. Human Experience: (Answers must minimum of 2 paragraphs per item)

Activity for Study Guide 2

II. Value: GOD-CENTEREDNESS

III. Christian Message:

Activity for Study Guide 2:

Guide Questions for Reflection:

2. Fruits of the First Commandment

Idolatry - the substitution of someone something else for God.

b. Reconciling Truth : God's unique oneness, as the Father of us all, makes

3. What does it command?

a. Duty of Prayer or Worship

b. Veneration of Mary and the saints

2. Grk: Dulia (veneration) - To honor with special reverence.

The honor and reverence of everything belonging to God.

a. Dulia -veneration due to Saints

4. What does it Prohibit?

a. All fornts of Idolatry

Modern Idols divinized economic power, possessions ad wealth, politics,

b. All forms of IrreLigious Practices or Activities

Sacrilege - violating sacred places, things and persons.

Simony - selling or buying spiritual goods.

Tempting God - demanding signs, complaining.

A. THE SECOND COMMANDMENT

2. Name in the Bible

a. Name in the Old Testament

b. "Name" in the New Testament

3. What does it command?

Reverencefor God's Name

3. As Christians, we are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the

4. What does it Prohibit?

a. Lack ofreverencefor God's name:

4, Obscene Language - obscene, silly or suggestive talk that is out of place.

5. Breaking of Vow - a vow is a promise made to God, under pain of sin,

6, Calumny- is calling God evil or attempting to deny any of the good

7. Apostacyisthe renunciation of Christ or denial of Him after having;

b. Lack ofrespectforfellow human persons:

Misuse of power in the name of God

c. THE THIRD COMMANDMENT

"Remember to keep holy the Sabbath Day (Lord's Day)."

(Ex. 20.•8; Dt. 5:12)

2. Understanding the Sabbath Day

Two basic sources of the Third Commandment's Sabbath rest: