Class 10 – The Holy Trinity [Catechist Copy]
1. [CCC 187,195] What is the formal statement of Catholic belief, dating from the Council of Nicaea in 325?
[The Nicene Creed. (Also called a “Symbol of Faith,” or “Profession of Faith.”)]
2. [CCC 202,253] What is the following doctrine called: “There is One God, who is a communion of Three co-equal, co-eternal, and uncreated divine Persons – named the FATHER, and the SON, and the HOLY SPIRIT”
[The doctrine of the Holy Trinity]
3. [CCC 190] How does the organization of the Creed express the doctrine of the Holy Trinity?
[It is divided into three parts, which speak in turn of each divine Person]
4. [CCC 252] How does the distinction between Nature (What something is) and Person (Who someone is) help us speak about the mystery of God in His inner life and being?
In terms of Nature or Substance (“What is God?”), God is __[One]_____ nature(s)
In terms of Personhood or Name (“Who is God?”), God is ___[Three]____ person(s)
5. [CCC 242, cf. footnote 66] The heretic Arius said Jesus is the “first-born of all God’s creation,” and is “like” God in being and substance [Greek: homoi-ousios], not actually divine. The Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.) proclaimed that Jesus is not “like” God, but “is” God; of the “same” or identical divine nature as the Father [Greek: homo-ousios]. Which verse of the Creed expresses this truth about Jesus?
[“Consubstantial with the Father.” Other phrases build up to it: “God from God; Light from Light” ]
6. [CCC 246, 479; Jn 1:1-3 ] God the Son “proceeds” (“is begotten”) from the Father akin to the way thought proceeds from the mind. God the Holy Spirit “proceeds” from the Father and the Son akin to the way love spirates from the heart. What term does St. John use for God the Son, to illustrate this procession?
[“Word” (Greek: “Logos”)]
7. [CCC 691-701] The Third Person of the Holy Trinity is described in various ways. List five titles and/or symbols used to depict the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures.