Baltimore Catechism, Lesson 2: God & His Perfections - Pt 1
Here on the Ecu-Men, we are continuing our journey through the Baltimore Catechism. Today in Lesson 2, Part 1, the Ecu-Men are going to cover the nature of God and how we learn more about Him. This is a difficult topic. As you listen, please feel free to use the links below to learn more about this topic so that you can get even more familiar with the topic.
8. What do we mean when we say that God is the Supreme Being?
He is above all creatures, the self-existing and infinitely perfect Spirit. (Isaiah 44:6)
9. What is a spirit?
A spirit is a being that has understanding and free will, but no body, and will never die. (Isaiah 40:18)
10. What do we mean when we say that God is self-existing?
He does not owe His existence to any other being. (Exodus 3:14)
11. What do we mean when we say that God is infinitely perfect?
He has all perfections without limit. (Psalm 144:3)
12. What are some of the perfections of God?
Some of the perfections of God are: God is eternal, all-good, all-knowing, all-present, and almighty.
13. What do we mean when we say that God is eternal?
He always was and always will be, and always remains the same. (Apocalypse 1:8)
14. What do we mean when we say that God is all-good?
He is infinitely lovable in Himself, and that from His fatherly love every good comes to us. (Psalm 32:4-5)
15. What do we mean when we say that God is all-knowing?
He knows all things, past, present, and future, even our most secret thoughts, words, and actions. (Psalm 138:5-6)
16. What do we mean when that God Is all-present?
When we say that God is all-present we mean that He is everywhere. (Psalm 138:7)
17. If God is everywhere, why do we not see Him?
Although God is everywhere, we do not see Him because He is a spirit and cannot be seen with our eyes. (John 4:24)
18. Does God see us?
God sees us and watches over us with loving care. (Matthew 6:31:32)
19. What is God's loving care for us called?
God's loving care for us is called Divine Providence. (I Peter 5:7)
20. What do we mean when we say that God is almighty?
We mean that He can do all things. (Luke 1:37)
21. Is God all-wise, all-holy, all-merciful, and all-just?
Yes, God is all-wise, all-holy, all-merciful, and all-just. (Psalm 144:17)
22. Can we know by our natural reason that there is a God?
We can know by our natural reason that there is a God, for natural reason tells us that the world we see about us could have been made only by a self-existing Being, all-wise and almighty. (Romans 1:18-19)
23. Can we know God in any other way than by our natural reason?
Yes, by Sacred Scripture and in Tradition. (2 Thes 2:15)
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Baltimore Catechism, Lesson 2:
https://www.catholicity.com/ba....ltimore-catechism/le
Augustine on the Trinity: City of God, Book 11, Ch 24: http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/120111.htm
St Thomas Aquinas: 5 Proofs of God’s Existence
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Ways_(Aquinas)
Arguments for God's Existence - Dr Peter Kreeft
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFjjA_Pt4AQ&t=1950s
Metaphysics:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiKGZYOI0q0&t=4s
Against Communism, Pius XI
http://www.vatican.va/content/....pius-xi/en/encyclica
The Virtues:
https://www.catholicity.com/ba....ltimore-catechism/le
