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Running head: STUDY OF THEOLOGY

How can the study of theology from the heart of Catholic Church equip a person to fill God’s

holiness and to the apostolate?

Names

Institution

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STUDY OF THEOLOGY
The Catholic theology is based on the belief in Christ and traditions. It enlightens

Christians on how they can live lives of holiness and build faith in God. A Christian cannot

separate their lives of godliness from their daily activities. A Christian develops faith in God

through studying and meditating upon His (Apostolicam Actuositatem, 1965). The word of

God communicates the will of God to Christians. A believer needs the word of God to

understand His will and live a life of holiness. This document examines how the study of

theology from the heart of Catholic Church equip a person to fill God’s holiness and to the

apostolate. Studying theology helps theologians to experience the love of God through the

suffering of His son Jesus Christ to bring salvation to humanity. It builds the faith of the

believers in death and resurrection of Christ stated in the creed. Also, it gives them a personal

experience with God which they share with unbelievers and demonstrate the love of God

through acts of love, humility and faith (International Theological Commission, 2011).

Faithful Catholics co-share the responsibility for evangelizing to the world to bring more

followers into the God’s fold. The sharing of Holy Communion or the body of Christ

symbolizes the unity of the church. The baptism of water and Holy Spirit strengthens the

faith and believers and empower to spread the Gospel of Jesus to the world. Studying the

word of God strengthens the faith of believers and gives them a personal experience of the

love of God which they share with the word and practice in their day-to-day lives.

The purpose of Jesus death and resurrection was to bring salvation to the world

through the power of the Holy Spirit (Donum Veritatis, 1990). Today the believers in Christ

continue to receive the grace and holiness of the God through the flow of the Holy Spirit. The

Catholic believers have the responsibility to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in obedience

to the command and teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus demonstrated his love for the world by

dying on the cross for the salvation of humanity (Vatican II, 1964). Therefore, all followers

of Jesus Christ must follow His teachings by showing love to everyone and being in union
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with Christ. Theologians acquire the knowledge of salvation and love of Jesus Christ through

the Holy Spirit who offers guidance and means for holiness (Apostolicam Actuositatem,

1965). The Holy Spirit reveals the love of God to humanity and helps the church to love one

another unconditionally. The Holy Trinity demonstrates the kind of love and unity which

should resonate in the lives of Catholic followers. By studying the word of God, the church

gets a revelation of the love of God and the will of God as the savior of humanity. The

church is a component of the body of Christ. The unity of the church is attained through

salvation and baptism of the Holy Spirit. Through learning the word of God, the Catholic

Church theologians get connected with God through the Holy Spirit by accepting to obey the

will of God (International Theological Commission, 2011). The power of the cross of Jesus

and unity of the church attained through Holy Spirit brings sanctification to the believers.

Through the grace of salvation and fruits of faith and love drives believers to share the word

of God to the world.

The church is part of the body of Christ. The world of God enlightens believers to

understand the will of God. The knowledge of God and the gifts of the Holy Spirit help

believers to work in harmony with the community of believers or the people of God.

Studying the word of God strengthens the faith of believers and gives them the grace to work

together (International Theological Commission, 2011). The Holy Spirit gives each member

of the church a different gift to be used for the benefit of the body of Christ. Some believers

have the gift of healing, sharing the word of God, speaking in tongues, etc. All the church

members must work in unity to benefit from various gifts the Holy Spirit has bestowed upon

them. The unity of believers brings revelation of faith to unbelievers and brings oneness

according to the principle of scripture and tradition (Apostolicam Actuositatem, 1965). The

study of the scripture reveals the way of God’s salvation to humanity which transforms the

way of believers. The Catholic Church symbolizes unity and sacrament of redemption for
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everyone because God brings salvation to His people and not to individuals. Those who

choose to be part of Catholic Church pursue holiness by adhering to the teachings of Jesus.

Also, they are apostolate by spreading the word of God to the word to increase members of

the church through the message of unity.

In Catholic Church, everyone has a great role to play to fill God’s and the apostolate.

The laity spread the will and love of God to the world by the way they live and act in

everyday lives. Everyone is supposed to seek the will of God in their everyday activities.

Whatever a member of the Catholic Church does every day should reflect the will of God for

humanity (Vatican II, 1964). The believers should seek God’s guidance in all undertakings.

The laity requires faith in God for them to commit their lives and all activities under His care.

However, the challenges, cares and worries of lives can quickly undermine the faith of laity

leading them to conform to the standards of the world of unbelievers. The laity expresses

holiness through acts of humility, mercy and patience (Apostolicam Actuositatem, 1965).

The study of God’s scripture helps the members of Catholic Church to replenish their faith

every day and help overcome the challenges and worries of lives. The church members build

godly character through studying the word of God and meditating on it every day. The

knowledge of the word of God helps laity to reveal the love of God to the world through their

deeds (Vatican II, 1964). Also, it enables believers to recognize the specific gifts of Holy

Spirit given to them and use it to express Gods love in pursuance of holiness. Accepting to

live a life of holiness and showing love for one another part of the holiness of God and an

apostolate which is part of every member of Catholic Church.

Jesus came to establish the kingdom of God on earth to save the world from sins.

Those who belong to the kingdom of God must emulate the life of Jesus in faith and humility.

Jesus began his ministry by appointing 12 apostles to assist him (Apostolicam Actuositatem,

1965). After his death, resurrection and ascension the early apostles laid the foundation of
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the present day church by recruiting followers from all parts of the world to witness for Jesus.

Jesus commanded his apostles to spread the gospel of Jesus to every corner of the world

calling everyone to repent their sins, be baptized with water and receive the gift of the Holy

Spirit. Without repentance of sins, it is impossible for anyone to attain holiness. Christians

have a duty to witness for Jesus in all corners of the world. Sharing the gospel of Jesus to the

unbelievers makes the community of believers to continue growing every day. The members

of Catholic Church receive baptism and confirmation, and through the help of the Holy Spirit,

they are ready to carry out the duty of helping to spread the gospel to the world (Libreria

Editrice Vaticana, 1990). The love of God and other human beings helps Christians to create

unity and yield to the will of God. A Christian should live in Christ, culture and society. They

must live in hope, love and faith to live in the will of God. A Christian must value the lives of

others and respect them as God’s creation. Also, Christians must hope that sufferings can be

transformed into joy. Despite the many challenges in the world Christians always hope for a

better life. In all situations, Christians must show humility because without humility they

cannot understand themselves and others (Vatican II, 1964). The study of theological brings

an understanding of oneself and others as well as the will of God demonstrated through love.

Sharing the word of God with others and showing love for all is God’s commission for all

Christians which they must fulfil with humility.

A person becomes a sinner after birth because the human nature is sinful. Jesus Christ

brought salvation to humanity so that everyone who believes in Him receives priceless

salvation (Donum Veritatis, 1990). However, the Catholic Church recognizes the role of Mary

the mother of Jesus in bringing holiness to the world. In her human nature, Mary required

salvation to become holy. She lived a sinless life and dedicated her life to supporting Jesus to

fulfil the will of God of saving the world. The Catholic Church followers have great honor

for Mary because she was part of God’s salvation plan. The study of theology helps the
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believers in doctrines of Catholic Church with an understanding of the role of Mary in the life

of Jesus and God’s plan of salvation. Mary was totally a human being and lived a sinless life.

The believers of Catholic faith emulate the life of Mary to acquire holiness of God. Although

she faced temptation in her human nature, she overcame and lived with the grace of God

(Vatican II, 1964). Showing her respect and honor makes believers become her son as they

pursue holiness. She remained faithful to God in all situations even after the death,

resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Theologians believe that Mary overcame the sins of the

world and now she lives with God in heaven (Apostolicam Actuositatem, 1965). The study of

theology helps believers to emulate the characters of Mary to achieve holiness of God. Also,

it helps them to spread the knowledge of how to achieve righteousness and holiness to

unbelievers. The will of God is for everyone to escape death by living lives of holiness. Every

member of Catholic Church must share the good news of God’s salvation to the world or

evangelize to the world in deeds and sharing the word of God.

The ultimate destiny of a believer of Jesus Christ is heaven where they will be

crowned with eternal life. Jesus Christ is the predecessor through his death and resurrection.

As members of Catholic Church, one is expected to live for Jesus Christ because he died to

save the world from the bondage of sins and eternal condemnation (Libreria Editrice

Vaticana, 1990). Theologians acquire the knowledge about the salvation of Jesus and what is

required of them to live the Christ-like life. Those who lived holy lives are at an advantage

because they live secure lives with God. Jesus Chris promised his followers that those who

will overcome sins would live eternal lives with God in heaven (Vatican II, 1964). The

knowledge that those who pursued holiness are saved with God in heaven gives believers an

inspiration and hope for better life. It encourages believers to continue pursuing righteousness

and holiness because it is the only way of attaining the eternal life which Jesus promised

(Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1990). Furthermore, theologians become witnesses of faith and
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love to transform their lives and the lives of the world. The celebration of holy mass is a

demonstration of faith in unity with Christ Jesus. The partakers of the body of Christ become

closely knit with the holy church of past believers in heaven. Knowing the word of God

brings revelation about the future lives of those who acquire faith in Jesus. The knowledge

helps them to pursue holiness of God and witness to the world about the love of God.

God reveals His will to the believers through the Holy Spirit. Reading and listening to

the word of God gives theologians the opportunity to learn the will of God in their lives.

Studying and sharing the word of God (International Theological Commission, 2011). The

word of God is the basis on which the church is established which is God himself. Studying

the word of God is listening to the voice of God through the Holy Spirit (Donum Veritatis,

1990). Theologians should study the word to empower themselves as witnesses of Christ and

share the message of God with others. Unlike in the ancient time when God used to speak to

His people through His prophets, in the present days studying the word of God is the

common means of communicating with God. Everyone must study the word of God to

understand His will.

Creed (“I believe”) is an important component of faithful Catholics. It is an

expression of Christian faith in the will of God and holy trinity. Catholic believers commit to

the word of God and the deeds of the Holy Spirit (Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1990). They

believe that through the work of the Holy Spirit Jesus died for their sins, resurrected and

ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God. The Christians also believe that

Jesus will come to the Holy Church and the dead will resurrect to join the living saints in

rejoicing for the second coming of Christ. Studying the word of God is an act of faith which

brings understanding to the believers about the love of God for His people (Apostolicam

Actuositatem, 1965). After learning the word of God believers express the knowledge about
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the will of God to others so that they form a substantial body of Christ. Christians must

pursue holiness because God is Holy and He wills all people to live lives of holiness.

In conclusion, all Christians have a call to live as a lay apostolate and submit to the

will of God. Every believer should proclaim the saving power of God to everyone. A

Christian cannot separate their faith from daily lives. They must express the will of God in

faith and humility. A Christian should heed the call of God and do what the Lord requires

them to do in their lives and not to wait for the instructions from the church clergies. A

Christian should reach out to the world with the word of God sharing the love of God with

everyone. The world is continuing to sink into sins because of increasing desire for material

wealth and technology which are waning people’s commitment to God. There is a need for

more faithful lay Catholics to arise and proclaim the word of God to every corner of the

world. They should share God’s love with everyone including their family members and

perform their duties with humility and faith. Studying theology is essential for any Christian

because it equips them with the knowledge about the will of God, discovers their lives and

shares the love of God with the rest of the world. It gives Christians the meaning of baptism,

creed, sharing of the Holy Communion and faith. Christians must live Christ-like lives in

their daily lives by expressing love and concern for others and avoiding evil ways.
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References

Apostolicam Actuositatem, (1965). Decree on the Apostolate of Lay People. Solemnly

promulgated by his holiness, pope paul vi on november 18, 1965. Retrieved from;

http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-

ii_decree_19651118_apostolicam-actuositatem_en.html

Donum Veritatis, (1990). congregation for the doctrine of the faith. Instruction on the

ecclesial vocation of the theologian. Retrieved from;

Http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_d

oc_19900524_theologian-vocation_en.html

International Theological Commission, (2011), Theology today: perspectives, principles and

criteria. Retrieved from;

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/cti_documents/rc_cti_doc_2

0111129_teologia-oggi_en.html

Libreria Editrice Vaticana, (1990), Apostolic Constitution

of The Supreme Pontiff On Catholic Universities. Retrieved from;

http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-

ii_apc_15081990_ex-corde-ecclesiae.html

Vatican II, (1964), Lumen Gentium: dogmatic constitution on the church solemnly

promulgated by his Holiness Pope Paul VI on november 21, 1964. Retrieved from;

www.vatican.va/archive/hist.../ii.../vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html