Theology 151 C Thesis Statements 1.

Arvi Fifi Bancoro Being a Christian is about living life the way Jesus lived His life on Earth. There are things that differentiate Christianity in the Philippines from Christianity in other countries because of cultural differences, but this does not mean that makes Filipinos belong to a different kingdom of God. The differences of the people in the kingdom of God do not pose problems for Christianity. The important thing is that all of the people, however different they may be from one another, share a common goal of living a life of Gods love. 2. Hannah Dela Guerra The Church, especially the youth, faces a number of challenges which were not present before. Christ with the scriptures guide His church as it encounters questions about man and faith, guiding it as it grows. In the midst of all difficulties and doubts that plague Christians, God is present with us today. 3. Alex Cruz "We are all invited to be part of the church, which is the Body and Bride of Christ. As we become co-members, community and solidarity is needed as the kingdom called for is abundant in peace and love that is cultivated. As all Christians enjoy freedom in Christ, therefore each should bear hope to one another." 4. Josef Chavez The Modern Filipinos have to consistently adapt with the fast modernizing and changing times while synchronizing it with the essence of the new Catholic Commitment. This Catholic Commitment may deviate from the traditional devotees but it should transform to a more action based Catholic living to go hand in hand with this generation's priorities. 5. Orlando Orly Rances Narcissism, pragmatism, unbridled restlessness and the non-contemplative personality prevent the youth today from growing in their religion thus the common phrase: I want the Kingdom but not the church. 6. Chikki Ybiernas One cannot claim the Kingdom of God but not be part of His Kingdom on earth. We proclaim our faith in Him best if we acknowledge that we are part of the Church. As Christians, we belong to a community of the faithful.

7. Mark Mirabueno Christianity requires of us a deeper understanding of its different areas. We must understand the concepts related to biblical exegesis as it contains the foundations of the Christian faith. We must also be able to understand the human being as both body and soul, thus understanding the implications of sexuality. Finally, we must also understand how all of these grounded beliefs relate and are supposed to relate to the issues that rise with modern times. 8. Jelena Fajardo Hope is freedomfrom the untrue, from the hurtful past, and from the overwhelming fears. Hope grounds Christianity as the experience of God's all-encompassing love. Being a Christian, thus, is being both a student and a shepherd of hope. 9. Hanna Lizel Agbay Christianity is not just about quenching our thirst for spirituality, it is about pointing ourselves to God. In Christianity, there are some of it that makes us not only hopeful but also pushes us to do good for the other, which is according to God's will. Thus we should fight against our selfcenteredness not just for the sake of other people but for God as well. 10. Johann De Guzman In realizing that we are embodied spirits and connected with other people, we live beyond our facticity by going beyond ourselves through loving and being loved. In doing so, we find lifes meaning. Accordingly, our love for God is realized through love in relationships as members of the Church. 11. Ben Caisip Christianity is seeking God Himself. We ought to do that by living for others, or as Christ would put it, go and make disciples of all nations. By fulfilling this mission we can find the ultimate source of meaning in our life, which is God. We can achieve this by letting go of our narcissism, pragmatism, or even our unbridled restlessness and yearning for the things of the world. This way, we can attain our freedom through our moral excellence and find our telos. 12. Chino Chy In current society there has been a huge misunderstanding between the people and Church. Not only that, but within society itself there is a rift forming between each generation. The times have changed and the teachings of the Church have been lost in translation. The focus of the people has now become mostly about themselves and not of others. Furthermore, a vast majority of society has become dormant when it comes to the open participation of Church activities. I believe that this course has been designed to try and rebuild the bridges that were lost in society so that we may once again embrace the Church for what it is. In order for us to embrace the church we must gain a better understanding of its purpose and that is what this course attempts to

do. It is left up to the people if they choose to open their minds to this or if they choose to continue living in darkness. 13. Xander Cruz By no means being a Chrisitan is an easy task. We may lose ourselves in this world we live in, and lose sight of really matters. Through Him, we are able to see beyond our own little world and its illusions, reaching out to our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, and seeking God. Through God's grace are we able to transform ourselves to become His instruments that will bring His Kingdom here on Earth. 14. Golda Silla The youth today gives more emphasis on Spirituality (faith in God, Kingdom of God) than the Church. This means that rituals and celebrations are not the measure of being a Christian but actually living a Christ-like life. Living Christ-like is not just praying for the poor, but doing something for them; which relates to the saying action speaks more than words. 15. Kat Tuason A life lived with God is a life of true freedom however, certain obstacles have emerged which make us unable to build to do so. To live a life with God is not just having a personal relationship with Him but it is also a life in communion with others. The church is Gods community of believers. It serves as both the Body and the Bride of Christ. More importantly, it is the churchs mission to continue what Jesus Christ has started. 16. Elle Jacomille In order to fulfill and contribute to the mission of the Church, we, the youth, should aim to be committed Christians despite the obstacles which hinder us from contemplation and true freedom. To be instruments of God's peace and in building His Kingdom on earth, we have to be in communion with the whole of humanity by responding to our role as free persons in Christ in our commitment to the truth and to the Church, whose purpose is to primarily be an apostolic community and our practice for heaven. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." 17. Roi Pascua As a youth in a Christian community, one needs to be aware of his role and place within his community. One also needs to understand, through Jesus' teaching and the Sacred Scripture, what it means to be human and to live a moral life. Lastly, we, youths, need to be aware of the Church's role not only in our community but more importantly in our faith.

18. Budgie Dulay The course teaches us that although we are very advanced in terms of technology and preparing for the future, in order to really commit to God, we have to go back to simplicity, to look at things from the perspective of a child. 19. Bernice Sing With concepts of freedom, happiness and love, we grow a deeper and more open acceptance of who we, the youth, are as we come to a better understanding of what it really means to commit to Christian faith. We achieve this through always acting with compassion as Jesus did, to be strong in both words and deeds, and to let the love of God be manifested in our daily lives towards the community. 20. JJ Matalam A truly committed Filipino Catholic commits not just to the Church, but also to the Truth. This is practiced through the knowledge and application of Morality, Freedom, Chastity and knowledge of the Paschal Mystery. Finding this true commitment will lead not only to harmony with God, but harmony with the whole of humanity as well. 21. Lyra Dietrich One possible answer to the question: What is the point of being a Christian? Is exemplified in Christ's call for the disciples of the faith to manifest justice and peacemaking within the contexts of their communities. To go beyond 'charity' and towards justice in order to transform the sinful structures of our society. 22. Marlou Ramas As Christians, we should spontaneously live our lives while pointing towards Jesus Christ because He is the truth, the way and the life. By doing so, we form fruitful relationships grounded on truth and freedom while fulfilling our mission as part of the Church who is the bride of Christ. Only by looking pass ourselves and relating with others can we make full use of our freedom because it is our nature to relate with others and God can always be found within the community. 23. Bien Dilla "Truly, the times have changed for the youth of the world today. Secularism has been prevalent in most societies and thus, the Church, being a mother to her children, have continuously worked to bring back the youth to God. Being part of the youth of the world today, we are all called to go back to our Christian faith and together, as one Church, strive to become better individuals in this world and to be a living example of Christ's goodness and love."

24. Denise Jose God is bigger than religion. Christianity isn't just about passively going to church and following a set of rules. God wants us to think bigger than this--He wants us to go out into the world and spread His love. 25. Erika Ty Christian spirituality is the most central of all mysteries and the Paschal mystery entails suffering, death and transformation which are central to Christ. The paschal mystery is the mystery of how we receive new life and new spirit even after undergoing some kind of death. It is a process of transformation within which we are given both new life and new spirit. The paschal mystery is the secret to life and is ultimately, our happiness. 26. Nicole Ong The true Christian is free; the true Christian follows. He acknowledges the presence of victims in the world, but perceives it as nothing more than a restrictive negative force that must be ameliorated. And because he reveres God, he respects others, himself, and the fact that all things must happen in the right time. 27. Lok Narciso Catholic commitment of the Filipino develops through the virtue and practice of justice. The Filipino Catholic freely promotes social and political justice through his daily undertakings. He or she enters this commitment fully and freely together with the community of the Church, all by following the example of Christ. 28. Paula Lantin Christians are called to be part of the Church as the Body and Bride of Christ. As a community, Christians should evoke a certain kind of solidarity with one another where peace and love will emerge, both of which are abundant in the kingdom of heaven. Freedom can be found in Christ as Christians all strive for a virtuous life as a community of believers. 29. John Tantoco Being a Christian today is harder than it was years ago. There are mounting forces that pull us away from God and at the same time there are habits and qualities that keep us away from Him. Thus there is a need for the people of today to try and get back to the grassroots of our identities and of the faith and gain a deeper understanding of what it means to truly be Catholic and also what it means to be ourselves.

30. Miguel Reyes To be a Christian is to respond to Gods calling to liberate those in our society who suffer from the pangs of social injustice. This mission to spread Christian social justice through the transformation of systems is an undeniable dimension of our faith that every Christian must heed. Jesus Christs life is the ultimate example we are called to emulate. This must be done not only because God has dignified every human being through His own image but also because we are all part of the body of Christ through the Church, as one community. 31. Klark Garcia The prevalence of religious pluralism and the attitude of individualism hinder the mission of the church to become a community since it breeds differening opinions and provides the individual with unlimited choices(a lack of freedom therefore not true freedom) but despite these, individualism and pluralism helps in the advancement and self-evaluation of one's faith. 32. Angel Mesina The youth of today are in search for the truth and meaning in their lives. However, a gap exists between where they are right now an uncoducive context filled with narcissism, pragmatism, and unbridled restlessness to where they desire to be a state of everlasting freedom and happiness with their Creator. Given this, they struggle to find the right path in their earthly journey. And to this longing and searching, the Catholic Church had offered a path which is the commitment to chastity, paschal mystery, truth and to the church itself. 33. Miguel Dimayacyac Passed ahead of time directly to sirs email. 34. Kaypee Girao God is the center into which Christian religion revolves around. Realist believes that everything happens because of the existence of an all-mighty God. For non-realists, religion, and to an extent, God, are human constructions designed to make people function better in a society. Thus, religion, including Christianity, is a social phenomenon. 35. Sara Erasmo Christianity in our day and age is misunderstood in a number of ways. The culture of individualism, narcissism, and restlessness does not help either--it keeps us from getting closer to God and to the Church. However, as baptized Christians we need to learn to be humble and to have the courage to face suffering. It is through this manner that we can truly come together with fellow man and with God.

36. Pachino Santos The Christian Life is a commission from God Himself in which we are called to share the Good News and expand the community of God. To achieve this marvel of a task, we must first course ourselves through discipline, practice, and mastery of Christs teachings. 37. Ryan Tan Being Filipino and a Christian, what gives point in my life is the pursuit of meaning through the teachings and example of Christ which entails a sustained endeavour of examining solid problems and using my abilities to solve them. Ultimately, I believe I will be judged by God based on what my contribution is in alleviating hardships in the world in contributing to the fullness of his Kingdom