Christian Anthropology: Introductory Lectures

Fr. Lito A. Mangulabnan, S. J.

I. The Human Person: Various Viewpoints

- personality theories and social sciences

- Christian perspective combined with the social sciences

- made in God’s image: concrete meaning

- God’s design for the human person: “wounded” by sin yet redeemed
- One’s giftedness: so-called “external worth” vs. “intrinsic worth”
- 3 intimately connected dimensions of the self: psycho-physiological,
psychosocial and psycho-spiritual aspects. Contents of concrete self:
values, attitudes and needs.Moral aspects of personal freedom,
decisions/choices and conscience.
- Importance of Moral Development

II. The Struggle between Sin and Grace

- Dimensions of Sin
- Tentacles of Social Sin
- Christ and Redemption; the Redemptive Power of the Cross

III The Mission of the Church here and now as continuing the Mission of Christ

In conclusion, God has called me to a dynamic movement to become a fully loving

person; a movement to the fullness of life made possible through Jesus Christ. A
movement to liberation (freedom from within) toward becoming fully human.

As I begin my journey:

I recognize my strengths, gifts and positive qualities God has given me.
I am called to use/harness them for God’s greater glory.
I recognize/accept my vulnerabilities, my woundedness, my brokenness, my shadows
and my weaknesses, knowing well my limitations.
I realize that God alone can heal me through His love, acceptance and grace.
I am neither all good nor all bad; I am a mixture of both.
I am neither all spiritual nor sensual; I am both
I am neither generous nor selfish; I am both.
I am neither a saint nor a sinner; I am both.
But God accepts me; God constantly forgives me; God loves me where I am
And I can accept, forgive and love myself and others like God.
I realize that I am not perfect, but I am being perfected by the healing love and
healing power of God in Jesus. My life is continuing journey towards God.