Handout on ReEd 1

Initium Fidei: An Introduction to Doing Catholic Theology

Lesson 6: Dimensions of Faith

Introduction
This lesson aims to introduce students to the three dimensions of the faith such as

Doctrine, Moral and worship.

Learning Objectives

1. Distinguish the three dimensions of faith: Doctrine, Morals and Worship;

2. Value the necessity of balance between the three dimensions of faith.

The Concept of Faith

Basically, faith is the acceptance of the word of another, trusting in what the other is

saying because he is convinced that the other is honest and is telling the truth. The basic

motive of all faith is the authority and integrity of someone who is speaking.

The Philippines is noted for being the only Christian Country in Asia. Christian Faith is one

of the distinguishing characteristics of our people. Yet today it is common to hear Filipino

Catholics acknowledging how little they know of their Christian Faith. The Christian faith

is exemplified in doctrine (the Creed), Morals (the Commandments) and worship (the

Sacraments) also manifest faith as an integral whole. Christian Faith, then, is not

something fragmented but living life in such a way that our mind, will and heart are

enlightened by and united to the Church’s doctrine, morals and worship.

 1. Doctrine

Doctrine” simply means “teaching” (2 Tim. 3:16).

Doctrine means teaching. The Church specifically uses the word Doctrine to mean all

Teaching (ie. the content of the Magisterium)

Through its doctrines, the Church is enabled to speak to the real problems of real people,

both within the Church, and beyond it. The Church’s various doctrines are those which,

when put into words, proclaim the faith of the church in ordinary language, thereby leading

people more deeply into relationship with God.”

It is also called “believing” This is our acceptance of the truth of the teachings handed

down to us by virtue of the authority of the one who taught us.

2. Morals

Just like in the dimension of Doctrine, our Morals is guided not just by “head knowledge”

of the dos and don’ts of moral living. Instead, it is guided by the “loving, evaluative

knowledge” of faith.

It is also called “doing/obedience” - to have faith is to bear witness to the Lord through

our life by obeying his commands and living the Gospel. This obedience and bearing

witness to one’s faith is to be manifested in action and words as we proclaim in the Lord

and his kingdom.

Evaluative Knowledge - It is a “knowledge of the heart,” involving values, not easily

detached from the knower and the concrete situation, and therefore more difficult to

communicate. Evaluative knowledge is personal knowledge.

3. Worship

Christ’s personal prayer always involved his communal mission, and his public acts and prayer

revealed the personal interior depths of his relation to the Father.

It is also called “Entrusting/worshipping” -Beyond believing and doing, faith is also entrusting

oneself into God’s hand.

 AUTHENTIC CATHOLIC FAITH
Faith of
Believer’s Trusting Thru Christ
Objective Faith the Early
Acts of Faith (Vocative) (John 14:6)
Church

DOCTRINE (Creed) Kerygma Believing Head Truth Truth

(Teaching) (Indicative) (Convictions)

MORALS Diakonia Doing Hands Way Way

(Commandments) (Service) (Imperative) (Commitments)

WORSHIP (Prayer) Leiturgia Trusting Heart Life Life

(Liturgy) (Vocative) (Celebrations)

PREDOMINANT FILIPNO CHARACTERISTICS

1. Family-Oriented

2. Meal-Oriented

3. Kundiman- Oriented

4. Bayani-Oriented

5. Spirit-Oriented

6. Marian- Oriented
 FILIPINO CATHOLIC

1. Family- Oriented

2. Fellowship/Communion Centered

3. Resiliency