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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 6

This resource is from the Living in Christ Series. It offers various project ideas for students who have recently studied the Paschal Mystery, especially the themes of redemptive suffering and grace.

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Treating Sensitive Topics

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses and gives tips on how to approach sensitive topics in a classroom environment.

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Understanding Suffering

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It gives a thorough introduction to the concept of suffering in the Bible using scripture passages.

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Ministries Small Group Liturgy Preparation

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. Teachers may use this resource to organize students into group to plan and reflect on various parts of the liturgy of the Mass.

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The Eucharistic Prayers

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the Eucharistic prayers historically, theologically, spiritually, pastorally, devotionally, liturgically, cosmically and celestially.

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The Interfaith Classroom

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses techniques and challenges for teaching Catholic themes in an interfaith classroom environment.

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The Powerful Symbol of the Cross

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can reflect the difference between symbols and signs, and do a project to create their own symbol of the Cross.

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Modern Day Martyrs

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It introduces a project idea for students learning about modern-day martyrs for their faith and religious convictions.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 4

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. If offers various project ideas for students who have recently studied the Paschal Mystery and the redemptive nature of Jesus' suffering.

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Resurrection: Past and Present Reality

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the significance of the Resurrection, including how it was viewed in ancient Judaism, in the time of Jesus and the early Christians, and its importance for Christians today.

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Written Conversations

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of classroom discussions as well as suggesting new styles of this method.

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Political and Religious Structure in Jesus' Time

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an extensive overview of the political and religious structures and influences at work in Jesus' time.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 3

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers project ideas for students who have recently studied the Paschal Mystery, especially the life and ministry of Jesus Christ in the Gospels.

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Understanding Parables

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the parables, including definitions, uses, and interpretations.

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Miracles: Signs of the Kingdom of God

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses miracles as signs of the Kingdom of God, including how to reflect on, interpret and make sense of several examples.

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Word Splash

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses and explains the value of using a Word Splash for classroom learning.

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Hevruta: Learning Together

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It explains the classroom discussion method of Hevruta, an ancient Jewish practice of reading aloud and discovering that each text has several layers of meaning. It can also be used with …

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The Lectionary

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discussese the lectionary and the liturgical year of the Catholic Church.

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Training Students to Read Aloud

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers a guide for helping students become comfortable with reading aloud.

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Critical Questioning Method of Engaging with Texts

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It discusses methods for encouraging students to engage texts they are reading on a deeper level to benefit their learning and the classroom dialogue.

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Using Primary Sources

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using primary source texts in the classroom.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 2

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers ideas for assessing students who have recently studied the Paschal Mystery and salvation history.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 1

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers ideas for a final assessment for students who have been learning about the Paschal Mystery.

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Preassessment Statements

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers several statements with which students may agree or disagree as a preassessment tool for teaching the Paschal Mystery.

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Final Synthesis

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers ideas for final projects after students have studied various elements of the Paschal Mystery.

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Liturgy Reflection

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers reflection questions for students to use as prompts when writing papers on the Liturgy.

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Research Component - Liturgy Writing Assignment

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. It outlines the guidelines for a research writing assignment in which students reflect on various liturgical seasons.

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Project Overview

This assignment is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers ideas for reflection papers regarding three different liturgical celebrations.

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Semester Long Project

This project idea is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students compile a portolio of written assignments, making observations and reflecting on the Paschal Mystery through the Sacraments.

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The Paschal Mystery

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an introduction to the Paschal Mystery including the root of the words, its effects, and theories of how the salvation of mankind precisely transpires through Jesus' suffering, death …

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Portfolio Instruction

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers instruction to students who must put together a portfolio of their readings, writings and assignments from lessons on Jesus and Christology.

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Matthew's Sermon on the Mount

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an overview of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount through the lens of Matthew's Jewish audience and signifance.

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Introduction to Acts of Apostles

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It offers a great introduction to the New Testament book, The Acts of the Apostles including its structure, flow, and theological themes,

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Faith: Three Definitions

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It discusses various definitions of faith, the relationships between faith and reason, and faith and religion.

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Discipleship in the New Testament

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the meaning of discipleship in the New Testament, including the Jewish understanding of it, the responsibilities, apostleship, Mark's portrait of the disciples, and a practical application for today.

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Review of Concepts for Jesus Chirst: God's Love Made Visible

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can review key concepts about the person of Jesus Christ.

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Free Will

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the relationship between free will and grace, the conscience, character, and human choices.

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Review of Concepts for Jesus Chirst: God's Love Made Visible

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can review the main ideas from studying the person of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.

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Using Venn Diagrams

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using Venn Diagrams for classroom learning.

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Using a Wiki for Group Projects

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the use of Wikis for classroom group projects, including some suggestions and caveats.

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Overview on Jesus' Parables

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It offers an overview of Jesus' New Testament parables, including the intent, novelty, paradox, and theological and pastoral quality of the stories he told.

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Preparing a Prayer Service Sample

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a sample for how to use another LIC resource in order to successfully plan a prayer service.

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Review of Concepts for Jesus Chirst: God's Love Made Visible

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students may use it to review key concepts about the person of Jesus Christ, his disciples, and his mother Mary.

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Mary of Nazareth

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It offers a great introduction and overview of Mary through scripture and tradition, including Marian liturgical feasts and theological teachings and doctrines.

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The Rosary: A Prayer for All Time

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers a great introduction to several aspects of the Rosary.

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Review of Concepts for Jesus Chirst: God's Love Made Visible

This review is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students may use it to review key ideas from studying the person of Jesus Christ.

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A Gallery Walk - Discussion Technique

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It is an instructional article for teachers to learn how to administer a "Gallery Walk" discussion technique.

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History of the Theology of the Incarnation

This artlice is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an overview of key types of christology, including exaltation and wisdom christologies. It cites various Church Councils that had a great influence on christological teaching and traditions.

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Life and Times in First Century Palestine

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an extensive understanding of the lifestyle and cultural contexts of first century Palestine, including family, gender roles, poverty, wealth, and political, economic and religious laws.

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Salvation: Different Theories

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an overview of some of the main theories of salvation, including the Prophetic, Sacrificial, Ransom, Divinization, Vicarious, Moral Exemplar, and Penal Substitution models.

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The Women Who Followed Jesus

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. In an organized chart, this resource introduces key women in scripture, including their significance and their story, to students.

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Using a Concordance

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an introduction to using concordances.

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The Trinity

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. Author Arthur David Canales offers an introduction to the Holy Trinity, including the dogma's historical development and key features.

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Introduction to the Gospels

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an introduction to the Gospels in the New Testament, including the formation and the particular christology of each account.

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God Is Love

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. Using Scripture, the Catechism, and various Church Documents, it discusses the Catholic understanding of God as Love.

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Introduction to Revelation

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an overview and introduction to the Revelation in the Catholic Church, including Natural and Divine Revelation and information the Church Father and the Second Vatican Council.

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Using the Think-Pair-Share Method

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using the Think-Pair-Share Method of classroom learning and discussion.

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Using a Mind Map

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It introduces and explains the concept and method of Mind Maps as a classroom tool.

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Using Rubrics to Assess Work

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It explains the value of using rubrics to assess student work.

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Using Final Performance Tasks to Assess Understanding

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using Final Performance Tasks to assess students.

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The Socratic Seminar

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. Teachers may use it as a guide to using the Socratic Method in classroom discussion.

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Review of Concepts for The Church: Christ in the World Today

This review is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can review main ideas from studying the Church and ecclesiology.

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Student Notes for Unit 8

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can review main ideas from studying the Bible, especially the New Testament.

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Reading the Bible in Context

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an overview of the value of understanding the historical and cultural contexts of the Bible while still maintaining its divine authorship and influence.

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The Apostles

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the Apostles and followers of Jesus who are known in Scripture, including Peter and Mary Magdalene, among others.

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Introduction to the Letters

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an introduction to the letters of the New Testament, including information on the genre, the Pauline and Deutero-Pauline Letters, and the organization of the New Testament.

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The Acts of the Apostles

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as an introduction to the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament, including its structure, writer, themes, and background.

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Gospel Comparison Chart

This chart helps teachers and students observe the differences between the various contexts, themes, audiences, and time frames of the four Gospels.

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Wonders, Miracles, and Signs in the New Testament

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers a helpful, organized look at some of Jesus' wonder, miracles and signs that point to His divinity.

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Review of Concepts for The Bible: Living Word of God

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can review key ideas from studying the New Testament.

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The New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It offers an extensive overview of the New Testament, including various types of literature, distinctions among the Gospels, historical context and theological themes.

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Jesus Fulfills the Covenant and Salvation History

This article is from the Living in Christ Series, and it provides an overview of the Old Testament covenant and prophecies which are fulfilled in the New Testament and the person of Jesus Christ.

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Review of Concepts for The Bible: Living Word of God

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can review key ideas about the Old Testament prophets from studying the Bible.

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Blogging and Beyond

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It offers an overview of what blogging is and how it can be integrated in the classroom. Several suggested blogs are featured at the end of the article.

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Setting Up a Blog

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It gives an introduction and overview of blogging and its educational value.

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The Book of Jeremiah

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the Book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament, including the political climate of the time and some of his main prophetic messages.

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The Book of Isaiah

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as an introduction to the Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament.

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The Book of Ezekiel

This article gives an overview and introduction to the Book of Ezekiel in the Old Testament.

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Messianism and Zionism

This article is part of the Living in Crhist Series , and it highlights the distinction between Messianism and Zionism.

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Review of Concepts for The Bible: Living Word of God

This review is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can review key concepts from studying the Bible.

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The Book of Judges

This article discusses the Book of Judges and the cycle of worship, disobedience, deliverance, and freedom that happen cyclically for the Israelites.

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The Book of Joshua

This article discusses the Book of Joshua, offering a rational and moral critique, then drawing parallels between the Old and New Testaments.

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King Solomon and the Divided Monarchy: The Books of Kings

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series, and it discusses the reign of King David and King Solomon and the divided monarchies of Judah and Israel through scriptural references.

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Introduction to the Historical Books

This article gives a brief introduction to the Historical Books of the Old Testament. This overview includes a distinction between "history" and "historical narratives", as well as highlights the role they play in the Old Testament.

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Using Quotations

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It explains the value of using quotations to facilitate classroom discussions.

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Using Google Earth

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an introduction to the use of Google Earth in the classroom.

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Using the Found-Read Method

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using the "Found-Read" Method to facilitate classroom learning and discussion.

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Using the Take-a-Stand Method

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using the Take-a-Stand Method.

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Moses

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series, and it offers an overview of the person of Moses in the Old Testament, highlighting five major sections in his life: birth, calling, confronting Pharoah, leading the Israelites, and death.

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The Cycle of Redemption

This article discusses the pattern in the Old Testament known as the Cycle of Redemption, or Deuteronomic Cycle, as well as gives examples.

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The Book of Exodus

This article offers a short introduction to the Book of Exodus in the Old Testament.

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The Early Leaders of Israel

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the qualities of leadership possessed by early Israelites using scripture and Biblical stories.

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Check Your Understanding

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as a review of several important terms and asks students to define, associate, and put the term into the context of Salvation History.

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Original Sin and Its Effects

This article discusses original sin, the effects of sin on relationships, and the criteria with which to make a moral judgment.

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Salvation History Summary

This article gives an overview of the salvific works of God through the Old and New Testaments, with the fulfillment of salvation in the person of Jesus Christ.

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Understanding Genres and Literary Forms

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the various genres and literary forms in the Old and New Testaments.

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The Book of Genesis

This article offers an introduction to the first book in the Bible, the Book of Genesis.

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Introduction to the Pentateuch

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It provides an overview of the Pentateuch - the first five book of the Old Testament.

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Review of Concepts for The Bible: Living Word of God

This review is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students may use it to review key concepts from studying the Bible.

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Is This a Calling - Saint Teresa of Avila

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a excerpt from the writings of Saint Teresa of Avila about the discernment of her vocation to the religious life.

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Using the Barometer Method

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using the Barometer method to facilitate classroom discussion.

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Using the Jigsaw Process

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using the Jigsaw Process to facilitate classroom learning and discussion.

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Using the Big Paper Exercise

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using the Big Paper Exercise for classroom discussion.

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Introduction to Revelation, Inspiration, and Vocation

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It discusses Relevation, Inspiration and Vocation, citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and scripture. It includes a chart outlining how God revealed Himself to various Biblical characters and a section …

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Finding God and Being Found by God

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses how God is revealed in humanity, creation, nature, the natural order, and the human conscience, and humanity is likewise revealed in God. It uses the Catechism of the …

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Review of Concepts for The Bible: Living Word of God

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers a review of key concepts for students studying the Bible.

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Using an Ungraded Association Quiz

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of an ungraded association quiz as an assessment or preassessment.

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Preassessment Informs Teaching

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an brief explanation behind preassessment diagnostic evaluations as ways to learn what students already know about a topic.

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Introducing Biblical Navigation

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It offers guidelines for teachers teaching students how to navigate the Bible, including reference to other worksheet for the students.

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How to Lead a Socratic Seminar

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It includes information on how to prepare for, lead, assess and follow-up the classroom use of a Socratic Seminar discussion method.

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Introducing Students to Biblical Exegesis

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. Teachers will find this resource helpful for its overview of Biblical exegesis and the references to worksheet handouts for students to use.

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Building Scaffolds for Learning

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the notion of structured teaching methods through the model of scaffolding.

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The Story of Noah and Other Flood Narratives

This article discusses the similarities and differences between the Biblical flood story and that of other ancient Middle Eastern traditions. It also compares the Biblical account between the Yahwist and Priestly sources.

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The JEPD Theory

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the four-source theory regarding the first five books of the Bible, the Pentateuch. These sources are called Yahwist, Elohist, Deuteronomist, and Priestly.

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Canons and Their Development

This article discusses the development of the Old and New Testament Canons and provides charts which compare and contrast different Christian or Jewish canons.

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Bible 101: A Basic Introduction to the Word of God

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It gives a basic overview and introduction to Sacred Scripture, including context, inspiration, literary forms, the Old and New Testaments, interpretation, and common myths.

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Reading Notes and Questions for Student Book Articles 9-12

This reading guide is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can use it while reading other articles from the LIC Series to take important notes and answer significant questions.

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The Format of the Pauline Letters

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. It outlines the format of Paul's letters in the New Testament.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 8

This resource is part of the Living in Christ series. It offers various project ideas for students who are or have been studying scripture, especially the New Testament gospels and letters.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 7

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers various project ideas for students who have recently studied scripture, especially the New Testament portrait of Jesus Christ.

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Messianic Prophecies

This resource if from the Living in Christ Series. It is a clear and organized presentation of Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled in the person of Jesus.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 6

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers various project ideas for students who have recently studied scripture, especially the Old Testament and the prophets.

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The Best King of Israel

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. It outlines the research questions for students to explore while studying various kings of the Old Testament.

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Biblical Passages About Leadership

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a helpful reference for scriptural passages in the Old Testament referring to leadership. Various kings, judges, and other leaders are featured.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 5

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers various project ideas for students who have recently studied scripture, especially Old Testament leadership qualities in the kings and judges.

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The Cycle of Redemption

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students may use it as a quick reference to key ideas behind the Cycle of Redemption in the Old Testament.

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The Ten Commandments

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. It outlines the 10 Commandments, the meaning, and the book, chapter and verse at which they are found in the Bible.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 4

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. If offers various project ideas for students who have recently studied scripture, especially important Old Testament characters.

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Sprint Through Salvation History

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers a thorough but brief overview of Salvation History in the Bible, beginning with the promises of God and ending in their fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 3

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers ideas of assessing students who have recently studied scripture, especially original sin and salvation historys' culmination in Jesus Christ.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 2

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers ideas for assessing students who have recently studied the Bible, including inspiration, divine revelation, and exegesis.

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Exegesis Online Information Quest

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It helps students locate and utilize online resources for biblical scholarship and exegesis.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 1

This is a helpful resource for coming up with final assessments for students after reviewing biblical scholarship, history, genres, and criticism.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 8

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers several project ideas for students who are or have been studying christology, especially what it means to be a follower of Jesus through prayer and discipleship.

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New Testament References to Eternal Life

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. It lists several passages in which Eternal Life is referenced in the New Testament. Students can reflect on these passages and answer questions about them.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 7

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers various project ideas for students who have recently studied christology, especially Jesus' suffering, death and resurrection in salvation history.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 6

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers various project ideas for students who have recently studied christology, especially the moral teachings and model of Jesus Christ.

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The Parables of Jesus

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a helpful chart listing all of Jesus' parables in Matthew, Mark and Luke.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 5

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers various project ideas for students who have recently studied christology, especially Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and the fulfillment of the Ten Commandments.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 4

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers various project ideas for students who have recently studied christology, especially Jesus' relationships with Mary and the disciples.

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Group Review Form for Posters About Jesus

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers a review form for students or teachers to fill out after doing a poster project.

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Research Ideas for the Life and Times of Jesus

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Several key questions about the culture and customs in the life and times of Jesus are posed for students to investigate further.

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The Life and Times of Jesus

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as a guide for writing assignment students may do as an introduction to Biblical exegesis.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 3

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers three different options for assessing students who have recently studied Christology, especially Jesus' fully human, fully divine nature, his historical context, and his relationship to God the Father.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 2

This resource is from the Living in Christ Series. It offers three ideas for assessing students who have recently studied Christology, including core themes like monotheism, trinitarianism, and community.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 1

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers ideas for final assessment projects for students studying Christology, including revelation, the Church, and tradition.

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Catechist Tip Sheet 6: Using the Scriptures

The Scriptures play a critical role in our faith growth as a source of inspiration, celebration, education, and formation. As a catechist you should become comfortable with using the Scriptures, and nurture such comfort in young people.

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Overview of The Eucharist Course

outlines course themes/sessions

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Overview of Sacraments and Prayer Course

outlines course themes/sessions

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Overview of Christian Morality and Justice Course

outlines course themes/sessions

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Overview of Jesus the Christ Course

outlines course themes/sessions

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Catechist Tip Sheet 5: Helping Young Adolescents to Pay Attention

Handout that Catechists attending Session need to print out/can use. Resource

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Overview of God Revelation, and Faith Course

outlines course themes/sessions

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Catechist Tip Sheet 3: Effective Story Telling

Handout that Catechists attending Session need to print out/can use. Resource

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Catechist Tip Sheet 4: Effective Group Management

Handout that Catechists attending Session need to print out/can use. Resource

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Catechist Tip Sheet 1: Developmental Characteristics of Young Adolescents

Handout that Catechists attending Session need to print out/can use. Resource

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Catechist Tip Sheet 2: Active Learning and Faith Formation

Handout that Catechists attending Session need to print out/can use. Resource

Article

The Sacramental Priesthood

The Origins of the Priesthood The origins of the priesthood go back to the Old Testament. One of the tribes of ancient Israel, the tribe of Levi, was set apart for priestly service (see Numbers 3:5–10). The tribe's role was …

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The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders and Matrimony

This session from Catechetical Sessions on Liturgy and the Sacraments invites participants to consider the unique ways in which ordained ministers and married people serve the people of God, responsibilities that are presented in the vows they take in either …

Article

Short History of Paul

Paul was a diaspora Jew, meaning he was a Jew that lived outside of Palestine. Paul was born in Tarsus--which is modern day Turkey--at the beginning of the Christian era. Tarsus was a large and prosperous city of the Roman …

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Paul's Conversion

Background for the Teacher This session focuses our attention on Paul's conversion experience. Using a hard-boiled egg and a raw egg as focusing symbols, the young people reflect on the meaning of conversion. Then two or three of the participants …

Article

Saint Paul: Interview and Worksheet

Interview with Paul This interview with Paul is from Breakthrough! The Bible for Young Catholics. On this colorful page, Paul explains his ministry and his legacy. Worksheet about Paul On this worksheet from the Student Activities Workbook for Breakthrough!: An …

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Meeting Jesus at the Movies: Cinema Divina for Teachers

One of the most spiritually powerful essays I have ever read is "To Fall in Love with the World: Individualism and Self-Transcendence in American Life" by John M. Staudenmeier, S.J. (Institute of Jesuit Studies, May 1994). The author asks: "How …

Article

Blessed are the Media Makers . . .

Imagine if a teacher brought students to the school library and allowed them to read anything they wanted without ever asking a single question or demanding that students think critically about what they were reading. Preposterous! What teacher would ever …

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Program aims to get youth excited about Bible

Young people in the diocese are getting excited about Scripture and it's all part of a national effort called "Yes! Youth Engaging Scripture." YES is a Catholic teen-to-teen Bible sharing concept and to date, some 1,800 young people have been …

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Called to Create a Bible for Kids

Brian Singer-Towns may be on top of the Catholic bestseller list, but he wants to be very clear: He did not write the Bible. He merely edited it. Not that putting together a new version of the Bible is any …

Article

A Friend for Life

  Editor's note: The names of the minors in this story have been changed to preserve confidentiality, in accordance with the wishes of Holy Cross Children's Services. DETROIT--When Tonya entered a youth detention home of the Holy Cross Children's Services …

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Highlights of Catholic Documents on Justice and Peace

Highlights of Catholic Documents on Justice and Peace The following link will take you to a PDF document that sumarizes many of the key points from Church documents addressing the social teachings of the Catholic Church. http://www.smp.org/Images/Complementary/Highlights.pdf

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Biography of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, former prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, President of the Pontifical Biblical Commission and of the International Theological Commission, Dean of the College of Cardinals, was born on April 16, 1927 in Marktl …

Article

November, National Child Safety Month: Preparing for safe and sacred places

Preparing for Safe and Sacred Places Some experts predict the presence of at least one abuser and one victim of abuse anytime there is a gathering focusing on this topic. Someone in your community might be experiencing abuse of some …

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November, National Child Safety Month: Preventing Abuse

Ongoing Prevention and Education Your community can do several things to inform, prevent, and respond to sexual abuse. The following are essential strategies you will want to incorporate into parish- or school-wide ministries: • All young people need to know …

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November, National Child Safety Month: Considerations in Ministry Planning

CONSIDERATIONS IN MINISTRY PLANNING All adults who work with children and or young people must be capable of exercising good judgment and wisdom in their ministry. We recommend that you consider the following questions when planning any activity involving children …

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Resources for Parents Who Want to View The Passion of the Christ with Their Teenage Children

Things to Remember Film is an art form, and many genres and subgenres exist within film. Comedy is a genre. Within that genre one could name romantic comedies, slapstick comedies, and dark comedies as subgenres. Before reading a piece of …

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Who Does the Movie Say Killed Jesus?

Much of the controversy about The Passion of the Christ centers around one question: Who killed Jesus? The Anti-Defamation League feels the movie lays the blame at the feet of the Jews. Mel Gibson, the movie's director, producer and cowriter, …

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Artist Appreciation Month: Graphic Images of Christ's Passion in Art

Mel Gibson is not the first person to shock the public with a graphically violent portrayal of the Passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In 1515, Matthias Grunewald revealed an artwork called The Isenheim Altarpiece to the monks and churchgoers …

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Survival in Youth Ministry

In 1994 Saint Mary's Press published a book called Survival in Youth Ministry, by Robert J. McCarty, executive director of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. As youth ministry continues to mature in the United States, we would like …

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The Twelve Virtues of a Good Teacher

THE TWELVE VIRTUES OF A GOOD TEACHER In 1706, John Baptist de La Salle, patron saint of teachers, listed twelve virtues of a good teacher in his Conduct of the Christian Schools. In 1785, Brother Agathon, the fifth superior general …

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Electing a New Pope

Choosing a new pope is somewhat of a mystery to people. In the early Church, a pope was elected not only by the bishops but also by the clergy and the laity. In later years, only the bishops took part …

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Pope

What is the pope? The pope is the bishop of the Church of Rome, Italy. Because of the importance of Rome, Tradition recognizes the pope as the supreme pastor of all Christians. Why is the Church of Rome so important? …

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Did you know? Interesting Facts to Share with Your Students About the Papacy

The term pope comes from the Greek work pappas, or the Latin word papa, both of which mean "father." The pope's official titles include bishop of Rome, vicar of Jesus Christ, successor of the prince of the Apostles, supreme pontiff …

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Biography of Pope Saint John Paul II

Saint John Paul II was born Karol Josef Wojtyla (Voy-tee-wah) on May 18, 1920, in Wadowice (Vah-do-vee-juh), Poland, a small city just outside Krakow. He was the third and youngest child of Karol Wojtyla Sr., a lieutenant in Poland's army, …

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Self-Esteem and Sexual Activity: The Difference Between the Sexes

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently found a major difference between boys with hgh self-esteem and girls with high self-esteem. Boys with a high self-esteem were more likely to have engaged in sexual intercourse than boys with low self-esteem. Conversely, …

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Unchurched Teens: Teens Who Don't Profess Church Affiliation Rises

According to a 2002 study the number of teens with no religious affiliation has risen by over 15 million young people since 1990. That is an average increase of over 1.15 million young people annually. When presented with such statistics, …

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The Liturgy: The Source of Catholic Identity

I love the old Latin axiom lex orandi, lex credendi. Roughly translated, this means that the law of prayer is the law of faith. More simply phrased, we pray what we believe. If you want to know what Catholics believe …

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Contemporary Music, Ageless Wisdom: Using the Language of Teens to Speak the Gospel

It is no secret that teens are absolutely immersed in music. The question for those ministering to youth is, "Should we make a stance against the kinds of music kids are listening to or should we use their music to …

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Youth Prayer Habits

Through a grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc., the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill has established the National Study of Youth & Religion at the Odum Institute for Research and the Social Sciences. In there preliminary findings of existing …

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Let's Prove Them Wrong!

12 September 2001 As the truth unfolds behind who committed these horrendous terrorist attacks against the United States, I pray that we--as individuals and a country--will have the strength and courage to think deeply before we lash out in anger …

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A Letter to Young People from the President of Saint Mary’s Press

Dear young friends, The recent, tragic events continue to leave us all shocked, confused, scared, and sorrowful. At this time, nothing is more important than to turn our hearts to Jesus. Perhaps, we can find comfort in the words of …

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A Christian Response to Violence, Part 2:

Pacifism: "We No Longer Learn War" How can we apply Jesus’ command to love our enemies when our whole nation has been attacked? Over the centuries, how Christians have attempted to apply Jesus’ teachings on violence to their lives has …

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A Christian Response to Violence, Part 1:

In the wake of the 11 September terrorist attacks, many people are calling for military retaliation against whatever group or country is ultimately found to be responsible. The desire to strike back at those who hurt us is understandable, but …

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The Enuma Elish: A Babylonian Creation Story

The Genesis story is not the only ancient creation story. In fact, almost every ancient culture had its own story of how the world came to exist. Each story reflected much about how the people of its culture viewed their …

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American and Catholic: Inviting Current Events into Religion Class

After the terrorist attacks of September 11, my students discussed Catholic social teaching on war and peace. One of my students said, "This is not the time to be Catholic; this is the time to be an American." He was …

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Wrestling with Diversity

How do we welcome non-Christians into our schools and our religion classrooms, and at the same time give witness to our own Christ-centered faith? How do we invite students to learn from and respect other faith traditions without sending the …