Annotated Bibliography

David Stein

24 July 2019 

Mat Wenzel 

Annotated Bibliography

MILLER, MAUREEN C. “Introduction: Material Culture and Catholic History.” Catholic Historical Review, vol. 101, Jan. 2015, pp. 1–17. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1353/cat.2015.0031.

Catholics have a centrally rooted belief in the sanctity of objects. This can vary from the bread and wine of Christ, which can be received at every mass, to the tabernacle. These are symbols that have been prevalent since early Gospels. Objects that held religious meanings in Christianity began to grow as the Church advanced into the Protestant Reformation. Churches became decorated with ornate objects that began to correlate with status and power. Some of these objects even had jewels and other rich elements to them. Traces of these objects can be drawn back to early times of the Catholic faith. Religious artifacts, and in some cases bodies, can be passed along throughout generations and preserved by different communities. Religious artifacts each hold a deeper meaning than what means the surface; they show an insight into the lives of the people that surround each object. The Catholic faith is defined by religious symbols which are clearly presented in the celebration of the Church. The foundation of the Catholics Churches beliefs is based on sacred objects such as the crucifix; this is a sign to all followers.

O’Mahony, David. “Religious Freedom: The Catholic Approach.” Ecclesiastical Law Journal, vol. 19, no. 1, Jan. 2017, pp. 41–49. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1017/S0956618X16001083.

In the Catholic Church, religious freedom is a massive part of the faith. The Church claims that every man should have the right to select their own groups and beliefs. This includes starting, joining, and attending religious classes. It is more than this, however. The right to have religious freedom lies within one's surroundings. Outside influences have a great impact on one's decision to be a part of a certain group. Regardless of the influences the choice must be made under no major threats. The individual must willingly accept God in their life and act in accordance with his will. In more up to date statements, the Catholic Church advocates against extremists and condemns this type of lifestyle. The goal of religious freedom within the Catholic Church is to promote the unity of peace across the world. If all people have religious freedom, extremists would not be partaking in violent acts on behalf of their beliefs. The Catholic Church upholds the idea that this freedom can create a society free from hatred or distrust amongst cultures.

Ackerson, Betsy V. “The Influence of Catholic Culture Type on the Spiritual Lives of College Students.” Journal of Catholic Education, vol. 21, no. 2, June 2018, pp. 133–163. EBSCOhost, doi:10.15365/joce.2102062018.

Religion, in the United States, is a belief that is held by many. It is a moral code that manty people hold dear to their hearts. However, the Catholic Church faces a problem. The possibility of losing students as parishioners and advocates of mass. This is where the Catholic culture influences the students. This culture can show the students a spiritual side that would otherwise be left out of their academic experiences. This is taught through a variety of Catholic clubs, organizations, meetings, events, and other after school ventures. These practices strengthen faith and a more generous view on society. They are the building blocks on which one's religious identity is formed. The influence of Catholic culture in college also to help create meaning in an individual's life. This influence is mostly to lead students on a correct path in life. Regardless of their religious decisions, although active participation in the Catholic Church is highly recommended, the goal of this culture is to grow the individual in a spiritually way which will hopefully lead to eternal bliss.

TÀRRECH, ARMAND PUIG I. “Interpreting the Scripture from a Catholic Point of View.” Sacra Scripta, vol. 15, no. 1/2, Jan. 2017, pp. 30–50. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=130035383&site=ehost-live.

Biblical readings are communicated in a plethora of ways. Each of these readings and or scriptures have different meanings hidden within; metaphors, similes, and analogies are a few. These meaning are often hard to decipher and understand. However, one point is clear. Eternal bliss with Jesus Christ is the end goal. It is in Catholic tradition and faith that one believes that Christ will be at the waiting for us in heaven. Regardless, Christ wants people to reexamine and interpret the scripture in their own way to make it known to all. The main interpretations all result in the same general message; respect and honor God with all your heart, mind, and soul as well as love one’s neighbor. Translating the scripture into ways that current society can understand is also prevalent in the deciphering of the testaments. Preaching to all at youth groups, large crowds, and Mass all are ways of interpreting God’s essential message. No way is truly the right way because God planned for scripture to be determined in many ways.

Nikolajsen, Jeppe Bach. “The Formative Power of Scripture. The Church as a Hermeneutical Community.” European Journal of Theology, vol. 27, no. 2, Oct. 2018, pp. 130 138. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=132716563&site=ehost-live.

Hermeneutics is the understanding and translating of work; this is specifically applied to religious scriptures. This facilitates the communication of the meanings that are in the bible. John Howard Yoder, a defender of Catholic pacifism, was a theologian who helped to promote the importance of peace within the Church. Essentially, he knew that the Church would receive hostility and rejection from many yet, he continued to profess how the word of God must be spoken. God’s work is so powerful that one must retell the same story to make known to all his great historical achievements. Stressing the importance of spreading the gospels and bibles teachings through one's interpretation is also a key part of Yoder’s beliefs. The Church, and its followers, live a life that should resemble that of God. Each person should have a holy way of viewing society and all around them. Scriptures and the Church are very tightly correlated. This means that in Church and other religious settings, the spread of scripture is sharing Christ’s thoughts with all.

“Catholic Student Union.” Catholic Student Union, www.fsucatholic.org/.

The Catholic Student Union (CSU) at Florida State University encourages the growing in faith through community activities on and around the Florida State campus. Keeping the faith alive in college is an active goal of this organization. Promoting Christ with weekly scripture readings, bonding activities, and retreats is how the CSU keeps students active in the religious community. There are also private communities for women and men; these groups mostly meet togetherhowever, there are different undertakings for both genders. The outreach program in this extends to all students who are interested in fortifying their faith; the CSU has multiple social media platforms that spread news about their community. The CSU also takes trips to places for specific events such as the March for Life in Washington D.C. After time at Florida State, there is also an alumni base that has an annual retreat. The goal of this is to stay connected to the CSU long after one’s graduation from FSU.

“College Students' Lifeline to Faith.” National Catholic Register, www.ncregister.com/daily-news/college-students-lifeline-to-faith.

Keeping student interested in the Catholic faith in their collegiate years is a common challenge in the Church. Matt Zerrusen, the founder of The Newman Connection, is a researcher in brainstorming ideas about outreach projects and connecting faith to college students. Finding ways to communicate with students before they are bombarded with the pressure of school work and other extracurricular activities is key in this program. Getting incoming Catholic freshman students interested in on campus ministries is crucial to their participation in the Catholic Church. Taking the first step to get someone interested in these programs allow for a possible real connection. Many Catholic students come to college and do not attend mass. Out of these students that attend mass a little more than half are active in the campus religious groups. These are the students who come from a catholic backgroud already. Their faith is strong and is ready to be taken to the next level.