CREDIBLE CATHOLIC PRESENTATION 13 GUIDE TRUE HAPPINESS. Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, S. J., Ph.D. From content by: Adapted by: Claude R. LeBlanc, M.A.

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1 CC PRESENTATION 13 GUIDE CREDIBLE CATHOLIC TRUE HAPPINESS From content by: Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, S. J., Ph.D. Adapted by: Claude R. LeBlanc, M.A. 1 Magis Center 2017

2 Welcome to CREDIBLE CATHOLIC! WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? It is unbelief and skepticism. In our culture, derision of religion, God, the soul, Jesus, and the prospect of finding spiritual meaning in suffering, are not only tolerated but preached and sometimes even celebrated. Many are already infected by the faulty messages which are delivered in four popular, but inaccurate, secular myths. These myths, in one form or another, are the following: Myth 1: Science and faith are incompatible, and since science is true, it has replaced religion. Myth 2: Human beings are like every other animal merely a complex of atoms and molecules. We have no soul, no eternal destiny, and no transcendent nature. When we die, we die. Myth 3: There is no explanation for why an all-loving God would allow suffering. Therefore, suffering is fundamentally negative and a loving God probably does not exist. Myth 4: There is no evidence for Jesus as an historical figure, and therefore his resurrection or divinity. If Jesus did exist he was just an interesting prophet, but not a Savior or the Son of God. The 2016 Pew Research Center s Religious Landscape Study indicates that over 40% of millennials have abandoned their faith to unbelief because these four challenges have not been adequately addressed. Unless we specifically and effectively address these challenges to faith, the percentage will continue to grow. What can be done? WHAT IS OUR SOLUTION? Credible Catholic, a Magis Center curriculum correlated to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, was specifically created to address these myths. TABLE OF CONTENTS Presentation 13: TRUE HAPPINESS Presentation Notes. 4 Activities Handout.. 16 Personal Reflection Handout.. 17 Magis Center

3 CREDIBLE CATHOLIC PRESENTATION 13 GUIDE TRUE HAPPINESS From content by: Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, S. J., Ph.D. Adapted by Claude R. LeBlanc, M.A. Magis Center Chapman Ave. Christ Cathedral Tower of Hope, 9 th Floor Garden Grove, CA Magis Center Magis Center 2017

comprehensive system of Western philosophy. 1.

good. Desires that are sinful cannot lead to

4 CC Presentation 13: True Happiness PRESENTATION NOTES 4. Aristotle (c B.C.) was a student of Plato. His writings constitute the first comprehensive system of Western philosophy. 1. Presentation 13 Title Slide 2. Presentation 13 Copyright Slide 5. Humans desire many things; some are good in and of themeslves while others are not. We are referring only to desires that are good. Desires that are sinful cannot lead to any kind or level of happiness. 3. Opening Prayer Notes: 6. CHAPTER 1: The Four KINDS of Happiness Magis Center

CC P13 PRESENTATION GUIDE 7. VIDEO 1: Are You Happy? Episode 1 10.

Who s smarter? Who s more athletic? Who s better-looking?

While people sometimes become fixated with this first kind of desire and the

the second kind of desire. 11. Desire for Ego-Comparitive Advantage 9.

5 CC P13 PRESENTATION GUIDE 7. VIDEO 1: Are You Happy? Episode Questions commonly asked at this level include: Who s more popular? Who s smarter? Who s more athletic? Who s better-looking? Who s winning and losing? How do I rank? 8. While people sometimes become fixated with this first kind of desire and the pleasure that comes with it, the desire for these things usually leads them to the second kind of desire. 11. Desire for Ego-Comparitive Advantage 9. Desire for External-Material Pleasure 12. When we are open to this capacity, we find that we desire to connect with and contribute to others. Notes: 5 Magis Center 2017

13. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) says: "Deep within his conscience man discovers a law which he

Its voice, ever calling him to love and to do what is good and to avoid evil, sounds in his heart at the right

His conscience is man's most secret core and his sanctuary.

Desire for a Contributive-Empathetic Connection 16. Desire for a Transcendent Connection 14.

A wellformed conscience is upright and truthful.

6 13. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) says: "Deep within his conscience man discovers a law which he has not laid upon himself but which he must obey. Its voice, ever calling him to love and to do what is good and to avoid evil, sounds in his heart at the right moment. For man has in his heart a law inscribed by God. His conscience is man's most secret core and his sanctuary. There he is alone with God whose voice echoes in his depths." (1776) 15. Desire for a Contributive-Empathetic Connection 16. Desire for a Transcendent Connection 14. The CCC goes on to say: Conscience must be informed and moral judgment enlightened. A wellformed conscience is upright and truthful. It formulates its judgments according to reason, in conformity with the true good willed by the wisdom of the Creator. The education of conscience is indispensable for human beings who are subjected to negative influences and tempted by sin to prefer their own judgment and to reject authoritative teachings. (1783) Notes: 17. CHAPTER 2: The Four LEVELS of Happiness 18. CHAPTER 2: The Four LEVELS of Happiness Magis Center

19. There is nothing wrong with making a comparison as long if

But, if making comparisons consume us to the point that we have

This can be completed on the Handout provided in the

CHAPTER 2: The Four LEVELS of Happiness 23.

a willingness, to engage in levels 3 and 4 behaviors.

7 19. There is nothing wrong with making a comparison as long if it leads us to better ourselves. But, if making comparisons consume us to the point that we have to win at all costs, even to the detriment of others, we, and they, will be harmed. 22. ACTIVITY 1: How Pervasive Enduring and Deep are Your Examples? This can be completed on the Handout provided in the Presentation Guide. 20. CHAPTER 2: The Four LEVELS of Happiness 23. Think of examples of choices that reflect an unwillingness, and a willingness, to engage in levels 3 and 4 behaviors. Why do you think these choices are made? 21. Think of examples of each of the persons described above. Have you ever been either of those kinds of persons? Notes: 24. CHAPTER 2: The Four LEVELS of Happiness 7 Magis Center 2017

25. CHAPTER 2: The Four LEVELS of Happiness

While working hard is admirable, it is no

27. In the long-run, it is impossible to

If these are our only measures of happiness,

8 25. CHAPTER 2: The Four LEVELS of Happiness 28. CHAPTER 3: The Comparison Game 26. VIDEO 2: Are You Happy? Episode This statement is based on the false assumption that winning is a result of working harder than a loser does. While working hard is admirable, it is no guarantee of success, let alone happiness. 27. In the long-run, it is impossible to sustain pleasure and success. If these are our only measures of happiness, we will all, sooner or later, be losers. Notes: 30. CHAPTER 3: The Comparison Game Magis Center

has to lose. That is a root problem with playing the comparison game.

feelings, thoughts, urges, and memories outside of our conscious awareness.

even though we are unaware of these underlying influences. (from: https://www.verywell.

9 CC P13 PRESENTATION GUIDE 31. The statement is not true because it presupposes that for someone to win someone else has to lose. That is a root problem with playing the comparison game. Rather, we are each called to strive for our potential, becoming the best versions of ourselves. 34. In Freud's psychoanalytic theory of personality, the unconscious mind is a reservoir of feelings, thoughts, urges, and memories outside of our conscious awareness. Most of the contents of the unconscious are unacceptable or unpleasant, such as feelings of pain, anxiety, or conflict. According to Freud, the unconscious continues to influence our behavior and experience, even though we are unaware of these underlying influences. (from: ACTIVITY 2: Are you a Winner a Loser or InBetween? This can be completed on the Handout provided in the Presentation Guide. 35. CHAPTER 4: Escaping the Comparison Game 33. CHAPTER 3: The Comparison Game Notes: 36. CHAPTER 4: Escaping the Comparison Game 9 Magis Center 2017

10 37. CHAPTER 4: Escaping the Comparison Game 41. Gabriel Marcel ( ) was a philosopher, drama critic, playwright and musician. He converted to Catholicism in 1929 and his philosophy was later described as Christian Existentialism (from: CHAPTER 4: Escaping the Comparison Game 42. CHAPTER 4: Changing Fundamental Attitudes 39. CHAPTER 4: Escaping the Comparison Game 43. CHAPTER 4: Changing Fundamental Attitudes 40. VIDEO 3: Starfish Story Notes: Magis Center

CC P13 PRESENTATION GUIDE 44. CHAPTER 4: Changing Fundamental Attitudes 47.

His essay Two Concepts of Liberty (1958) remains one of the most influential and widely discussed texts in that field:

basic starting-point for theoretical discussions of the meaning and value of political freedom. (from: https://plato.stanford.

It is not a distinction the world teaches; in fact, some would argue that society works very hard to blur it.

what is good for us. Some even call that condition enslavement.

11 CC P13 PRESENTATION GUIDE 44. CHAPTER 4: Changing Fundamental Attitudes 47. Isaiah Berlin ( ) was a British philosopher, historian of ideas, political theorist, educator and essayist. His essay Two Concepts of Liberty (1958) remains one of the most influential and widely discussed texts in that field: admirers and critics agree that Berlin s distinction between positive and negative liberty remains, for better or worse, a basic starting-point for theoretical discussions of the meaning and value of political freedom. (from: A distinction needs to be made between freedom and license. It is not a distinction the world teaches; in fact, some would argue that society works very hard to blur it. Freedom is the ability to choose what is good for us; license is defined as excessive freedom which prevents us from choosing what is good for us. Some even call that condition enslavement. It is no coincidence that licentiousness (immorality, especially in sexual immorality) shares the same root word with license. (from: CHAPTER 4: Changing Fundamental Attitudes 48. CHAPTER 4: Changing Fundamental Attitudes 46. VIDEO #4: True Freedom Notes: 11 Magis Center 2017

CC P13 PRESENTATION GUIDE 50. CHAPTER 4: Changing Fundamental Attitudes 53. CHAPTER 4: Changing Fundamental Attitudes 51.

In Presentation 2a we saw the evidence for our souls and the afterlife from Near-Death Experiences and Terminal Lucidity.

Fine-Tuning of the universe) and philosophy, including our 5 Transcendental Desires. We are spiritual beings! We can know God!

truth, love, justice and goodness, beauty, and home.

Theologian and philosopher Rudolph Otto wrote about a numinous experience humans have, feeling invited into relationship by a

12 CC P13 PRESENTATION GUIDE 50. CHAPTER 4: Changing Fundamental Attitudes 53. CHAPTER 4: Changing Fundamental Attitudes 51. CHAPTER 4: Changing Fundamental Attitudes 54. CHAPTER 5: The Move to Level In Presentation 2a we saw the evidence for our souls and the afterlife from Near-Death Experiences and Terminal Lucidity. In Presentations 1a and 1b we saw proofs for God s existence from science (the Big Bang, BVG Proof, Entropy, and the Fine-Tuning of the universe) and philosophy, including our 5 Transcendental Desires. We are spiritual beings! We can know God! 55. Other Indications of an Interior Call: As we have discussed earlier, persons who are dominant level 3 still desire perfect truth, love, justice and goodness, beauty, and home. Through this, they may conclude God is giving them a gigantic clue about who they are and what will make them happy. Theologian and philosopher Rudolph Otto wrote about a numinous experience humans have, feeling invited into relationship by a wholly other being. This, and our intuition of the sacred, draw us to explore religion. Without religion, we can feel incomplete (a sense of loss) and unhappy. That may be why most people are still religious today, even in this secular world. Notes: Magis Center

Interestingly, a 2004 study by the American Psychiatric Association discovered that

aggression, family tensions, and substance abuse than religious ones.

them as a call from God to enter into a relationship with Him and find ultimate meaning,

CHAPTER 5: The Move to Level 4 Philosophers have recognized that without a connection to the

Ultimately, because of these feelings, we end up feeling spiritually guilty too; we know we

13 Interestingly, a 2004 study by the American Psychiatric Association discovered that nonreligious people had significantly higher rates of suicide, depression, impulsivity, aggression, family tensions, and substance abuse than religious ones. Even atheistic philosophers admit that we have deep and pervasive feelings about the meaningless of life without God. While they view these feelings as part of the absurdity of life, religious philosophers see them as a call from God to enter into a relationship with Him and find ultimate meaning, dignity, happiness, authenticity, and fulfillment. 58. CHAPTER 5: The Move to Level 4 Philosophers have recognized that without a connection to the Transcendent we all feel a spiritual emptiness, alienation, and loneliness. Ultimately, because of these feelings, we end up feeling spiritually guilty too; we know we are not living up to our potential and letting others down. 59. VIDEO 5: Experience of Beauty scenes from Contact 56. CHAPTER 5: The Move to Level CHAPTER 5: The Move to Level CHAPTER 5: The Move to Level 4 Notes: 61. CHAPTER 5: The Move to Level 4 13 Magis Center 2017

14 62. CHAPTER 5: The Move to Level People who find a source of Divine Revelation (such as the Scriptures, or Jesus himself) will tend to move toward God and join a religion. 63. VIDEO #6: The Legacy of Jacques and Raissa Maritain 66. CHAPTER 5: The Move to Level CHAPTER 5: The Move to Level 4 Notes: 67. Closing Prayer Magis Center

15 68. Presentation 13 Additional Resources Slide 69. Credits Slide Notes: 15 Magis Center 2017

16 Name: Period: Date: CREDIBLE CATHOLIC Presentation 13 ACTIVITIES True Happiness ACTIVITY #1: How Pervasive, Enduring and Deep are your examples? STEP ONE: Using the chart below, DESCRIBE (low, medium, or high) how pervasive (how far the effects extend beyond the self), enduring (how long they last), and deep (how much we are engaged) the examples you used in class of the four kinds of happiness. Level 1 Happiness Example: How Pervasive? How Enduring? How Deep? Level 2 Happiness Example: Level 3 Happiness Example: STEP TWO: DESCRIBE the conclusions you have reached after completing step one. ACTIVITY #2: Are you a Winner, a Loser or In-between? Answer the following questions. 1. Do you consider yourself a winner, a loser or in-between? 2. Do your peers consider you a winner, a loser or in-between? 3. If your answers to questions 1 and 2 are different, why do you think this is? 4. In what areas of your life do you make the most comparisons, and why? 5. In what areas of your life do you make the most comparisons, and why? 6. Do you need to stop playing the Comparison Game? 7. If so, what do you think you need to do to move on to levels 3 and 4 happiness? Magis Center

17 Name: Period: Date: CREDIBLE CATHOLIC Presentation 13 PERSONAL REFLECTION HANDOUT Escaping the Comparison Game The Move to Level 3 STEP ONE: A 3-Step Process for Transforming Your Fundamental Attitudes 1. Establish a minute time during the day when you will be free of distraction. Then, take the list of questions (in steps 2-4) and familiarize yourself with them. 2. Be attentive to the results your unconscious mind produces. Over the course of a month or two group your answers to the questions into short-term and long-term goals. 3. Use your imagination to identify the steps needed to put those goals into action. STEP TWO: 1 st Fundamental Attitude: What Kind of Purpose am I Looking for in Life? ASK: How can I make a positive difference in the short-term and in the long-term? Category 1: To my family? To my friends and colleagues? Category 2: To my organization (the stakeholders and its general welfare)? Category 3: To my community (charitable and educational institutions)? To the culture? To the society? Category 4: To my church? To the Kingdom of God? SAY: For This I Came! STEP THREE: 2 nd Fundamental Attitude: What Am I Looking for in Others? ASK: 1. What are the little good things they try to do? 2. What are their gratuitous acts of kindness? 3. What are their delightful idiosyncrasies? 4. What are the subtle and overt ways in which they offer friendship? 5. What are their values and principles? 6. What are the great good things they aspire to do? 7. What are their strengths they have that complement my own? 8. What are their spiritual or religious commitments? 9. How do they exemplify transcendent mystery (in their pursuit of truth, love, goodness/ justice, beauty and home)? 17 Magis Center 2017

18 CC P13 HANDOUT, pg. 2 STEP FOUR: 3 rd Fundamental Attitude: What am I Looking for in Myself? ASK: Category 1 Relational and Interpersonal Attributes: 1. Do I value and develop (empathy for others, humility as an antidote to narcissism, compassion toward others, loyalty to others, patience, kindness, and gentleness toward others, the quality of my personal presence and friendship)? 2. Do I value and accept others friendship and presence in my life? 3. Do I value the above attributes as much as (or more than) my resume, appearance, or net worth? Category 2 Ethical and Virtue Attributes: 1. Do I value and develop (honesty and character, justice or fairness, moral courage) in myself? 2. Do I value and develop (ethical principles and ethical ideals) to which I am committed? 3. Do I value and develop self-discipline? Category 3 Transcendent and Spiritual Attributes: Do I value and develop (my awareness of perfect and unconditional truth, love, goodness, beauty and being, my relationship with God, my striving to be unconditionally loving in imitation of God, my striving for unconditional justice and goodness)? STEP FIVE: 4 th Fundamental Attitude: What Kind of Freedom am I Seeking? Assuming that I am committed to making an optimal positive difference to the world and the Kingdom of God with my time, talents and energy, and that I desire the most pervasive, enduring and deep purpose in life, ASK: 1. Do I feel more passion and excitement about my more pervasive, enduring and deep goals that I do about satisfying my Level One desires and my egocentric desires? 2. Do I feel excitement and positive energy about making commitments toward my highest goals even though they may have some difficult or unpleasant dimensions (reducing and eliminating options, overcoming obstacles, and sticking with the plan )? 3. What kinds of activities hinder or undermine my pursuit of what is most pervasive, enduring and deep activities that are wasteful and beneath my true purpose in life? 4. Do I have enough positive energy about my highest goals to let go of these hindering or wasteful activities? 5. Am I willing to make sacrifices to have a truly meaning commitment to someone or some ideal? Magis Center

19 19 Magis Center 2017

20 CC P2 PRESENTATION GUIDE What is CREDIBLE CATHOLIC? CREDIBLE CATHOLIC is a Magis Center 20-module curriculum designed to confront the secular and anti-religious challenges of our culture head on. It is correlated to the four parts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church as follows: Part One (Catechism of the Catholic Church - CCC): The Profession of Faith CC1 Scientific Evidence and Philosophical Proof of God s Existence CC2 Medical Evidence and Philosophical Proof of a Soul CC3 Proof of Jesus Resurrection and Divinity CC4 The Significance of Jesus Life and Teachings CC5 The Trinity, Incarnation, and the Last Things Part Two (From the CCC): The Celebration of the Christian Mystery CC6 Why Be Catholic? CC7 The Inspiration and Canonicity of the Old Testament CC8 Jesus and the New Testament CC9 The Sacraments, Part 1 The Sacred Eucharistic Liturgy CC10 The Sacraments, Part 2 Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick CC11 The Sacraments, Part 3 Marriage CC12 Sacramentals, Devotions, and Traditions Part Three (From the CCC): Life in Christ CC13 True Happiness CC14 Suffering, Spiritual Evil, and Jesus' Defeat of Satan CC15 The Seven Deadly Sins CC16 Contending with Evil Through Virtue and Prayer CC17 Personal Ethics and Social Ethics Part Four (From the CCC): Christian Prayer CC18 Relationship with Christ and Spontaneous Prayers CC19 Why Would an All-loving God Allow Suffering? CC20 Examen, Discernment, and Contemplation CREDIBLE CATHOLIC modules contain the following products: 1. Presentation - slide presentations with optional voiceovers, 2. Presentation Guide - Adds information, activities and quizzes, 3. Little Book - A summary of the Big Book and the primary source for the Presentation, 4. Big Book - 1,500+ pages in 20 volumes, the foundation of the Credible Catholic Modules. At crediblecatholic.com, everything is free online and printed materials may be purchased Magis Center

PRESENTATION 19 GUIDE WHY WOULD AN ALL-LOVING GOD ALLOW SUFFERING? From content by: Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, S. J., Ph.D.

PRESENTATION 19 GUIDE WHY WOULD AN ALL-LOVING GOD ALLOW SUFFERING? From content by: Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, S. J., Ph.D. CC PRESENTATION 19 GUIDE CREDIBLE CATHOLIC WHY WOULD AN ALL-LOVING GOD ALLOW SUFFERING? From content by: Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, S. J., Ph.D. Adapted by: Claude R. LeBlanc, M.A. 1 Magis Center 2017 Welcome