5 Asf 4 Module 3 I The Images of The Church

University of San Agustin
General Luna St., 5000 Iloilo City, Philippines

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CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS STUDIES
MODULE 3: THE IMAGES OF THE CHURCH
MODULE 3: OPENING PRAYER
INSTRUCTION: IF YOU ARE READY, YOU CAN NOW START WITH MODULE 3. HUMBLY
ASK GOD THEN TO ACCOMPANY YOU BY RECITING SILENTLY THE PRAYER BELOW!
Opening Prayer: As we start with this lesson, I invite you to

pray the Official Prayer before class.
Leader: When we live in unity,

All: How good and how pleasant it is.
Leader: Pray for us, Holy Father Augustine,
All: That we may dwell together in peace.
Leader: Let us pray,
All: God our Father, Your Son promised to be present in the midst
of all who come together in His name. Help us to recognize
His presence among us and experience in our hearts the
abundance of Your grace, Your mercy, and Your peace, in
truth and in love. We ask this, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
2022-2023 Module Packet for ASF 4 (Saint Augustine on Church and Society). Center for Religious
Studies, University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines.
Email: crs@usa.edu.ph | Contact No.: 337-4841 to 44 | Fax No.: (033) 337-4403

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A grace-filled day! Welcome to Module 3.
In this module, students will learn how the images of the Church were described in three
ways namely, the Body of Christ, the People of God, and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. Topics
are to make them enunciate that the Church is God’s instrument of salvation here on earth,
and also for them to take an active role in the mission of their local churches. With Saint
Augustine as their model, they will be inspired to defend the church and her teachings.
Consultation hours
Phone/messenger:
Virtual time:
MODULE 3: LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of Module 3, students will be able to:
1. describe and discuss the different images of the Church.

2. deepen their appreciation on how Saint Augustine contributed in the Church’s
teachings on ecumenism and inter religious dialogues.
3. demonstrate the Augustinian value of humble service in their respective family as
a domestic church.
MODULE 3: COURSE CONTENTS
Below is the Schedule for Module 3.
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW TIME TO COMPLETE

Opening Prayer
1a Pre-assessment Task
Images of the Church
 Church as Body of Christ 90 minutes

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 Church as People of God

 Church as Temple of the
Holy Spirit
Notion of the Church according

2 to Saint Augustine as
 “Christus totus” (Whole
Christ)
 The Church as the Bride of 90 minutes
Christ
 The Church as Sacrifice
3 Salvation outside of the church

 Traditional and
modern views 90 minutes
 Saint Augustine’s views
Assessment Task 60 minutes
Conclusion 30 minutes
Closing Prayer
MODULE 3: Activity 1a – IMAGES OF THE CHURCH
Read the following biblical texts which best describe the Church. List down 3 bible texts that
strikes you the most and ask yourself why? Do an examination of conscience in 3-5 minutes.
1 Cor. 3:16; Eph 2: 21-22; 1 Pet 2:5; Gal 4:26; Heb 12:22, Eph 5:25-32; 2 Cor11:2;
Col 1:18; Acts 9:31; 1 Cor 1:2; Rom. 16:5,10-11,14; 1 Corinthians 12:14-18
LECTURE/DISCUSSION PROPER:
MODULE 3: Activity 1- IMAGES OF THE CHURCH
The Catechism of the Catholic Church described the Church in three ways: the
Church as Body of Christ, as People of God, and as the Temple of the Holy Spirit.

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1. Body of Christ
Catholics believe that Jesus Christ established the Church as part of the Father's
plan for the redemption of the world. The announcement and inauguration of God's
kingdom by Christ resulted in the gathering of disciples. His death, resurrection, and the
sending of the Holy Spirit founded the church, which he vowed to continue until the end
of time (Matt. 28:20). Jesus committed the task of proclaiming the gospel and “making
disciples of all countries, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Spirit” to this group (Matt. 28:19). The Church is described by Paul as a body.
Bodies are made up of several members, or various sections, that make up the whole (1
Corinthians 12:14-18).
The analogy of the Church to the flesh sheds insight on the close relationship that
Christ has with his Church. She is not just collected around him; she is unified in him, in
his body. Three elements of the Church as the Body of Christ deserve special attention:
the oneness of all her members with one another as a result of their connection with
Christ; Christ as the head of the Body; and the Church as Christ's bride (Catechism of
the Catholic Church, 789); BBC, 2021).
Everyone who believes and has a responsibility to evangelize is included in the

Church. This means that the Church has a responsibility to spread the message of God
and educate people so that they may convert to the Catholic faith. Humanity can only be
saved via the Church and Christ. It indicates that all salvation comes from Christ, the
Head, through the Church, his Body (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 846; ibid.).
The three characteristics of the Church as the Body of Christ (CCC 789).
1. The unity of the members

2. Christ as the Head
3. The Church as bride of Christ
St Augustine might claim that "we have become Christ Himself," because Christ the Head
and we the parts become the entire man. (St. Augustine, In Jo. ev, 21, 8: PL 35, 1568).

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As we have seen, the church is a mystery revealed by Scripture for Augustine.

The key to Augustine's growing perspective on the church is his biblical
interpretation. One of the most prevalent biblical images in his writings is the
church as the body of Christ. Augustine follows Paul in his sermon by constantly
reminding the assembly of their identification as the body of the entire Christ.
He definitely needs a body if he is the head (Lee, 2017).
2. People of God
The Church is often known as the "people of God." The Catholic Church's Catechism
(CCC 1267) states unequivocally that God does not belong to anyone individual or
organization since God is the one who invites people to him. God's people are those who
have been chosen and called by God.
The People of God has qualities that set it apart from all other religious, ethnic, political,
or cultural organizations in history (CCC 782, 871).
Characteristics of the People of God

a. One becomes a member of this people not by physical birth, but by being "born
anew," a birth "of water and the Spirit," that is, by faith in Christ, and Baptism.
(CCC 1267).
b. "The status of this people is that of the dignity and freedom of the sons of God, in
whose hearts the Holy Spirit dwells as in a temple." [CCC 1741]
c. "Its law is the new commandment to love as Christ loved us." This is the "new"
law of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1972).
d. Its mission is to be salt of the earth and light of the world. This people is "a most
sure seed of unity, hope, and salvation for the whole human race." (CCC 849).
e. Its destiny, finally, "is the Kingdom of God which has been begun by God himself
on earth and which must be further extended until it has been brought to perfection
by him at the end of time." (CCC 769).
WHO ARE THE PEOPLE OF GOD?

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Let us turn to the document Lumen Gentium for clarification on the different identity and
mission of the diverse members of God's "People."
Pope: The pope is the successor of St. Peter, the head or leader of the Apostles. He is
the Vicar of Christ on earth and is the visible head of the Church. “The Roman
Pontiff ... is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity of both the
bishops and of the whole company of the faithful ... (He) has full, supreme and
universal power over the whole Church.” (LG 22-23).
Bishops: The successors of the Apostles, “the bishops receive the charge of the
community, presiding in God’s stead over the flock of which they are the shepherds
in that they are teachers of doctrine, ministers of sacred worship and holders of
office in government.” (LG 20).
Priests: Co-workers with the bishops, “priests are consecrated in order to preach the
Gospel, and shepherd the faithful as well as to celebrate divine worship as true
priest of the New Testament ...” (LG 28).
Deacons: Co-workers with bishops and priests, deacons assist at Mass, bless
marriages, proclaim the Gospel, baptize, preside over funerals and perform other
tasks. The permanent diaconate, which can be conferred on married men, was
restored at Vatican II. (cf. LG 29).
Laity: The laity are the baptized who “in their own way share the priestly, prophetic and
kingly office of Christ. ... All the faithful except those in Holy Orders and those who
belong to a religious state approved by the Church are the laity.” (LG 31).
Religious: “Religious have the duty of working for the implanting and strengthening of
the kingdom of Christ in souls and for spreading it to the four corners of the earth.
... Christ proposed to His disciples this form of life, which He, as the Son of God,
accepted in entering this world to do the will of the Father.” (LG 44).

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3. Temple of the Holy Spirit
St. Augustine says: "What the soul is to the human body, the Holy Spirit is to
the Church, which is Christ's Body." [Sermo 267, 4: PL 38, 1231D] [Sermo 267, 4:
PL 38, 1231D] "It is to this Spirit of Christ, as an unseen principle, that all the parts
of the body are linked one with the other and with their exalted Head; because the
whole Spirit of Christ is in the head, the whole Spirit is in the body, and the whole
Spirit is in each of the members." [Encyclical by Pius XII, Mystic Corporis: DS 3808]
The Church is transformed into "the temple of the living God" by the Holy Spirit: [2
Corinthians 6:16; see also 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Eph 2:21] [813, 586]; CCC 797).
MODULE 3: ACTIVITY 2. NOTION OF THE CHURCH ACCORDING TO SAINT

AUGUSTINE
“This is a testimony that confesses both Christ and his vine; that is, the head and the body,
the king and his people, shepherd and flock, Christ and his church—the total mystery (totum
mysterium) of all Scripture.” This paragraph offers an interpretative key for Augustine's biblical
interpretation. The “whole Christ” is the “total mystery” (totum mysterium) of Scripture (totus
Christus). Although the head and members remain different, Christ and the church constitute
a single entity (Lee, 2017).
A. “Christus totus” (Whole Christ)
According to Alvarez (2021), Saint Augustine speaks about Christ in three ways:
first, Christ according to his divine nature – that is, Christ as the pre-existent divine logos;
second, Christ as a human being united with the divinity by virtue of his incarnation; and
third, Christ as a combination of both head and body, of which we are the me. In this
regard, let us heed the words of our Patron Saint. “There are three ways in which we can
approach our Lord Jesus Christ... The first way is consistent with the fact that he is God
because, prior to his incarnation, in accordance with his Godhead, he is identical in being
and eternal with the Father.
The second way is through Christ after the incarnation, when the same person who
is God is also man... mediator and head of the Church. The third way refers to the whole

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Christ (Christus totus), in the fullness of the Church, that is to say, head and body in
accordance with the fullness of a perfect man, of which each of us is a member” (Sermo
341; ibid.).
The Church expresses both the fullness of Christ's humanity and the reason for his
incarnation. However, this does not imply that he is incomplete without us, the members
of his body. In this case, Saint Augustine makes it clear that he did not want to be
complete without us, not that he would be incomplete without us (cf. Sermo 341.9.11).
Saint Augustine's concept of "Christus totus" expands our understanding of what it
means to be not just a member of the Church, but the Church itself. Each of us exists
within the context of the community, and the community exists within the context of the
individual. The Church as the Bride of Christ
In his biblical exegesis, Augustine frequently refers to the church as both bride and
body at the same time. These symbols are inextricably linked since the bridegroom and
bride are joined to form the one body of Christ. Augustine states in a sermon on Psalm 34
that Christ and the church are “two in one flesh” (Gen 2:24). In the Psalm, we hear Christ's
voice: the voice of Christ, Head and Body. When Christ is addressed, never divide the
Bridegroom from the Bride, but rather realize that immense sacrament (magnum
sacramentum), in which they will be two in one flesh (Gen 2:24); (Lee , 2017).
B. The Church as Sacrifice
Worship, according to Augustine, is a distinguishing trait of the church. In the form of

a sacrifice, the church gives sincere worship to God. The notion of sacrifice evolves
throughout Augustine's texts. Sacrifice is characterized in his early works as an offering
of the individual soul. The giving of the mind and heart is the appropriate sacrifice to God.
However, in Augustine's mature works, sacrifice refers to the community giving of Christ's
flesh. This shared sacrifice is precisely located at the Eucharistic altar, according to
Augustine. The earthly church, in her Eucharistic devotion, gives herself as a sacrifice...
(ibid.).

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MODULE 3: ACTIVITY 3- SALVATION OUTSIDE OF THE CHURCH

a. Traditional and modern views
Historically, the Catholic Church preached that only believers and members of the Catholic
Church might be saved. There was no salvation for people who were not members of the
Church. According to the Florence Council of 1441, "the most Holy Roman Church fully
believes, proclaims, and teaches that none of those existing outside the Catholic Church...
may have a portion in everlasting life..." In his papal letter (1863), Pope Pius IX stated, "It is
well recognized in the Catholic Church that no one may be saved without the Catholic
Church." This refers to the idea that only individuals in full communion with the Catholic
Church and who embrace the Church's doctrines and magisterium may be saved. However,
Pope Pius goes on to say that even those who are unaware of the religion can obtain
everlasting life if they live moral lives and obey God's natural law. God will not punish people
who have not committed a willful transgression (BBC, 2021).
Furthermore, the Second Vatican Council elaborated on Pope Pius's declaration. It was
made plain that, while salvation can only be obtained through Christ Jesus and the Catholic
Church (of which Jesus is the Head), persons outside of the Church can also be saved.
However, this does not imply that the Church should cease all activities. It implies that the
Church's mission of teaching others about Christ is more essential.
b. Saint Augustine’s Views

All those who believe in Christ must live according to his teachings and examples if they
want to be saved. As for the members of other religions, it is enough that they follow the
dictates of their conscience (cf. LG 16). This leads us to one fundamental question that was
already raised during the early centuries: Can salvation exist outside the Church? The
Catholic magisterium insists on the necessity of the Church for salvation (cf. UR 3 as quoted
in CCC 816). Extra ecclesiamsalus non est. This idea was first indirectly affirmed by Cyprian
of Carthage (ca. 210-258) in his work De catholicae ecclesiae unitate 1.6. Saint Augustine
would not have any difficulty accepting this, being an active pastor in the African soil where
the teachings of Cyprian were held in very high esteem. But the question is more on the

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concept of the “church” that one has in mind. Does it refer and limit itself to the confines of
the institutional Catholic Church?(Alvarez, 2021).
Many Christian churches were claiming to be the “true church” during the time of Saint
Augustine. In Africa, for example, the tension between the Catholics and the Donatists was
quite high and it oftentimes resulted in violent clashes. Until a few decades ago, many
thought that the notion of “salvation within the church” applied and referred only to the
Catholic Church. However, the Vatican II dogmatic constitution on the Church clarified what
it means. The term “church,” necessary for salvation, must be understood in two senses: in
general and as referring to the Catholic Church (cf. LG 14). The Church, indeed, is necessary
for salvation, but the idea should not be limited to the institutional Catholic Church. Thus we
read in LG 16: “Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ
or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace,
try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience –
those too may achieve eternal salvation.
Saint Augustine reflects on the nature of a true sacrifice pleasing to God as taught by
Paul in Romans 12. Works of mercy and acts of compassion qualify, but the greatest and
most perfect sacrifice is that of the Whole Body of Christ, head and members (Totus
Christus), which is offered to God the Father in the sacrament of the altar, the Eucharist.
MODULE 3. ASSESSMENT TASK
Asynchronous Activities:
Rubrics for Summative Assessments (50pts.)
a. Clarity of ideas in the light of the teachings of Saint Augustine. (25 pts).
b. Capacity to connect the ideas to the teachings of Saint Augustine. (25 pts).
c. Applicability of the ideas to the present situation in the light of the teachings of Saint
Augustine. (50) pts.

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QUESTIONS:
1. Given a situation wherein you are compelled or asked to explain the images of
the Church, what kind of image you would like to explain first, and why? (100pts.)
2. How would you like to apply the Augustinian value of humble service to non-
Christians who are poor and needy? (100 points).
3. Make a list of all acts of mercy performed by your parish. Make this as a good
practice towards generosity. (100pts.).
MODULE 3. CONCLUSION
The Church is relevant more than ever because of the images she portrays and acts
she is performing in the society today. The above discussions further reveals that the Church
indeed is part of the on-going revelation of God to humanity.
Revelation of God through the images of the church was already present in the teachings of
Saint Augustine.
For him, right knowledge and actions are impossible without revelation and grace
through the Church. Hence at every turn of his life, he interpreted the realities of this world as
an understanding of how God’s grace worked through the Church. Christian doctrines
formulated and propagated by the Church are necessary for salvation according to Saint
Augustine. Let us then turn to Saint Augustine and make him as our model to Jesus for us to
attain salvation.

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MODULE 3: CLOSING PRAYER
Closing Prayer: Please pray the Official Prayer after Class.
Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord,

All: Who made heaven and earth.
Leader: Let us pray.
All: God, the desire of every human heart, you moved Saint
Augustine to seek restlessly for truth and peace. Touch our
hearts with his burning desire for wisdom, for the Word made
flesh. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Leader: Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
All: As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
MODULE 3. REFERENCES:
 Alvarez, E.C. (2021). “Church And Society In The Thought Of Saint Augustine.”
ReSt 1: 117- 166.
 BBC (2021). Retrieved July 30, 2021
fromhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zc668mn/revision/2
 Catechism of the Catholic Church. Retrieved July 30, 2021 from
https://www.catholicdoors.com/catechis/cat0781.htm
 Lee, J. (2017). “The Church as the Body of Christ.” In Augustine and the Mystery of
the Church (pp. 27-56). Minneapolis: 1517 Media. doi:10.2307/j.ctt1pwt89w.7
 Lee, J. (2017). “The Church as Sacrifice.” In Augustine and the Mystery of the
Church (pp. 95-122). Minneapolis: 1517 Media. doi:10.2307/j.ctt1pwt89w.10
 Roman Catholic Diocese of Corpus Christi. (2020). What Is The Catholic
Church? Retrieved July 30, 2021 fromhttps://diocesecc.org/what-is-the-
catholic-church/.

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 Sheffer, E. (n.d.) Summary of Lumen Gentium – Dogmatic Constitution of the

Church. Retrieved July 30, 2021 from
https://d2y1pz2y630308.cloudfront.net/21056/documents/2018/9/LT%20Ti
mes%20-
%20Summary%20Lumen%20Gentium%20%20Dogmatic%20Constitution%20of%20
the%20Church.pdf
 Showalter, M. F, et. Al (2021). Vatican Ii Part 5: Looking At The Church A Visible
And Invisible Reality. The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese Of Lansing.
https://faithmag.com/vatican-ii-part-5-looking-church-visible-and-invisible- reality.
The Church as the Bride of Christ

(pp. 57-74)
Lee, J. (2017). The Church as the Bride of Christ. In Augustine and the Mystery of the
Church (pp. 57-74). Minneapolis: 1517 Media. doi:10.2307/j.ctt1pwt89w.8
The City of God

(pp. 75-94)
https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt1pwt89w.9
Lee, J. (2017). The City of God. In Augustine and the Mystery of the Church (pp. 75-94).
Minneapolis: 1517 Media. doi:10.2307/j.ctt1pwt89w.9
The Church as Sacrifice

(pp. 95-122)
https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt1pwt89w.10

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University of San Agustin

General Luna St., 5000 Iloilo City, Philippines

CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS STUDIES

MODULE 3: THE IMAGES OF THE CHURCH

MODULE 3: OPENING PRAYER

Opening Prayer: As we start with this lesson, I invite you to

Leader: When we live in unity,

Email: crs@usa.edu.ph | Contact No.: 337-4841 to 44 | Fax No.: (033) 337-4403

CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS STUDIES

A grace-filled day! Welcome to Module 3.

MODULE 3: LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of Module 3, students will be able to:

1. describe and discuss the different images of the Church.

MODULE 3: COURSE CONTENTS

Below is the Schedule for Module 3.

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW TIME TO COMPLETE

Email: crs@usa.edu.ph | Contact No.: 337-4841 to 44 | Fax No.: (033) 337-4403

CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS STUDIES

 Church as People of God

Notion of the Church according

3 Salvation outside of the church

MODULE 3: Activity 1a – IMAGES OF THE CHURCH

MODULE 3: Activity 1- IMAGES OF THE CHURCH

Email: crs@usa.edu.ph | Contact No.: 337-4841 to 44 | Fax No.: (033) 337-4403

CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Everyone who believes and has a responsibility to evangelize is included in the

1. The unity of the members

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CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS STUDIES

As we have seen, the church is a mystery revealed by Scripture for Augustine.

Characteristics of the People of God

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE OF GOD?

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CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Email: crs@usa.edu.ph | Contact No.: 337-4841 to 44 | Fax No.: (033) 337-4403

CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS STUDIES

3. Temple of the Holy Spirit

MODULE 3: ACTIVITY 2. NOTION OF THE CHURCH ACCORDING TO SAINT

A. “Christus totus” (Whole Christ)

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CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS STUDIES

B. The Church as Sacrifice

Worship, according to Augustine, is a distinguishing trait of the church. In the form of

Email: crs@usa.edu.ph | Contact No.: 337-4841 to 44 | Fax No.: (033) 337-4403

CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS STUDIES

MODULE 3: ACTIVITY 3- SALVATION OUTSIDE OF THE CHURCH

b. Saint Augustine’s Views

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CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS STUDIES

MODULE 3. ASSESSMENT TASK

Rubrics for Summative Assessments (50pts.)

Email: crs@usa.edu.ph | Contact No.: 337-4841 to 44 | Fax No.: (033) 337-4403

CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Email: crs@usa.edu.ph | Contact No.: 337-4841 to 44 | Fax No.: (033) 337-4403

CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS STUDIES

MODULE 3: CLOSING PRAYER

Closing Prayer: Please pray the Official Prayer after Class.

Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord,

Email: crs@usa.edu.ph | Contact No.: 337-4841 to 44 | Fax No.: (033) 337-4403