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Ichthys [Fish symbol] · spells out an early creed in acronym or acrostic form for the Greek word fish: IΧΘΥΣ – Iēsous [Jesus] Christos [Christ], Theou [God’s] Hyios [Son], Sōtēr [Saviour]. This is an early symbol of faith – or, as we might call it these days, an early creed. It was used by Christians during the time of Roman persecution. Legend holds it as a kind of secret sign between Christians of the time.
Iconography · tells the story of God and the saints in vivid visuals. Due to the specific details, depth of symbolism, and techniques in iconography, the correct term for creating one is “writing” rather than “painting”; it is often referred to as a science as opposed to an art form.
Icons are common in monastic settings but have a home all through the Church, East and West. They may be composed of paint, drawn with charcoal, or constructed of tiles (as a mosaic). Icons are preserved and privileged for their dogmatic significance and capacity to teach the faith.
NB: Noone is to worship an icon. We venerate — that is show honour to the mysteries depicted.
IHS [in art] · appears representing the first three letters in the Greek word for Jesus (ΙΗΣΟΥΣ), as with the Ichthys (above); these letters form a monogram for the name, often inscribed on tombs as early as the catacombs. The inscription, though emerging from antiquity, was made popular by S. Ignatius of Loyola; it is still used by Jesuits and features in Jesuit art and architecture to this day.
Illicit · denotes those things which are effective but unlawful. Illicit in colloquial terms is “real, but wrong”. The Church is concerned with illicit relationships, sacraments, and liturgical practices as much as they risk confusion and/or harm.
In previous expressions of Church law, it was considered a grave matter to break liturgical laws (that is, conduct something liturgically illicit); this meant that one could technically commit a moral sin by celebrating Mass wrong.
Imitation of Christ [Book] · was the most published Latin book of the ‘Middle Ages’. It was written circa 1418–1427 by Thomas à Kempis. The text is divided into sections that deal with devotions and the spiritual life. Numerous saints have had this book feature in their conversion. It remains a work in circulation, recommended for those seeking to deepen or broaden their spirituality. Any translation should suffice, and audio book versions are available too.
Immaculate Conception · teaches that when Mary (Mother of God) was conceived, that is at the moment she came to life, she was free from sin and its consequences. While we are freed from sin by baptism, she was freed by a pre-emptive grace. The conception and its immaculate nature were a work of the Holy Spirit (as per the Creed), and reliant on any physical relations between Joseph and Mary.
Incarnation · literally ‘enfleshed’ or ‘moralised’. This is among the greatest mysteries and wonders of the faith: that the word became flesh (Jn 1:14). Jesus, while remaining fully God, emptied Himself of the vestiges of deity to take on human form — but not only the form but to become fully human to the point of dying. The seminal hymn from Philippians 2:8–9 captures this beautifully.
Incense · ascends with and as our prayers. It is an aromatic substance, usually made of resin of trees; sometimes, other additives are used to tailor the scent and produce a thicker smoke. Two dimensions of its use and effect can be considered.
Firstly, olfactory, incense was used as an early kind of deodorant and mask unbecoming odours (e.g. BO through animal matter). It is a sign of being made presentable to God. Secondly, visually, it represents the prayers and offerings ascending to heaven (Ps 141:2). These prayers are kindled in the heart of the Christian by the fire of God’s love; through the breath of the Spirit, they are formed. There are technicalities to the swings used when incensing, according to the thing reverenced.
Some, informed and conditioned as we are by caution regarding cigarettes, hold concern for the ingestion of incense smoke. However, due to the natural substances and level of exposure, this is essentially a non-issue. Studies have shown that daily exposure to high levels of this kind of smoke (but especially the commonly-available Asian incenses, made from wood powders, glues, and such) may increase irritation or symptoms of pre-existing respiratory conditions. However, limited exposure (such as at Mass) is not a health risk.
Indulgences · are a kindness of God which we come to know in the forgiveness of sins. In a technical sense, they are non-sacramental prayers and practiced that bring forgiveness of sins for the subject or one for whom they pray (intercede). Indulgences are, in a way, and as best we can, measures of grace that lead through reconciliation to redemption. There are indulgences attached to certain prayers (e.g. The sign of the Cross) or visiting a holy site (e.g. A grave, shine, or stations of the cross during Lent). Some of the more common indulgences are associated with novenas or feast days.
Infallibility (Papal) · means that the Pope does not (cannot) err when formally teaching faith and morals. It is not to say that everything uttered by the Pope is as if Moses descended with them on stones from Sainai. Rather, it is about when the Pope, in communion with the rest of the Church (usually after a gathering of bishops, and in their presence), teaches the truth.
This does not mean that the Pope cannot (or does not) make errors in personal conduct or conversation. While it is respectful and can be good to listen to the ordinary (that is casual) teaching of the pontiff — especially homilies and addresses aimed at teaching —, these make no claim to be infallible. Popes are also not above the law nor are they morally immune.
Infant Baptism · has taken places since the earliest days of the Church. Nevertheless, it is a practice that has drawn some debate; especially in recent protestant theologies where weight is put on expressed faith and less on sacramental (and associated sanctifying) grace.
Intimacy (Physical and emotional) · is seen by the Church as something valuable and precious and accordingly reserves it to safe and fruitful parameters. Unless it violates a person against their consent, the Church typically sees intimacy as a good. It is to safeguard this that it outlines those relationships and conditions where it would seem morally fitting. A certain level of intimacy can be expected and proper to persons who are romantically involved.
It is important to note that emotional intimacy is considered in many ways on par with physical intimacy. So, any association which includes vulnerability or intimate expression should be properly safeguarded.
Sorry fruits of the recent ‘sexual revolution’, ‘hook-up culture, and the prevenance of explicit content (now so easily accessible online) has included a dissolving of true human intimacy and a separation of the physical from the emotional. Pope John Paul II proposes a model for human intimacy in his Theology of the Body. While theologically narrow, it has been widely accepted.
Intercession · literally ‘to go between’ is the dimension of prayer where one party pleads before God for another. We might intercede for someone dear to us, “for the redemption of their souls or in hope of health and wellbeing” (Roman Canon) — famously done by mothers as they pray for the conversion or prosperity of their children; or, we might ask someone to pray for us or vice versa (Eph 1:16–18 & 6:19). This is not limited to the Church on earth. So, we can ask the saints to intercede for us before God. Some misunderstand intercession through the saints as paying to the saints or considering them as mediators of God’s grace. Both are incorrect and heresy. There is only one mediator: Jesus (c.f. 1 Tim 2:5). We are simply asking our heavenly friends and patrons to do what S. Paul and so many others modelled and encouraged.
Inquisition · properly understood is an institution or department of the Church set up to combat and eradicate heresy. It is not an event per se, though many refer to a particular era of religious violence in Spain as ‘the inquisition’. The office has been retitled ‘The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith’ but carries out the same core mission. It’s kinda like the Vatican CIA, but like without the guns and stuff (these days).
Invalid · as distinct from illicit also does not achieve that valid thing which it attempts or emulates. Some sacraments require permission to be licit (Eucharist), but others also be valid (Penance and Marriage). Sacraments also require the correct form (words and actions) as well as matter (physical properties). They are then invalid when either of these are critically compromised (e.g. For a baptism using the words “We baptise…” or “in the name of the Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier…” or the form of beer instead of water.” Invalid sacraments do not guarantee the grace a valid sacrament entail.
Islam (Religion) · forms the latest of the major Abrahamic religions. It denotes the followers of their great prophet, Mohammed, and are often known as Muslims. Stereotypically characterised by violence, the principles of their religion are not entirely dissimilar to the Judeo-Christian tenants of faith. However, they lack recognition of Jesus as God. Many people who claim to follow the law/religion of Islam have been involved with horrific actions of recent history; however, these are often carried out by fringe and radical groups. These cannot be tied to the original work of the Prophet or the mainstream faith tradition.
Ite Missa Est [phase] · are the Latin words used by the deacon (or priest/bishop) at the end of the Mass proper. (Tridentine form). When the Missal was published in English, options listed included “Go in peace” and “Go forth, the Mass is ended.” A very cursory sense of Latin often led people to consider these as rough translations. In fact, there is no simple English equivalent; the literal sense has been lost to history. An understanding that has only reemerged in more recent times (due to a translation to English of a Latin text) is to translate it as “He has been sent”. This is as reference to the Son being sent into the world (the mystery of the incarnation) and/or the Son being offered to the Father with the Spirit; the former of these made sense when followed with the reading of the ‘Last Gospel’ (Jn 1:1–14).
IVF (in vitro fertilization) · involves artificial intervention in the natural process of conception. The primary moral reservations for IVF are twofold: Firstly, that it risks separating physical love and life (while not fundamentally inseparable, their association is sacred); and, secondly, because IVF often involves termination of embryos and has been used for severe ethical breaches. For these reasons, and keeping in mind she speaks to universal norms for many places and people who have no access to safe and affordable fertility services, the Catholic Church does not support the use of IVF.
Concerns for the morality of IVF are calls for examination of conscience. Except for when termination of life is involved, there may be other concerns in life deserving more urgent attention. Catholic who chose to utilise IVF do so outside of the Church textbook for fertility and family life; they risk wandering into territory of grave wrong and should be careful of the ethical boundaries. This means IVF is not an evil but can be proximate. Of course, a child born as the result of IVF is a wonderful gift from God. As with any life, they are precious and hold an inherent dignity. Any sense that they are abominable is fundamentally floored and far more grave an error than their process of conception.