ut through mere curiosity, to
hear what they may say, (1) Because it is wrong to expose ourselves to
the danger of sinning even though we do not sin; (2) because we may give
scandal to others who are not certain that we go through mere curiosity;
(3) because by our pretended belief we encourage these impostors to
continue their wicked practices.

Q. 1163. {320} Are sins against faith, hope, and charity also sins
against the first Commandment?
A. Sins against faith, hope and charity are also sins against the first
Commandment.

Q. 1164. {321} How does a person sin against faith?
A. A person sins against faith: 1st, By not trying to know what God has
taught; 2d, by refusing to believe all that God has taught; 3d, by
neglecting to profess his belief in what God has taught.

Q. 1165. {322} How do we fail to try to know what God has taught?
A. We fail to try to know what God has taught by neglecting to learn the
Christian doctrine.

Q. 1166. What means have we of learning the Christian doctrine?
A. We have many means of learning the Christian doctrine: In youth we
have Catechism and special instructions suited to our age; later we have
sermons, missions, retreats, religious sodalities and societies through
which we may learn. At all times, we have books of instruction, and,
above all, the priests of the Church, ever ready to teach us. God will
not excuse our ignorance if we neglect to learn our religion when He has
given us the means.

Q. 1167. Should we learn the Christian doctrine merely for our own sake?
A. We should learn the Christian doctrine not merely for our own sake,
but for the sake also of others who may sincerely wish to learn from us
the truths of our holy faith.

Q. 1168. How should such instruction be given to those who ask it of us?
A. Such instruction should be given to those who ask it of us in a kind
and Christian spirit, without dispute or bitterness. We should never
attempt to explain the truths of our religion unless we are certain of
what we say. When we are unable to answer what is asked we should send
those who inquire to the priest or to others better instructed than
ourselves.

Q. 1169. {323} Who are they who do not believe all that God has taught?
A. They who do not believe all that God has taught are the heretics and
infidels.

Q. 1170. Name the different classes of unbelievers and tell what they
are.
A. The different classes of unbelievers are (1) Atheists, who deny there
is a God;