Doctrine Exam 1 Madueme

What is the definition of dogma?

Dogma is another word for teaching (doctorine).

"theology without worship is empty, abstract, and arid; worship without theology is formless, blindly zealous, and ambiguous"

Kevin Vanhoozer// ultimate purpose of doctrine is worship and to live to the glory of God.

How does theology or doctrine connect with doxology?

Doxology and worship is the same thing.

True theology should lead you to worship, for worship is the true purpose of theology

What does it mean to say that Scripture is norma normas (the norming norm)?

There are certain norms such as experience, parents, reason, tradition all that say something about scripture. But, scripture guides this. we need to be open to letting scripture correct. Also submit our norms to norming norm (scripture)!

What does it mean to say that our theology should be a "generous orthodoxy"?

All orthodoxy worships the same God. We can argue over small things but not the big thing. Basically that God is still at work in other traditions and we want our understanding of doctrine to be catholic (solidarity with all Christian).

Know the significance of the Reformation principle: "In essentials, unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity"

This means we should agree on the essentials of the faith (i.e. doctrine of trinity etc) but the non-essentials is minor is respect to the gospel. We have the freedom to disagree still with brothers and sisters in Christ. This was said by John Chrysostom.

: "In reality, theologian is just another word for Christian"

Carolyn Custis James// why women should not dread or avoid theology.

What is detachment theology?

The idea that anxieties, fears, struggles are separate from theology. When in reality wrestling with God is doing theology.

Defend the idea that life and theology are inseperable.

In wrestling with hard topics you are doing theology. We have the option to be bitter or do work. Through all struggle there is an underlying theology. Truth is that our souls struggle to know God and trust him in the midst of suffering.

"orthodoxy"

right doctrine

"orthopraxy"

right practice

"Scientia"

academic knowledge

"sapientia"

spiritual wisdom

What are "ectypal" and "archetypal" knowledge? (Horton and Kapic)

E: the understanding we have God because of his self revelation. (Scripture and the incarnation)

A: The knowledge God only posses, he fully knows all things. He has original knowledge.

What is the working definition of theology used in the class?

Theology is the attempt to discover from God's word about the triune God, ourselves, and the world and to apply that word to all areas of our lives so that our thoughts, words, and deeds may glorify God.

Westminister Shorter Catechism

- Q.1 What is the chief end of man? Ans. the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

Be able to explain whether theology is inerrant or immutable and why.

The theology is neither inerrant immutable because it changes with increase of knowledge or different cultural contexts.

What was the nature of theology before and after the 12th century?

Before: theology was solely about spiritual discipline. It was about wisdom and not book knowledge. Sapientia - spiritual wisdom

Then: MEDIEVAL CHURCH

University of Paris made it a major. Lombard wrote the FOUR SENTENCES, which shifts theology to an academic discipline.

Modern:

Inherited from medieval largely about know scientia but partly about passion

What is the significance of Peter Lombard?

Wrote the 4 books of sentences

What are the origins of theology as an academic, university discipline?

The medieval church

What are some of the reasons given by Carolyn Custus James why women do not like the dreaded t-word?

we have bought into the idea that theology is for men only

God did not equip women; we are more relational and practical?

Deep knowledge conflicts with wifely submission?

Give several personal examples that demonstrate the inseparability of life and theology.

personal answer

Explain the basic theology of Roman Catholicism, including the significance of the Council of Trent, the First Vatican Council and the Second Vatican Council.

Roman Catholicism is the 16th century Reformation response to the Council of Trent.

The council of trent was the response to Luther and two things came from it (Scripture and tradition are equal sources of authority, and only Church can interpret Bible not individual)

The First Vatican Council was another gathering about papal infallibility; basically stating when the Pope is in official capacity (ex cathedra) his pronouncements are infallible. CONSERVATIVE

Vatican II

People can read bible for themselves

was an effort to make Catholicism more attractive to people by giving more freedom to the ley and de-emphasizing disagreements LIBERALS

Why are so many evangelicals being drawn to Roman Catholicism?

Certainty: tired of disagreements on things like baptism, the lord's supper, etc.

Connection to the past: desire to feel a part of something bigger.

unity: so many denominates but theres only 1 roman catholic church

final authority: scripture is not enough because we all have our own interpretations

What are the main features of Eastern Orthodox theology?

Basically salvation through participation in divine life.

Splits from Roman Catholicism due to the word filioque "and the son" in the Creed. Called the Great Schism.

Western: accurate reflection of Bible

Eastern says that is takes away from the Father!

It is different from protestant:

Looks for authority from church fathers not much scriptures!

Also, participation in Divine Life overrules than justification by grace and faith.

Who were the Cappadocian fathers?

Anyone who wrote anything of significance from the 2-7the century; Athanasius, John Chysostom, Basil, Gregory of Nazianus, Gregory of Nyssa.

What is liberal theology?

Believes that Jesus is a moral teacher and the Bible is a human book. Liberalists desire to be free from dogma and desire freedom to revise Christianity in the light of experience.

Explain the evolution of "fundamentalism" from the early twentieth century to the 1970s

1920's

"The Fundamentals" 12 vol. - written in response to Liberalism and in defense of orthodoxy

J. Gresham Machen left Princeton with some others to form Westminster Theological Seminary. Emphasized infallibility of Scripture

1930's

there was a perception that the liberals were "winning" the war and the fundamentalists decided to break off and start their own denominations.

What are some examples of fundamentalist churches and institutions today?

Bob Jones, Pensacola College

What is the connection between fundamentalism and evangelical theology?

1940s - 1970s

fundamentalist movement split in two

Anti-intellectual and separatisic

against too much education; the word of God is for the common man

separate from other believers who don't agree with you

even second degree separation from those who agree with you, but yet associate with others who do not

Evangelicals

fundamentalists who wanted to be orthodox but engage with the world biblically

Ex: Billy Graham, Carl Henry

Who was J. Gresham Machen?

Professor of NT at Princeton

Left because liberal and founded Westminister Theological Seminary

Is there any connection between Covenant College and American fundamentalism and if so what is it?

CC was founded by reformed Christians who were a part of the fundamentalist movement

What is confessional Protestant theology? Give examples.

Reformational traditions.

Baptist, pres, Methodists

Be able to defend the doctrine of the Trinity drawing on at least three OT passages and three NT passages

OT: Genesis 1:26, Gen 2:2 & Exodus 33:14

NT: Matt 27:46, Matt 25:31, 1 Cor. 6:19-20

Be able to define the Trinity using the language of "essence" and "persons"

God is one in essence and three in person . AN essence is simply something with characteristics. A person is a distinct bearer of an essence. Applied to the Trinity, it means that the father, the son, and the Spirit are distinct persons, each with his own personal attributes, while each also shares equally the attributes of deity

Michael Horton on the Trinity

Explain the economic/immanent distinction in the Trinity

E: the revealed activity of the triune God in creation and redemption

I: the hidden relationship of trinity

Michael Horton on the Trinity

Explain the ousia/hypostasis distinction in the trinity

Instead of calling the essence and the individual both "essence" (ousia), they coined the term hypostasis for individual persons who bear it. This one in essence and three in hypostasis

Michael Horton on the Trinity

What is the significance of homoousios vs homoiousios in the early debates about the Arian view of the Trinity?

homoousios: "of the same essence"

Homoiousios: "of similar essence"

Arius: The Father alone is God, properly speaking, while there was a time when the Son did not exist.

So Jesus was a created and is of similar essence but not God

Michael Horton on the Trinity

What is the meaning of perichoresis?

mutual indwelling of the persons in each other

Michael Horton on the Trinity

What was the filioque controversy between the Eastern and Western church?

Filioque: "of the son"

Western: uses it to say the spirit proceeds from Father and the Son

Eastern: heresy

Michael Horton on the Trinity

What is tritheism?

The trinity is "one community of persons," not "one essence in three persons"

Belief in three Gods

In the article you read, what are some key differences that Michael Reeves highlights between the Islam view of God and the Trinity?

Allah is one person in one form. God is one in three.

Christianity: eternal love

Islam: eternal dependence of humans

God: already loved

Allah: created humans to love

Give two OT hints of the Trinity.

Genesis 2:2 (Elohim is a plural word in reference to one God) Genesis 1:26 (states let us make men in OUR imagine)

Be able to give and explain two biblical citations that point to the oneness of God and two biblical citations that point to the Threeness of God

Oneness:

Deut 6:4 Lord is one

John 10:30 I and my father are one

Threeness:

Matthew 28:19 — baptism in threeness

2 Corinthians 13:14 — blessing by Paul in threeness

Who was Sabellius and what did he believe about God?

Sabellius was a 3rd century man who was condemned by the early church for his theory of modalism. Modalism is the idea that there is one God in three modes (most commonly disguised as the water; ice, vapor h20 idea). The problem with this is that is denies the Threeness of God.

Who was Arius and what did he believe about God?

Arius had this theory of Arianism. Arianism stated that there was no way God could suffer like we do, but since Jesus did he can't be divine, therefore Jesus was "created". Best demonstrated as the sun, heat, light idea.

What is general revelation?

God is constantly revealing himself in creative order.

What are the 3 modes of general revelation? Be able to give at least 1 biblical citation for each mode.

1) God reveals himself in a general way in His creation. (Psalm 104) 2) History; Basically meaning God is at work in history and he controls the destiny. Gen 50:30 3) The human conscience; We have this innate spiritual sense and moral capacity. We make judgements about right and wrong and have this sense of obligation. Romans 12:12-16

What are the limits of general revelation?

It does not show the Lord as a Savior; rather just a creator. We need special revelation.

What is the traditional view of biblical authority?

The idea that the Bible is, in fact, God's word and is God speaking directly to us which is why it is so important (THESE ARE THE WORDS OF LIFE).

What is the significance of these Scripture passages for the doctrine of inspiration?

2 Tim 3:16—"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work"

teaches that Scripture is “God-breathed,” meaning Scripture originates from God and carries divine authority. It supports the doctrine of inspiration and shows that Scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training believers in righteousness.

What is the significance of these Scripture passages for the doctrine of inspiration?

1 Pet 1:19-21—"And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."

teaches that prophecy did not originate merely from human will or interpretation. Rather, human authors spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. This supports the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in the production of Scripture while recognizing human authorship.

What is the meaning of the Greek word 'theopneustos"?

God breathed

What was B.B. Wafields understanding of the word "inspiration"?

Hated the word inspiration, He thought it was confusing.

"The Holy Spirit supernaturally guided the minds and personalities of the human authors of Scripture such that the final written product was exactly what God intended to say."

The traditional understanding of inspiration:

Why did Dr. Madueme feel the need to offer some additional "nuance" to the traditional, conservative understanding of inspiration?

because inspiration is no longer happening

Know and understand Dr. Madueme's nuanced definition of inspiration

"The Holy Spirit supernaturally guided the minds and personalities of the human authors of Scripture such that the final written product was exactly what God intended to say. And he also providentially superintended the preparation and the production of the final form of Scripture. The whole process was God's supernatural work."

What is the difference between inspiration and illumination?

Inspiration refers to the Holy Spirit's supernatural work in guiding the biblical authors in producing Scripture. Illumination refers to the Holy Spirit's work in helping believers understand and apply the meaning of Scripture. Inspiration concerns the production of Scripture; illumination concerns our understanding of Scripture

What are the original autographs?

they are the original documents written by the biblical authors themselves, or under their direct authorship.

Define inerrancy, and be able to cite at least two references (e.g., Heb 6:18; Tit 1:2; 1 John 3:20; Psalm 119:43; John 17:17; John 10:35, etc.)

Inerrancy is the Christian doctrine that the Bible, because it is inspired by God, is completely truthful and without error in everything it affirms.

Titus 1:2

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began

Hebrew 6:18

And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules.

Explain the limited inerrancy position

all bets are off except for the doctrine of salvation: the rest of scripture has errors

they believe this because it "releases" the pressure on humanity from all of scripture

What is the significance of this quote from Galileo: "The Holy Spirit does not want to teach us how the heavens go, but how to go to heaven"?

means that the primary purpose of Scripture is not to provide a scientific textbook explaining exactly how the physical universe works. Scripture's purpose is to reveal God and teach humanity how to live in relationship with Him and ultimately how to be saved.

What is cheap inerrancy?

There are two types of Christians; those who deny inerrancy and yet live a life devoted to Christ and to serving others, and those who accept and speak of inerrancy and yet do not live it out/apply it to their lives. This is cheap inerrancy. It is better to be the first Christian, but we SHOULD be speaking of inerrancy and living a life that glorifies God

Dr. Madueme described a more mature and nuanced way of understanding the inerrancy of Scripture—please explain clearly (and with some detail) each of these points:

Distinguish truth and precision

Take account of literary genre

Avoid the encyclopedic fallacy

Always give Scripture the benefit of the doubt

Always remember that an "inerrant Bible" is not an end in itself but it points to glorious divine realities

Distinguish truth and precision

are there any mistakes in the Bible?

what is a mistake?

when identifying an error, it depends on what the reader is expecting

phenomenally: Bible uses ordinary language of appearance

Take account of literary genre

reading a psalm/proverb different than Matthew/mark for example

Avoid the encyclopedic fallacy

recognize the kind of book that Bible is... it's not an encyclopedia

the Bible is not going to answer all your questions

if you push this, you get limited inerrancy

Always give Scripture the benefit of the doubt

Hermeneutics of suspicion: looking for mistakes-- this is WRONG

Hermeneutics of truth

Always remember that an "inerrant Bible" is not an end in itself but it points to glorious divine realities

What is the clarity/perspicuity of Scripture?

Entails that children understand it yet theologians spend their whole lives trying to figure it out. Means scripture speaks clearly about what is needed to be saved.

What is the canon?

The accepeted books of the Bible.

What are the differences between the Roman Catholic and the Protestant canon?

The Apocryphal Books are in the Roman Catholic canon.

Know some of the OT and NT apocryphal books that were mentioned in class.

Bell and the Dragon, Tobit, Judith

How did the early church figure out which books are canonical?

4 criteria: Apostilicity, Antiquity, Orthodoxy, Catholicity

What role did Marcion play in the forming of the canon?

Believed there are 2 Gods and the OT God was bad and the NT God was good.