TH105.8 1st Exam

Canon

A collection of books considered authentic Scripture by a religious community.

Catholic vs Protestant Canons

Catholics use the 46‑book Septuagint (Greek canon). Protestants use the 39‑book Masoretic Text (Hebrew canon). Luther rejected the 7 Greek books as non‑canonical.

Stages of Revelation

1.Event 2. Oral Tradition 3. Written Tradition (redactor).

Jewish Development of Revelation

Hebrews relied on oral tradition. Israelites used mixed oral and written tradition. Jews after the exile emphasized written tradition.

NT Canonicity Criteria

Apostolic origin, orthodox teaching, widespread liturgical use, continuous acceptance by the Church.

Can a New Gospel Be Added?

No. The canon is closed because only apostolic writings recognized by the early Church are included.

Contextual Approach

Interpreting Scripture within historical, cultural, literary, and theological context.

Meaning of “Criticism”

Scholarly analysis of Scripture, not negativity.

Source Criticism

Identifies written sources behind the text (J, E, D, P).

Form Criticism

Studies literary forms such as myth, genealogy, law, poetry.

Redaction Criticism

Examines how editors shaped material for theological purposes.

Inspiration

God is the ultimate author; human writers are true authors using their abilities.

Inerrancy

Scripture teaches without error the truths God intends for faith and morals.

Truth in Scripture

Includes factual truth and symbolic truth; literary form matters.

“God speaks through men in human fashion”

God communicates through human language, culture, and literary forms.

Genesis Themes: Creation and Order

God creates with purpose; humans bear divine image (Genesis 1).

Genesis Themes: Human Vocation

Humans are co‑creators (Genesis 1) and caretakers of the garden (Genesis 2).

Genesis Themes: Nature of Sin

Sin is alienation from God, self, others; failure to trust God.

Genesis Themes: Consequences of Sin

Labor, conflict, suffering, and death; alienation will end through God’s promise.

Genesis Themes: Violent Generations

Noah cycle shows sin, punishment, promise, and blessing.

Why Genesis 1 and 2 Are Two Stories

Different sources (Priestly vs Yahwist), styles, emphases, and order of creation.

Adam and Eve in Genesis 1

Created together; bear divine image; dominion; co‑creators.

Adam and Eve in Genesis 2

Adam formed from dust and divine breath; Eve as helpmate; intimacy; naming; garden care.

Nature of Sin in Genesis 3

Failure to wait for God, desire to be like God, alienation.

Sin in Abraham

Betrays his wife twice; has Ishmael due to impatience.

Sin in Isaac

Continues patterns of deception and favoritism.

Sin in Jacob

Deception; repeats Adam’s sin by not waiting for God; wrestles with God.

Sin in Joseph and His Brothers

Jealousy, betrayal, violence; God brings blessing through suffering.

Purpose of Historical Books

They present Salvation History: interpreting events through the covenant and God’s saving actions.

Modern History vs Biblical History

Modern history focuses on objective facts and political causes; biblical history interprets events theologically.

Meaning of “Myth” in Scripture

A narrative addressing ultimate questions; not “untrue.”

Why Exodus Is Israel’s Defining Myth

Reveals God (YHWH), establishes covenant identity, shows liberation, gives law, and forms Israel as God’s people.

Yahwist Source (J)

Earthy, anthropomorphic God; garden imagery; intimate storytelling; Genesis 2–3. Lord, Sinai

Priestly Source (P)

Structured, ordered, repetitive; ritual focus; cosmic tone; Genesis 1. Lord Elohim El Shaddai = God Almighty, Worship, Sinai

Elohist Source (E)

Uses “Elohim”; dreams, angels, prophecy; Northern kingdom perspective. Transcendent, Angels