Christianity Theme 1A & 1D

Which two Gospels contain the birth narratives of Jesus?

Matthew and Luke

What do some scholars believe about the birth narratives?

They may be ancient myths reflecting a tendency to ascribe a supernatural birth to important figures.

What is the significance of the virgin birth in the context of Isaiah 7:14?

The Greek version speaks of a 'virgin birth,' while the Hebrew refers to a 'young woman.'

What does Luke's account of Jesus' birth emphasize?

It focuses on Mary and includes the birth of John the Baptist, shepherds, and three poems/songs.

What does Matthew's account of Jesus' birth emphasize?

It focuses on Joseph and includes the Magi, the slaughter of infants, and the flight to Egypt.

How do the birth narratives reflect the theological concerns of their authors?

Matthew wrote for a Jewish audience, emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy, while Luke wrote for a non-Jewish audience, presenting Jesus as a universal savior.

What is the doctrine of the incarnation?

It states that Jesus was God in the flesh, embodying both human and divine natures.

What is the hypostatic union?

The doctrine that Jesus is fully God and fully human.

What is redaction criticism?

The study of how source material has been edited to reflect the editor's point of view.

What do redaction critics believe about the birth narratives?

They suggest that both Matthew and Luke shared a common story but told it from different perspectives.

What is the substantial presence model of the incarnation?

It asserts that Jesus possessed all attributes of God at every moment.

What is the kenotic model of the incarnation?

It suggests that Jesus surrendered some divine attributes at birth.

What is the process of canonization?

The process by which Christians determined which books compose the Bible.

What does the term 'inspire' mean in the context of the Bible?

It means 'to breathe'; II Timothy 3:16 states that the scriptures are 'God-breathed.'

What is the difference between objective and subjective views of inspiration?

Objective views see humans as passive instruments, while subjective views see them as inspired by meaningful events.

What is the Septuagint?

The Greek version of the Hebrew Bible that accepted some books originally written in Greek.

Why do Catholics and Protestants have different Old Testaments?

Catholics include books originally written in Greek, while Protestants follow the Jewish canon.

What is accommodation in the context of biblical interpretation?

It refers to God making provision for human understanding through the Bible.

What are the criteria for New Testament books to be considered canonical?

(i) Written by or connected to an apostle, (ii) Recognized as helpful in Christian formation, (iii) Affirm central teachings about Jesus.

What is the significance of the ordering of the Bible?

It reflects importance, with the law of Moses at the beginning of the Hebrew Bible and the Gospels at the start of the New Testament.

What does the quote from the Catholic Catechism suggest about God's communication?

God speaks to humans in human words to reveal Himself.

What is the key question regarding the existence of different Bibles?

Does it challenge the inspiration of the scriptures?

What is the key quote from Philippians 2:6-7 regarding Jesus?

'…who, though he was in the form of God…emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness…'

What does the Nicene Creed say about Jesus?

'God from God, light from light, very God of very God, begotten not made, of one being with the Father.'

What is the significance of the differences in the birth narratives?

They may reflect the fragility of Jesus or the dangers he faced.

What is the role of John Calvin's analogy of 'baby talk' in understanding the Bible?

It illustrates how God accommodates His truth to our limited understanding.