Dr. Reeds Theo II

Made by Dr. Reeds GPT

Q: What is Dr. Leeds’ definition of systematic theology?

The construction of a comprehensive system of thoughts about God that should be driven by Scripture and yield to correction from Scripture, while also considering philosophy, history, theology, and the practical implications of the study of God.

Q: What are the five levels of the Systematic Theology Pyramid (bottom to top)?

(1) Philosophical understanding, (2) Biblical research, (3) Historical research, (4) Systematization, (5) Application.

Q: What are primary doctrines?

Doctrines that, if denied, mean a person is not a Christian.

Q: What are secondary doctrines?

Doctrines where disagreements warrant worshipping at different churches.

Q: What are tertiary doctrines?

Doctrines where disagreements are possible within the same church body.

Q: What does “faith seeking understanding” mean, and who is it associated with?

Augustine’s motto (Credo ut intelligam)—faith comes first, then reason deepens understanding.

Q: What is the difference between a paradox and a contradiction in theology?

A paradox is two truths we cannot fully reconcile but both are true; a contradiction is two claims that cannot both be true.

Q: Define Christology.

The study of who Jesus is and what He has done.

Q: What is “Christology from Above”?

An approach starting with the divine message about Jesus and His significance.

Q: What is “Christology from Below”?

An approach starting with Jesus’ historical life and humanity.

Q: What did the Jesus Seminar teach?

They denied Jesus’ deity and miracles, voting on which sayings of Jesus were authentic—only about 18% were accepted as genuine.

Q: What is Ebionism?

A heresy teaching Jesus was only human, with divine power descending at His baptism.

Q: What is Arianism?

A heresy teaching Jesus was the highest created being—“there was a time when He was not.” Condemned at Nicea (325).

Q: What is Docetism?

A heresy teaching Jesus only seemed or appeared to be human.

Q: What is Apollinarianism?

A heresy teaching Jesus had a human body but not a human mind/soul.

Q: What is Nestorianism?

A heresy teaching Christ was two separate persons—one divine and one human.

Q: What is Eutychianism (Monophysitism)?

A heresy teaching Christ had only one nature, a blend of humanity and divinity.

Q: What is the Nicene Creed (325)?

A creed affirming Christ is fully God, “of one substance with the Father.”

Q: What is the Hypostatic Union?

The orthodox doctrine that Christ is one person with two natures, fully God and fully man.

Q: Define Theotokos.

“God-bearer,” a title for Mary affirmed at the Council of Ephesus against Nestorianism.

Homoousia

same substance (orthodox view)

Heteroousia

different substance (Arian)

Homoiousia

similar substance (semi-Arian)