THEO Short Reponse

What is the Four Source Hypothesis associated with the Torah?

There is no single author of the Torah, but likely 4 distinct authors.

Provide a brief overview of the Genesis narrative including a hermeneutical explanation of the relationships you see in the story/stories.

Genesis tells the story of the creation of the universe and the beginning of humankind. The interpretation between man and woman is made and interpreted as ONE flesh (woman was made of out man).

How does Martin Buber explain the subject-object dichotomy in Theology?  

Objects are thoughts/actions. When a subject is analyzed as an object, it is no longer viewed as a subject (human things).

In general terms, how was Scripture authored? How has it come down to us? What processes led to its formation?  

Scripture occurs because of events/experiences related to the divine. It was spoken and passed down orally. Later, it was written down as a collection (cannon) by the faith community.

How does James Cone view the work of “White Theologians” and what does he say about their calls for “non-violence” and “equality”?

James Cone states that White Theologians depict a God that favors oppression and slavery at the expensive of black people.

Cone says that White Theologians call for black people to be obedient and complacent to Whites when they speak of Non-violence and Equality.

What characteristics highlight the differences between Jesus and John the Baptist’s ministries?  

John the Babtist had followers who were concerned that Jesus was also baptizing and teaching about God and stealing from John.

John replied by stating that Jesus is the Messiah and that John is only there to aid Jesus in his greater purpose.

Jesus is the chosen one (actual son of God) and John is just a facilitator.

What is John Caputo’s working thesis as he approaches his theological endeavor? 

Caputo views God as an event, NOT a name or what the name promises.

Caputo says, the event exposes God as weak, unstable, and barely functional.

How does St. Basil of Caesarea understand economics and the proper use of wealth?

St. Basil believes that in order to be a true follower of God, you need to surrender all your wealth and belongings and give it to the poor.

His beliefs stem from his own personal experience, for he was raised by a very wealthy father. He abanded his lifestyle and moved to the desert where he had nothing.

What is Jaroslav Pelikan’s central point about Christology in his introductory chapter?  

There are many different images of Jesus in Christology.

Christology changes over time based on history and how people want Jesus to be reflected and perceived at the time.

The life of Jesus is inconsistent and reflective of historical epochs.

According to Pope John Paul II, what is the relationship between faith and reason?

Faith is the belief in the truth of something and does not require any evidence and may not be provable by rational means. Reason is the faculty of the mind through which we can logically come to rational conclusions.

Reason is the TOOL you use to support and prove your faith!!!!!

Briefly describe the socio-political climate surrounding Jesus’ ministry:

Roman Empire during the Hellenist world, thus there were lots od taxation and brutality.

Romans did not care for Judea, thus they had Kingship. The king only wanted money and he charged Jews heavily on taxes.

Jesus was there to help remind the community to continue their faith regardless of what was going around them.

Please highlight one (1) of your classmate’s Student Spotlight Presentation.

How does Howard Thurman describe the Island of the Soul?

“Island of Peace within one’s own soul”

It’s an inner place of hope, peace, and meditation.

People can be completely honest w/themselves without judgement and can pray to God.

Explain Anselm of Canterbury’s ontological argument for the existence of God.

States that the concept of God that views God as the GREATEST implies that God does not exist.

If he does not exist , there could be a greater power or being, but this greatest being would still be considered God because there is no greater being than God.

How did we describe Jesus’ ministry as a whole? What was its purpose within its own context? What were its central features?

Jesus’s Ministery was aimed at the poor, disadvantaged, and oppressed.

It revolves around what he says and what he means: his teachings, his parables, and his sermons.

He extends his teachings and hand to any person and it’s up to them to live his way.

What is the place of mystical reflection in Howard Thurman’s theology/how does he use self-reflection in a theological manner?

The place is the “island of peace within one’s soul”.

Uses self-reflection in a theological manner though silence, centering down, and meditations of the heart.

Silence is a great way to facilitate and pray to God.

Helps people reflect on their life and see if the way they live lines up to God’s teachings.