Final Exam Study Guide Answers

Flashcards created from lecture notes to help students prepare for the final exam.

How do Christians understand God’s creative agency?

Christians understand God's creative agency as the transcendent cause of all existence. God creates ex nihilo (out of nothing), meaning God's creative work is absolutely free and not dependent on any prior conditions. Everything that exists continues to depend on God for its being, while God does not depend on creation.

What are some helpful analogies for understanding God’s creative agency?

The source and its emanation, the builder and the construction, and the author and the artwork.

What are the assets and liabilities of the Source and Emanation analogy?

Asset: Shows dependence on God. Liability: Might imply the world is part of God (pantheism).

What are the assets and liabilities of the Builder and Construction analogy?

Asset: Highlights God's intention and design. Liability: Might portray God as a distant creator (deism) or as working with pre-existing materials.

What are the assets and liabilities of the Author and Artwork analogy?

Asset: Emphasizes creativity and relationship. Liability: Could suggest God is only knowable through the creation, or that the creation is merely a reflection and not distinct.

How does God relate to the world?

God relates to the world as its transcendent cause, yet is also immanent within it. This means God is distinct from the world but also intimately involved in sustaining its existence. Creation participates in God's being.

What is the main question addressed in Genesis 1:1-2:4a?

Genesis 1:1-2:4a (Priestly tradition, ~450 B.C.): Primarily reflects on the question, "How did all that exists come to exist?". It emphasizes God as the sovereign Creator who brings order out of chaos.

What is the main question addressed in Genesis 2:4b-25?

Genesis 2:4b-25 (Yahwist tradition, ~950 B.C.): Primarily reflects on the question, "Why do we suffer?". It explores the nature of humanity, relationships, and the origins of alienation from God.

What is taught in the biblical creation stories?

God is the sovereign Creator of everything. Creation is orderly and "very good". Human beings are created in the image of God (Imago Dei). Human beings have a special role as stewards of creation. Sin leads to alienation from God, others, self, and creation.

What is presumed in these biblical creation stories?

The existence of God. The ancient Near Eastern context and other creation narratives which the Genesis accounts often respond to or polemicize against. The reality of human suffering and the question of its origins.

How could one reconcile the biblical creation stories with the modern scientific understanding of the world?

Understand their differing purposes and literary genres. The biblical creation accounts are theological narratives conveying truths about God, humanity, and the nature of creation, answering “why” questions rather than "how" questions.

How do science and theology relate?

Science explains the physical mechanisms and processes of the universe ("how"). Theology explores questions of ultimate meaning, purpose, and value ("why"). The "God of the gaps" fallacy should be avoided. Faith and reason, and therefore theology and science, are not in conflict and can inform each other. Evolution is considered compatible with Christian faith, as long as the spiritual soul's creation by God is maintained.

What does it mean to be created in God’s image (Imago Dei)?

Functional Interpretation: Human beings are God's representatives on Earth, given dominion to care for creation (stewardship). Ontological Interpretation: Humans possess inherent qualities that reflect God, such as reason, freedom, and the capacity for relationship and love. Relational Interpretation: The image of God is reflected in human beings' capacity to be in relationship with God and with one another.

In what ways are human beings different from animals?

Humans have a capacity for abstract thought, self-reflection, moral reasoning, and free choice that is understood to be distinct from other animals. Sin is seen as a failure of this free rationality. Humans have a spiritual dimension and a capacity for a conscious relationship with God, and a destiny that transcends purely physical existence. Humans are given a unique role of stewardship over creation.

According to the Christian understanding, what’s wrong with humankind?

Sin is understood as an alienation from God, self, others, and creation, stemming from a failure of free rationality and a misuse of freedom. This leads to suffering and death.

What’s distinct about the Western and Eastern Christian responses to the question of what's wrong with mankind?

Western Christianity tends to emphasize sin as a "defection" where original sin has a more profound impact on human nature, leading to a state of moral impotence. Eastern Christianity tends to view sin as a "deflection" where humanity is immature and needs to grow into the full likeness of God, with emphasis often on deification (theosis) as the goal of salvation.

How does Christian theology explain the doctrine of original sin? In what sense is it “collective”?

Original sin refers to the state of brokenness and inclination towards evil that affects all humanity as a result of the first sin. It's "collective" in that it describes a historical order marred by sin and reflects the universal human experience of struggling with temptation, alienation, and the consequences of wrongdoing.

How do analogies with sinful social and cultural structures and ideologies, bad habits, and addiction illuminate this doctrine?

Sinful Social and Cultural Structures predispose individuals to sin. Bad Habits illustrate how original sin can create an inclination or a weakened will. Addiction illustrates how a person can lose control over their choices and actions, becoming "enslaved".

What do Christians mean by Incarnation?

Incarnation is the Christian doctrine that God the Son, the eternal Word (Logos) of God, took on human nature and became man in the person of Jesus Christ. It means that Jesus is both fully God and fully human.

According to the Christian understanding, who is the Word Incarnate?

The Word Incarnate is Jesus Christ. John's Gospel states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God… And the Word became flesh and took up residence among us".

What are some ethical implications of the Incarnation?

Elevation of Human Dignity affirms the immense dignity and value of every human being. Solidarity with Humanity implies a divine solidarity with all humanity, especially the marginalized and suffering. Call to Love and Service emphasizes love, compassion, forgiveness, and service. Importance of the Material World affirms the goodness of the created, material world.

According to Christian philosophical and theological tradition, why evil?

Christian tradition asserts that God is the author of all creation, which in its totality is very good. Finitude itself is not considered evil. Moral evil is understood as the failure of human freedom. Evil gives rise to more evil. Evil has no positive nature; it is a privation, the "loss of good".

According to Christian philosophical and theological tradition, what is sin?

Philosophically, sin is the failure of free rationality. Theologically, sin is an offense to God, a breaking of one's relationship with the loving Creator.

According to Christian philosophical and theological tradition, what is God's role in responding to evil?

God is not the author of sin. God does not stop loving human beings. God responds to evil with love, mercy, and a plan for salvation, by sending Jesus Christ for the salvation of humanity.

How do Christians understand the main effects of salvation?

Salvation brings about Restoration of Unity with God. Overcoming Death. Deification (Theosis). Restoration of Freedom. Liberation and Healing. Justification. Redemption (Ransom). Reconciliation.

What are some biblical metaphors and analogies that illuminate salvation?

Liberation/Healing, Adoption/Deification, Justification, Redemption/Ransom, Reconciliation, Victory, Atonement as Satisfaction/Sacrifice, Christ the Lover.

In what sense do Christians say that God died?

When Christians say "God died," it refers to the death of Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, fully divine and fully human. It does not mean that God the Father or the divine nature itself ceased to exist or suffered change or diminution. The divine nature is understood to be immortal and immutable.

Who is saved, and how, in the Christian tradition?

Salvation is offered to all humanity through Jesus Christ as a gift of God's grace, received through faith, participation (sharing in Christ's life, death, and resurrection), representation (Christ acts on behalf of humanity), and substitution (Christ takes the place of humanity in bearing the consequences of sin).

What is the threefold office of Christ?

Prophet: Christ reveals God to humanity and speaks God's word. Priest: Christ offers himself as the perfect sacrifice to God for the sins of humanity, reconciling humanity to God. King: Christ rules over all creation and establishes the Kingdom of God.

According to Michael Himes, what is grace?

Grace is simply theological shorthand for the self-communication of God outside the Trinity. It is God's loving presence and self-gift to creation.

What is the sacramental principle?

If something is always and everywhere the case, it must be noticed, accepted and celebrated somewhere sometime. What is always true must be noticed as true at a particular time and in a particular place.

How do we experience grace? What does grace do to human nature?

We experience grace in myriad ways, often through "sacramental moments". Grace heals human nature wounded by sin and elevates human nature beyond its natural capacities, enabling participation in the divine life.

In what sense is grace necessary?

Grace is necessary for salvation because eternal life is an end that exceeds what is commensurate with human nature's natural powers. After the fall, grace is also necessary to heal our weakened orientation to the good.

In what sense is grace both ‘operative’ and ‘cooperative’?

Operative Grace refers to God's initiative in grace, where God acts without prior human merit. Cooperative Grace refers to grace that works with the human will once it has been moved by operative grace.

How does Christian theology define a sacrament?

A sacrament is a visible sign of an invisible grace and effects what it signifies. A sacrament is a visible sign, instituted by Christ, that points to an invisible reality and, through the Church and within its life, gives a share in that reality.

How does a sacrament ‘work’?

Sacraments work ex opere operato, meaning "from the work worked". The sacramental sign consists of a perceptible element and an interpretive word. Christ is present and acting in the sacraments.

What are some of the key Church sacraments and what they signify?

Baptism signifies spiritual cleansing, Confirmation signifies strengthening by the Holy Spirit, Eucharist signifies Christ's death and resurrection, Reconciliation signifies forgiveness of sins, Anointing of the Sick signifies healing, Holy Orders signifies consecration for ministerial service, and Marriage signifies the loving union of a man and a woman.

What is the Church?

The Church is the community of those who believe in Jesus Christ, have been baptized, and are called together by God, in Christ a sign and instrument of union with God and of the unity of the human race

How does the etymology of the word “church” as ekklesia illuminate the nature of the church?

The word "church" comes from the Greek ekklesia, which means "to call out". This etymology illuminates the nature of the Church as a called community, an assembly, and implying a missionary identity.

In what sense is the church one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic?

One insofar as it is an ideal Church. Holy on account of the holiness of its Founder, Jesus Christ. Catholic meaning "universal". Apostolic because it's origins and faith can be traced back to the Apostles chosen by Christ.

What are some examples of the personal, social, and cultural aspects of sin?

Personal: Individual choices and actions. Social: Sinful structures, institutions, and systems. Cultural: Ideologies, beliefs, and values that justify and normalize sinful social structures.

How does liberation theology understand the Preferential Option for the Poor?

Poor: Referring to those who are oppressed, marginalized, and made voiceless. Option: It is a conscious choice and commitment. Preferential: It signifies loving first, giving priority to the needs, experiences, and perspectives of the poor.

What is feminist theology?

Feminist theology is a theological reflection done explicitly from the perspective and experience of women, based on the conviction that women share equally with men in the dignity of being human. It critiques patriarchal interpretations and seeks to retrieve liberating elements.

How do the three steps of liberation theology play out in feminist theology?

Social Analysis: Identify and expose sexism, androcentrism, and patriarchy. Critique of the Inherited Tradition: Critically examine traditional interpretations that have historically excluded women. Retrieval of Liberating Elements in the Tradition: Highlight powerful liberating elements from Scripture and tradition.

In particular, what does feminist social analysis reveal? What are sexism, patriarchy, and androcentrism?

Feminist social analysis reveals deeply embedded structures and ideologies that disadvantage women, specifically sexism, androcentrism, and patriarchy.

What are some references and images in the Hebrew Scripture and the New Testament which have a liberating potential for women?

Wisdom Literature (Sophia). Stories of strong women. Jesus' Interactions with Women. Galatians 3:28 suggesting radical equality in Christ. Jesus calling God "Abba" challenged traditional images of God.

What does Christian tradition teach about forgiveness and its role for human relationships?

Forgiveness is central to human relationships and to one's relationship with God. God's own forgiveness serves as the model and motivation for human forgiveness. Forgiveness is crucial for healing broken relationships. Forgiveness also involves a call for the perpetrator to repent and take responsibility for their actions.

In what ways can the supposed Christian “demand” to forgive be used to silence victims and undermine the call for justice?

It can manipulate victims into prematurely "forgiving", preserving perpetrator's power, undermining justice, transferring responsibility wrongly, and repeating abuse.

How is forgiveness important for both victims and victimizers?

For victims, forgiveness can be a path to inner healing, releasing them from the burden of negative emotions. For victimizers, the offer of forgiveness can create space for repentance and restoration of relationships.

How is forgiveness related to reconciliation?

Forgiveness is a crucial step towards reconciliation, but reconciliation requires not only forgiveness from the victim but also acknowledgment of wrongdoing, repentance, and a commitment to change from the perpetrator.

How can we work for reconciliation and forgiveness for deeds that took place in previous generations, such as the displacement of indigenous peoples or slavery?

Truth-Telling and Acknowledgment, Remembering and Memorializing, Communal Repentance and Apology, Reparations and Restorative Justice, and Building New Relationships.

What are the primary models of engagement between science and theology?

Conflict, Independence (NOMA), Dialogue, Integration, and Practical Cooperation.

Why do theologians maintain that evolution and Christianity are not in conflict?

Theologians maintain that evolution describes how life developed, while Christian faith addresses why there is life. God can create through evolutionary processes. The creation accounts in Genesis are theological narratives, not literal scientific accounts. An evolving universe is compatible with a self-giving, compassionate God. The Catholic Church states there is no inherent conflict.

How does bridging the divide between science and theology contribute to the common good?

A Holistic Worldview. Ethical Guidance for Scientific Advancement. Addressing Complex Global Challenges. Purifying Both Disciplines. Fostering Academic Freedom and Interdisciplinary Research.

What does the Catholic Church teach about the relationship between theology and science and about evolution?

The Catholic Church teaches that faith and reason are complementary paths to truth. Treats evolutionism as a serious hypothesis. Sees the theory of evolution regarding the human body as compatible as long as the soul is created by God.

According to Denis Edwards, in what sense is the universe dynamic, interrelated, has its own integrity, and directionality?

Dynamic (Universe is Evolving), Relational (Universe is Constituted by Patterns of Relationship), Relatively Autonomous (Natural Processes Have Their Own Integrity), Directional (Universe Possesses Some Directionality)

What does Martin Laird mean by the ‘illusion of separation’ from God?

The common human experience or feeling of being separate from God is an illusion, not the fundamental reality.

According to him, what is our true condition with regard to God?

Our true condition is one of profound union with God. Spiritual life is about consciously realizing this intimate immediacy of God's presence. Spiritual journey is not about bridging a gap to a distant God, but about awakening to God's ever-present reality.

What is the beneficial purpose of contemplative practice?

Transformation of Attention. Realizing Union with God. New View of Spiritual Life. Cultivating Inner Peace and Freedom.

How does Christian tradition typically distinguish between contemplation and meditation?

Christian Meditation involves a stronger active element engaging the mind with thoughts and reflections often on Scripture. Christian Contemplation involves a stronger passive element, a non-discursive presence resting in God's presence attending beyond words.

What are the steps of the lectio divina?

Lectio (Read), Meditatio (Reflect/Meditate), Oratio (Respond/Pray), Contemplatio (Rest/Contemplate)

According to Jim Martin, what is "spirituality"?

Spirituality is the way individuals or groups live out their faith and connect with God, encompassing particular practices, emphases, and ways of understanding the Christian life.

What are some examples of Christian "spiritualities"?

Ignatian Spirituality, Benedictine Spirituality, Franciscan Spirituality, Carmelite Spirituality, Dominican Spirituality.

According to Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, what is integral ecology and how is it practiced?

Integral ecology emphasizes the interconnectedness of all creation: environmental problems cannot be separated from social, economic, ethical, and spiritual problems. Practice involves hearing “both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.”

Who was St. Ignatius of Loyola? How did he become a Jesuit?

St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) was a Spanish nobleman and soldier whose life changed dramatically after being seriously wounded. In 1540, Pope Paul III officially approved their order, the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

What are the “four ways” that distinguish Ignatian spirituality, as discussed by Jim Martin?

Finding God in all things, Contemplatives in action, Incarnational spirituality, Freedom and detachment.

What does he mean by detachment from disordered affections?

An inner freedom where one's desires and choices are not unduly controlled by things that are not God. One is free to choose whatever is more conducive to God's glory.

What are the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola?

The Spiritual Exercises are a structured program of prayers, meditations, reflections, and contemplative practices developed by St. Ignatius. Purpose: deepen relationship with God, discern God's will, grow in spiritual freedom. Structured into four "Weeks" (stages) is structured as First Week, Second Week, Third Week, and Fourth Week

What are some reasons for simplifying one’s life?

Possessions require too much time and energy, can lead to a toxicity of comparison, can lead to less satisfaction, and can reduce ones freedom to focus on the essentials. Can lead to solidarity with the poor.

How can one do this (simplify one's life)?

Get rid of whatever you don’t need. Distinguish between wants and needs. Get rid of things you think you need, but can actually live without.

What does Martin mean by “downward mobility”?

As Jim Martin presents, downward mobility is consciously acting against the societal pressures for more. It involves detaching from wealth, status, and power and prioritizing spiritual values.

How does Martin understand spiritual poverty?

An interior disposition of radical dependence on God, freedom from that which is not essential, acceptance of one’s finitude.