Introduction to Religious Studies, Christianity, and Judaism

Flashcards covering key themes in religious studies methodology, Christian theology and history, and Jewish traditions, texts, and anthropology.

How is religion defined in the lecture notes?

Religion is defined as shared beliefs between a community who believes in similar values and traditions.

According to Kraemer, what is the fundamental difference between religious studies and theology?

Religious studies uses verifiable historical evidence, introduces new ideas, and can be studied by anyone without requiring personal belief; theology articulates personal religious or spiritual convictions within a like-minded community that are unverifiable.

Why does Kraemer argue that it is critical to distinguish between religious studies and theology?

Because both share different assumptions and methods of proof; conflating them makes it difficult to do either well, causes confusion, and harms the worth of each.

What four criticisms does postmodernism level against older comparative religion according to Patton and Ray?

Postmodernism criticizes older comparative religion for "intellectual imperialism, universalism, theological foundationalism, and anti-contextualism."

How do new comparative religion scholars approach religious truth claims?

They take truth claims seriously and consider whether a religion's claims might actually be true, recognizing that cultural differences do not make it impossible to understand another tradition's claims.

How do Patton and Paden describe the function of comparison in religious studies?

Patton describes comparison as "mediation and redescription" to understand traditions from the inside, while Paden describes it as a "window onto both similarities and differences."

In Valkenberg's methodology, how are "insiders" and "outsiders" defined?

Insiders are scholars who describe their own religion, whereas outsiders are scholars who describe a religion other than their own.

What are the four approaches to studying religion outlined in the text?

1. Historical-comparative approach
2. Phenomenological approach
3. Confessional approach
4. Empathic approach

What are the three steps involved in the "empathic approach" to studying religion?

First, approaching the religion from the "outsider" perspective; second, presenting it in the best possible light through the view of a "fairly orthodox adherent" ("passing over"); third, "coming back" to the original position to make a decision.

Why is comparative theology considered a valuable approach to religious study?

It allows individuals to remain committed to their own beliefs while learning from others through dialogue, helping uncover how outside perceptions are often shaped by Western or Christian influences.

What is Christianity's primary Christological claim regarding the person of Jesus?

That Jesus is both human and divine, formulated as "one person, two natures."

What are the second and third Christological claims outlined in the text?

Second, God became incarnated in Jesus, who aligned himself with outsiders (the poor, polluted, underprivileged, and unwanted); third, Jesus was sinless, crucified for human sins, and resurrected to offer salvation and eternal life.

What historical events in early Christianity contributed to its initial spread and legal acceptance?

The baptism of 3,000 believers in Jerusalem at Pentecost (Acts 2), the conversion of Constantine in 312 CE, the Edict of Milan in 313 CE, and the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE.

What two major historical divisions shaped the history of the Christian church?

The 1054 Great Schism between Western Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, and the sixteenth-century Protestant Reformation, which emphasized salvation by grace.

What are the four classical marks of the Church from the Nicene Creed, and what are its two prime characteristics?

The four marks are one, holy, catholic, and apostolic; its two prime characteristics are "word" and "sacrament" (such as baptism).

Why does Bauman describe Christianity as both "iconoclastic" and "prophetic"?

It is iconoclastic because it challenges received ways of understanding the world and questions accepted beliefs; it is prophetic because figures like Moses spoke out against injustice and discrimination.

Why does Bauman argue that religious "nones" should study Christianity?

To understand their own sociohistorical location, because societal daily life is heavily shaped by its religious background and monotheistically influenced cultures have a specific approach to knowledge and truth.

What is the meaning of Bauman's metaphor about looking "down the well of time"?

It illustrates that it is nearly impossible for researchers to look back into history to study Jesus without projecting their own present location, values, and experiences onto him.

What is the Christian canon and when was its formation completed?

The canon is the accepted list of authoritative biblical writings consisting of the Old Testament and the New Testament; its formation was completed by the end of the fourth century.

How does Bauman interpret the concept of human beings being created in the imago Dei (image of God)?

Bauman interprets it not as an "essence" making humans superior to other creatures, but as a charge or challenge to build a sustainable and just planetary community.

According to Largen, what is the theological significance of the crucifixion?

Crucifixion is essential to Christianity ("no Christ without the cross"); it represents an enactment of divine love rather than divine punishment, demonstrating that God suffers alongside humanity.

What major event in 70 CE transformed Judaism, and how did the rabbis respond?

The Romans destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem, ending sacrificial worship; Jewish scholars called rabbis refocused Judaism onto prayer, Torah study, and observing the commandments.

What are the four modern branches of Judaism and their views on the Torah and practice?

1. Orthodox: Believes both the written and oral Torah were given by God.
2. Conservative (Masorti): Adapts mitzvot while upholding rabbinic authority.
3. Reform: Uses historical and scientific study of the Torah.
4. Reconstructionist: Maintains practices while viewing the Torah as a human response to God's presence.

In Jewish anthropology, what is the distinction between yetzer hara and yetzer hatov?

Yetzer hara is the evil inclination present from birth that drives personal appetites and ambitions; yetzer hatov is the good inclination that develops around age 13 (puberty) to provide moral reasoning and conscience.

According to Katzew, what is the difference between "dialectical" and "dialogical" rabbinic discourse?

Dialectical discourse involves going back and forth in debate to discover deeper truth, whereas dialogical discourse means learning through conversation.

How is time understood in Jewish thought, and what makes Shabbat unique?

Time is viewed as a fourth dimension that transcends space (the third dimension); Shabbat is the weekly day of rest from Friday sunset to Saturday evening and the only holiday included in the Ten Commandments.

What is the difference between Halakhah and Aggadah in Judaism?

Halakhah ("the way to walk") is the legal framework governing commandments and daily practices; Aggadah ("lore" or "telling") is the non-legal material consisting of stories, parables, and ethical teachings that provide meaning.

How do Cunningham and Katzew re-evaluate the story of the "Binding of Isaac"?

Cunningham highlights how rabbinic midrash portrays God as intimately close and comforted persecuted Jews; Katzew challenges the "Isaac Syndrome" of Jewish victimization and passive weakness, emphasizing human responsibility.

What is the central theological lesson of the Talmudic story of the "Oven of Achnai"?

It demonstrates that God gave humans authority to determine religious law through reason and consensus rather than miracles, prompting God to declare, "My children have defeated Me, my children have defeated Me."