Christianity: The Bible

What does it mean that the Bible is ‘Divinely inspired’?

Considered inspired word of God, so God-breathed, inspired by Him in believers, giving it authority.

Define the Bible as infallible

Cannot lead believers astray if followed

Define Bible as inerrant

Free of error

Outline Barth’s view of the Bible as divinely inspired

Said it becomes the word of God due to work of Holy Spirit when it is preached and read

What is the Old Testament?

Written over centuries, recognised as authority in religion by Jewish communities prior to Jesus’ bitch

What is the New Testament?

Written by apostles and early church leaders, gradually recognised as more authoritative.

When was the Biblical canon established?

Formally in late 4th century in councils like the council of Rome.

What is the Vulgate?

St. Jerome’s Latin translation of the Bible completed around 400 AD

In which 2 ways does the Bible provide ethical guidance?

• Specific commandments i.e., 10 commandments in Exodus 20

• Jesus’ teachings i.e., the Sermon on the Mount

How does church tradition guide ethical behaviour?

Teachings passed on through generations based on the Bible in order to interpret Biblical principles etc

What is an example of the church traditions guiding ethical behaviour?

Nicene Creed

Define revealed theology

Knowledge of God disclosed through scripture

Outline Barth’s commentary on revealed theology

Essential to understanding God, human knowledge alone is insufficient.

Define natural theology

Seeks to understand God through observation of the world and reason

Describe the relationship between natural and revealed theology

Compliment each other offering a fuller understanding of God, as revealed theology provides knowledge natural theology doesn’t provide.

Who believed natural and revealed theology go together?

Aquinas

Explain the Holy Spirits role in revelation

Inspired authors of Scripture and explains meaning for believers

Give Biblical evidence for the Holy Spirit inspiring authors of Scripture

2 Peter 1:21

Give Biblical evidence for the Holy Spirit enlightening believers reading of the scripture

1 Corinthians 2:12

Explain the Holy Spirits role in mysticism

Facilitates experiences with God, which deepen understanding for believers

What is the strength of literal interpretations of the Bible?

Clear, straightforward interpretation, respecting grammatical and historical context

Give a weakness of literal interpretation of scripture

Overlooks deeper symbolic meaning

Give a strength of allegorical interpretations of the Bible

Uncovers deeper and spiritual meanings

Give an example of an allegorical interpretation of the Bible

Song of Solomon representing the love between Christ and the Church

Give a weakness of allegorical scripture interpretation

Can be subjective, straying from original intent

Give the modern critical view of allegorical interpretation

Gadamer emphasises the importance of understanding the historical context of texts prior to interpretation.

Give a strength of historical-critical method

Analyses historical context and authorship, understanding original meanings

Give a weakness of historical-critical interpretations of the scripture

Overly sceptical, undermine spiritual interpretations

Give a strength of contextual interpretations

Applies biblical teachings to contemporary issues, considers society and culture

Give a weakness for contextual interpretations

Risks distorting texts

What is the liberation theologist view of contextual interpretation?

Gutiérrez argues it’s essential for addressing contemporary issues.