theology- fall final

Why is it important to know how to read the Bible?

The Bible is a library of different genres written in historical and cultural contexts; it teaches truths about God and humanity, not always literal history.

What should we keep in mind when reading the Bible?

Genre, historical context, audience, symbolism, and Salvation History.

What genres are found in the Bible?

Mythic history, law, poetry, wisdom literature, prophecy, letters, parables

What genres are NOT found in the Bible?

Modern biographies, interviews, scientific textbooks.

Common myths about the Bible

It is written chronologically; it answers every situation literally; it predicts the end of the world.

What do the Creation stories teach about God?

God is one, good, orderly, and intentionally creates everything.

What do the Creation stories teach about humans?

Humans are made in God’s image, have dignity, and are stewards of creation.

Difference between Genesis Creation stories and Enuma Elish

Genesis: one loving God, creation is good. Enuma Elish: many gods, violent creation.

Why are there two Creation stories?

They teach different theological truths about God, humanity, and relationship

Sign of the covenant with Adam and Eve

Sabbath (rest).

What is Original Sin?

Humanity’s broken relationship with God caused by disobedience.

Four sin stories (Genesis 3–11)

Adam & Eve, Cain & Abel, Noah, Tower of Babel.

What do the sin stories teach us?

Sin spreads, damages relationships, but God remains faithful.

God’s role in the sin stories

God judges sin but also shows mercy and protection.

Sign of Noah’s covenant

Rainbow.

Protoevangelium

Genesis 3:15; first promise of salvation.

Who are the three patriarchs?

Abraham, Isaac, Jacob.

God’s promise to Abraham

Land, descendants, blessing to all nations.

Sign of Abraham’s covenant

Circumcision.

Why is the sacrifice of Isaac important?

Shows trust in God; foreshadows Jesus.

How does Jacob receive the blessing?

Through deception, showing God works through flawed people.

Which patriarch wrestles with God?

Jacob.

Jacob’s new name

Israel.

Meaning of “God writes straight with crooked lines”

God brings good out of human sin and suffering.

Examples of reconciliation

Jacob & Esau; Joseph & his brothers.

What is slavery in Exodus?

Physical slavery in Egypt and spiritual slavery to sin.

Key players in the Exodus

Moses, Pharaoh, Aaron, Miriam.

Purpose of the 10 plagues

Show God’s power and free the Hebrews.

Last plague

Death of the firstborn.

Jewish holiday celebrating Exodus

Passover.

Sign of the Sinai covenant

The Ten Commandments.

Focus of the first 3–4 commandments

Relationship with God.

Focus of the remaining commandments

Relationship with others.

Golden Calf story teaches

Humans fall back into sin even after salvation.

What do we learn about God’s chosen people?

God uses imperfect people, including women.

Cycle of sin in Judges

Sin → Suffering → Repentance → Deliverance → Repeat.

Three kings of Israel

Saul, David, Solomon.

David’s strengths and faults

Faithful leader; commits adultery and murder.

Who confronts David?

Nathan the prophet.

God’s promise to David

An everlasting kingdom.

An everlasting kingdom.

Books reflecting on life, suffering, and faith.

Proverbs’ view of life

Good behavior leads to blessing.

Ecclesiastes’ view of life

Life is uncertain; trust God.

Job’s view of suffering

Suffering is not always punishment.

What belief does Job challenge?

Good people always prosper.

Types of Psalms

Praise, lament, thanksgiving, royal, wisdom.

Who are prophets?

Messengers who call people back to God.

Major themes of prophets

Justice, repentance, mercy, hope.

Why prophets increase during kings/exile

Israel’s unfaithfulness.

Prophet of Emmanuel and one God

Isaiah.

Prophet who says “mercy, not sacrifice”

Hosea.

Prophet who challenged Baal

Elijah.

Prophet of restored creation/New Jerusalem

Isaiah.

Prophet of the law written on hearts

Jeremiah.

Salvation History

Story of God’s saving relationship with humanity.

Covenant

Sacred partnership between God and people.

Monotheism

Belief in one God.

Polytheism

Belief in many gods.

Exile

Forced removal from homeland.

Temple

Dwelling place of God.

Central truth of the Bible

God desires a covenantal relationship with humanity.

God creates everything good

Creation reflects God’s goodness.

Human dignity

Humans are made in God’s image.

Wrestling with God

Faith involves struggle.

God writes straight with crooked lines

God brings good from evil.

God is with us in suffering

God never abandons humanity.