Lecture Notes on Theology

Flashcards covering topics from God as Creator to Spirituality.

How do Christians understand God’s creative agency?

As intentional, rooted in divine love and wisdom, reflecting His power, goodness, and desire for relationship.

What are two analogies for God’s creative agency?

1) Artist and painting (purposeful creation). 2) Author and story (sustains and knows the narrative).

What’s a liability of the "artist and artwork" analogy?

A painting is passive/lifeless, unlike the dynamic world God created.

How is God both transcendent and immanent?

Transcendent: above creation. Immanent: actively present in the world and relationships.

What’s the main question of Genesis 1:1–2:4a?

Who is God, and what’s His relationship to the world?

What’s the main question of Genesis 2:4b–25?

What is humanity’s nature and our relationships with God/others?

How to reconcile Genesis with science?

Genesis is myth (truths about God, not scientific facts). Science explains how; Genesis explains why.

What does "image of God" (Gen 1:27) mean?

Humans reflect God’s nature through reason, love, creativity, and dignity.

How do humans differ from animals?

Spiritual capacity, moral responsibility, stewardship, and relationship with God.

Western vs. Eastern Christian views on sin?

West: Original sin (inherited guilt, needs grace). East: Sin as sickness (needs healing).

How is original sin "collective"?

Affects all humanity (like unjust social structures or generational habits).

How is original sin like addiction?

It enslaves/fetters freedom; only Christ breaks the cycle.

What is the Incarnation?

God becoming human in Jesus Christ.

Ethical implications of the Incarnation?

Affirms human dignity, sanctifies human experience, calls us to love others.

Why does evil exist?

Misuse of free will (not created by God).

Three effects of salvation?

1) Forgiveness of sins. 2) Reconciliation with God. 3) New/Eternal life.

What’s the threefold office of Christ?

Prophet (reveals truth), Priest (mediates sacrifice), King (rules justly).

How does Michael Himes define grace?

God’s self-communication outside the Trinity (His presence/action in us).

What’s the sacramental principle?

God communicates through material signs (e.g., bread, water).

Operative vs. cooperative grace?

Operative: God acts first. Cooperative: We freely respond.

Four marks of the Church?

One, holy, catholic, apostolic.

Preferential Option for the Poor?

God’s special concern for the marginalized; Church must prioritize their needs.

Three steps of liberation theology in feminism?

1) Social analysis (gender roles). 2) Critique tradition (patriarchy). 3) Retrieve liberating elements (e.g., women in Scripture).

Define androcentrism.

Treating male experience as the norm, ignoring women’s perspectives.

How can forgiveness silence victims?

By pressuring them to forgive prematurely, ignoring justice/accountability.

Steps for intergenerational reconciliation?

1) Acknowledge truth. 2) Listen. 3) Repent. 4) Seek justice. 5) Heal.

Why no conflict between evolution and Christianity?

Science explains how life developed; theology explains why (God’s purpose).

Catholic view of evolution?

Valid if understood as God-guided; souls are directly created.

Martin Laird’s "illusion of separation"?

False belief we’re distant from God, who is always present.

Lectio Divina steps?

Read → Meditate → Pray → Contemplate.

Ignatian "finding God in all things"?

Encounter God in nature, work, relationships—not just church.

Spiritual Exercises structure?

Week 1: Sin/mercy. Week 2: Jesus’ life. Week 3: Passion. Week 4: Resurrection.