THEO 100 Exam 1: Key Terms, Biblical Genres, and Theological Concepts

What is the 'Default setting'?

The 'Default setting' refers to the inherent mindset or perspective individuals have, as discussed in David Foster Wallace's text. Escaping this setting leads to true freedom.

What is Martin Luther's definition of God?

In the Large Catechism, Martin Luther defines God as that which we fear, love, and trust above all things.

What are Matthew Croasmun's levels of 'going deeper'?

Matthew Croasmun describes levels of 'going deeper' as a method of engaging with theological concepts and texts at increasingly profound levels of understanding.

What is Thomas Merton's understanding of holiness?

Thomas Merton understands holiness as a state of being that transcends sin and embraces the true self, contrasting it with the false self.

What makes God an unusual object of study?

God is considered an unusual object of study due to the dual characteristics of being both transcendent and immanent.

What is the difference between a Problem and a Mystery?

A Problem is something that can be solved with a clear answer, while a Mystery is something that invites deeper exploration and understanding without definitive resolution.

What are the two sources of God's Self-Revelation?

The two sources of God's Self-Revelation are Scripture/Bible and Tradition.

What is the Documentary Hypothesis?

The Documentary Hypothesis is a scholarly theory that suggests the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) is derived from multiple sources or documents.

What are the sources in the Documentary Hypothesis for Genesis 1 and Genesis 2?

Genesis 1 is attributed to the Priestly source (P), while Genesis 2 is often linked to the Yahwist source (J) in the Documentary Hypothesis.

What is the date and context of Genesis 1?

Genesis 1 is generally dated to the 6th century BCE, during the Babylonian Exile, and reflects a structured account of creation emphasizing God's sovereignty.

What is the date and context of Genesis 2-3?

Genesis 2-3 is also dated to the 6th century BCE and provides a more intimate and anthropocentric account of creation, focusing on the relationship between God and humanity.

What are the differences between Genesis 1 and Enuma Elish?

Genesis 1 presents a monotheistic creation narrative emphasizing order and goodness, while Enuma Elish is a polytheistic epic that describes creation through conflict and violence among gods.

What does 'Tohu-wobohu' mean?

'Tohu-wobohu' refers to the state of chaos and void before creation, often translated as 'formless and empty.'

What are the three models of creation in the Hebrew Bible?

The three models of creation in the Hebrew Bible include creation ex nihilo (creation out of nothing), creation through divine speech, and creation as a process of ordering chaos.

What is the difference between 'Freedom from' and 'Freedom for'?

'Freedom from' refers to liberation from constraints, while 'Freedom for' emphasizes the purpose and responsibilities that come with freedom.

What are the differences between autonomy, heteronomy, and theonomy?

Autonomy is self-governance, heteronomy is being governed by external forces, and theonomy is governance by divine law.

What is the relation of divine and human freedom?

The relation of divine and human freedom explores how God's sovereignty interacts with human free will, often emphasizing the compatibility of divine providence and human choice.

What is sin?

Sin is defined as an act of disobedience against God's will, resulting in separation from God.

What is original sin?

Original sin refers to the fallen state of human nature inherited from Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden.

What is the source of evil in the world according to Genesis 3?

The source of evil in the world, as depicted in Genesis 3, is the disobedience of Adam and Eve, leading to the Fall.

What is the significance of the snake in Genesis 3?

The snake in Genesis 3 symbolizes temptation and deception, leading to humanity's disobedience and the introduction of sin into the world.

What is the unifying storyline of Genesis 1-11?

The unifying storyline of Genesis 1-11 includes the creation of the world, the Fall, the Flood, and the Tower of Babel, illustrating humanity's relationship with God.

What are the major divisions of Genesis?

The major divisions of Genesis are Primeval History (chapters 1-11) and the Ancestral Narrative (chapters 12-50).

What is Abraham's relation to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam?

Abraham is a patriarch in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, revered as a model of faith and obedience to God.

What is the reason for the election of Abraham?

The election of Abraham signifies God's choice to establish a covenant with him, promising to make him the father of a great nation.

What are the divine promises to Abraham?

The divine promises to Abraham include land, descendants, and blessings, establishing a covenant relationship.

What is a covenant?

A covenant is a sacred agreement or promise between God and humanity, often involving commitments and obligations.

What is faith?

Faith is trust and belief in God and His promises, often demonstrated through actions and obedience.

What is circumcision in the context of Abraham?

Circumcision is the physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, symbolizing the commitment to God's commands.

What does Akedah mean?

Akedah refers to the Binding of Isaac, a significant biblical event symbolizing faith and obedience, with various interpretations regarding sacrifice and trust in God.

What is the meaning of Exodus?

Exodus means 'going out' and refers to the departure of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, marking a foundational event in Jewish history.

What is the significance of the name LORD (YHWH)?

The name LORD (YHWH) signifies God's personal name in the Hebrew Bible, representing His eternal and unchanging nature.

What are the characteristic actions of the LORD in Exodus?

The characteristic actions of the LORD in Exodus include delivering the Israelites from slavery, performing miracles, and establishing a covenant at Sinai.

What is the preferential option for the poor?

The preferential option for the poor is a principle in Catholic social teaching emphasizing the moral obligation to prioritize the needs of the marginalized and oppressed.

How did the Exodus reshape human understanding of history?

The Exodus reshaped human understanding of history by framing it as a narrative of liberation and divine intervention, emphasizing God's active role in human affairs.

What is Mt. Sinai?

Mt. Sinai is the mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God, symbolizing the covenant between God and Israel.

What is a suzerainty treaty?

A suzerainty treaty is a type of agreement between a powerful sovereign and a vassal state, often involving obligations and protections.

What is Law/Torah?

The Law/Torah refers to the body of commandments and teachings given by God to guide the moral and spiritual life of the Israelites.

What is holiness?

Holiness is the state of being sacred or set apart for God's purposes, reflecting His purity and moral perfection.

What is Mitzvot?

Mitzvot refers to the commandments in Jewish law, traditionally numbering 613, that guide ethical and religious conduct.

What are the 10 Commandments?

The 10 Commandments are a set of biblical laws given by God to Moses, outlining fundamental ethical principles for living in accordance with God's will.

What is the Golden Calf?

The Golden Calf is an idol created by the Israelites during Moses' absence, symbolizing disobedience and the temptation to turn away from God.

What does mercy signify in relation to the LORD's name?

Mercy as definitive commentary on the LORD's name emphasizes God's compassion and willingness to forgive, reflecting His character.

What is the Tabernacle?

The Tabernacle is a portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the desert, representing God's presence among His people.

What is idolatry?

Idolatry is the worship of idols or false gods, which is condemned in the biblical tradition as a violation of the first commandment.

What is a prophet?

A prophet is a person chosen by God to deliver messages and guidance to His people, often involving calls to repentance and social justice.

What is the etymology of the word 'prophet' in Greek?

The Greek word for prophet, 'prophetes,' means 'one who speaks for another,' particularly speaking for God.

How many writing prophets are there and what are their dates?

There are 16 writing prophets in the Hebrew Bible, spanning from the 8th century BCE to the 5th century BCE.

What is conversion in a theological context?

Conversion refers to a profound change of heart and mind, turning away from sin and towards God.

What is the Babylonian Exile?

The Babylonian Exile refers to the period when the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon, significantly impacting their identity and faith.

What are two reasons the LORD had undone Israel?

The LORD sent Israel into exile due to their unfaithfulness and idolatry, breaking the covenant established with Him.

How were Abraham's promises and Moses's covenant transformed after the Exile?

After the Exile, Abraham's promises were reinterpreted in light of the need for restoration, and Moses's covenant was seen as a call to renewed faithfulness.

What is the Messiah/Christ?

The Messiah (or Christ) is the anointed one expected to bring salvation and establish God's kingdom, fulfilling the promises made to Israel.

What are Psalms?

Psalms are sacred songs or hymns found in the Bible, expressing a range of emotions from praise to lament.

What is Jerusalem's significance?

Jerusalem is significant as the spiritual and political center of Israel, housing the Temple and representing God's presence.

What are the three genres of Psalms?

The three genres of Psalms include hymns of praise, laments, and thanksgiving, with hymns of praise being the most prevalent.

What are the three paradoxes of the Psalms?

The three paradoxes of the Psalms, as noted by Norris, include the tension between despair and hope, the struggle between faith and doubt, and the coexistence of justice and mercy.

What is the theology of temporal retribution?

The theology of temporal retribution posits that God rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked in this life, reflecting moral order.

What are the prophetic and contemplative modes of talking about God?

The prophetic mode emphasizes speaking God's truth to the people, while the contemplative mode focuses on personal reflection and relationship with God.