Theology Review Test 3

Definitions to know

Trinitarianism

The belief that God exists as three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—in one essence.

Christology

The study of Jesus Christ's nature, work, and significance in salvation.

Pneumatology

The theological study of the Holy Spirit's person, work, and gifts.

Anthropology

The study of humanity in relation to God, including human nature and sin.

Hamartiology

The study of sin, its origins, and consequences for humanity.

Soteriology

The doctrine of salvation, focusing on how it is achieved through Christ.

Ecclesiology

The study of the Church's nature, purpose, and practices.

Eschatology

The study of the end times, including death, judgment, and the afterlife.

Charismatics and Continuationism

• Overview: The Second Wave of charismatic movement emphasizes the ongoing work and presence of the Holy Spirit in the current Church.

  • Major Pentecostal denominations advocate for experiences like speaking in tongues and performing miracles.

• Key Concept: Continuationism advocates for the belief that the gifts of the Holy Spirit continue to be active in today's Church, contrasting with cessationism.

The Filioque Clause and the Great Schism

• Filioque: Latin for "and the son"; refers to the controversy over whether the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son.

• Historical Significance: This theological disagreement contributed to the Great Schism of 1054, splitting the Eastern and Western Churches.

  • Eastern Church: Argued against the inclusion of the Filioque in the Nicene Creed.

  • Western Church (Roman Catholic): Supported the Filioque, leading to excommunication of the Eastern Church.

Views on Sin and Corruption

• Functional vs. Relational View of God:

  • Functional View: God created humans in His image for the purpose of ruling.

  • Relational View: Emphasizes the communal aspect of human existence with God.

• Pelagianism vs. Augustine's Doctrine:

  • Pelagius: Argued that humans are not corrupted by original sin but are responsible for their own choices.

  • Augustine: Asserted that humans are corrupted by sin as a result of Adam's original sin and require God's grace for salvation.

  • Key Concept: The concept of grace, given freely by God, is pivotal in Augustine's theology.

Concepts of Human Nature

• Inborn Inclination to Sin:

  • Every person is accountable for their sins before God, leading to a concept called total depravity.

  • Humanity is separated from grace due to sin.

• Dualism in Human Composition:

  • Dichotomy: Body and soul.

  • Trichotomy: Body, soul, and spirit, indicating a more comprehensive view of human nature.

  • Holism: Emphasizes the unity of a person rather than separating into parts.

Covenants in Theology

• Abrahamic Covenant: God’s promise to Abraham and his descendants, focused on faith and legacy, leading to restoration through Jesus.

• Davidic Covenant: God's promise to David concerning the establishment of his lineage to bring forth a king (Jesus).

Theological Perspectives on Sin and Evil

• Divine Restitution: The idea of God restoring humanity from sin through Christ.

• Penal Substitution Model: A significant view in Protestant theology that Christ took the punishment for sin.

• Victory Over Evil:

  • Aspects of Christ's work include liberation from the enslavement of sin and evil powers through His death and resurrection.

• Christus Victor: A model emphasizing Christ's victory over sin, death, and evil.

Transforming Vision

• The Transforming Vision represents a desire for knowledge and revelation about divine influence in life.

Calvinism and Predestination

• Total Depravity: Humanity is entirely incapable of saving itself due to sin.

• Unconditional Election: Some are chosen for salvation, not based on foreseen merit.

• Limited Atonement: Christ's sacrifice was intended only for the elect.

• Irresistible Grace: The elect will inevitably come to salvation under God’s grace.

• Perseverance of the Saints: Those predestined for salvation will endure to the end.