the basics of theology

Basics of Theology

• Definition: Theology is the study of God, religious beliefs, and divine nature; it explores questions about existence, morality, afterlife, and human-divine relationships.

1. Branches of Theology

• Systematic Theology: Organizes religious beliefs into a coherent system.

• Biblical Theology: Studies the Bible to understand God’s revelation.

• Historical Theology: Examines the development of religious beliefs over time.

• Moral Theology (Ethics): Focuses on ethical issues from a religious perspective.

• Practical Theology: Applies theology to everyday life and ministry.

• Comparative Theology: Studies different religious traditions in relation to one another.

2. Core Concepts

• God: Central figure often described as all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfectly good.

• Revelation: How God reveals Himself (e.g., through scripture, nature, personal experiences).

• Faith: Trust in religious truths, often beyond rational understanding.

• Salvation: The process of being saved from sin and entering a relationship with God.

• The Afterlife: Beliefs regarding post-death existence (e.g., heaven, hell, reincarnation).

• Sin and Grace: Sin is human disobedience; grace is God’s mercy to overcome sin.

3. Major Theological Traditions

• Christian Theology: Based on the Bible; focuses on Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior.

• Jewish Theology: Centers on Hebrew Scriptures and the covenant with God.

• Islamic Theology: Focuses on the Quran and teachings of Muhammad.

• Hindu Theology: Encompasses multiple gods and philosophies like Vedanta and Bhakti.

• Buddhist Theology: Often non-theistic, focusing on enlightenment and suffering.

• Other Religious Theologies: Unique perspectives from various traditions, including indigenous spiritualities.

Key Questions in Theology

• Does God exist, and what is God like?

• Why is there suffering in the world?

• What is the purpose of life?

• How should humans live ethically and morally?

• What happens after we die?

Israelite Views of the Afterlife

1. Sheol:

   • A shadowy underworld seen as neutral; a place of silence where all deceased reside.

   • Not a realm of torment or reward, but a lifeless existence.

2. Burial and Ancestral Connection:

   • The dead "sleep with their ancestors," implying importance of burial for peaceful resting in Sheol.

3. Development of Resurrection and Judgment:

   • Later ideas of resurrection emerged, influenced by Persian beliefs near the 6th–2nd century BCE.

   • In Daniel 12:2, resurrection is mentioned, distinguishing between everlasting life and contempt.

4. Influence on Later Jewish Thought:

   • By Second Temple Judaism, concepts of resurrection and divine judgment became more defined.

   • The Pharisees accepted resurrection; the Sadducees upheld the older view of Sheol.

Jesus

1. Jesus in Christianity

• Son of God: Part of the Holy Trinity; the anointed Messiah.

• God Incarnate: Fully divine and human to save humanity from sin.

• Accounts: His life is chronicled in the Gospels, including:

  • Miraculous birth, teachings, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection.

2. Jesus in Judaism

• Not recognized as the Messiah; viewed as a historical teacher, often critically.

3. Jesus in Islam

• Known as Isa, a prophet born of the Virgin Mary; did not die on the cross and will return.

4. Jesus in Other Views

• Hinduism: Seen as a wise teacher.

• Buddhism: Viewed as a bodhisattva.

• Secular View: Acknowledged as a real historical figure.

Future Role of Jesus

1. Christian Beliefs

• Second Coming: Jesus will return in glory, establish justice, and fulfill God's plan.

• Final Judgment: Jesus will judge all souls, determining eternal life or punishment.

• New Heaven and Earth: A renewed creation without pain or suffering.

• Millennial Views:

  • Premillennialism: Return before a 1,000-year reign.

  • Postmillennialism: Return after a prolonged period of peace.

  • Amillennialism: Symbolic interpretation of the 1,000 years.

2. Islamic Beliefs

• Jesus will return to defeat the Dajjal and establish justice, living a normal life before his death.

3. Other Perspectives

• Jewish View: No expectation of Jesus' return as he is not considered the Messiah.

• Secular View: Often sees his return concept as symbolic.

Mary and the Marianists

Who is Mary?

• Mother of God: Honored for being Jesus' mother.

• Core Beliefs:

  • Immaculate Conception, perpetual virginity, Assumption.

Who are the Marianists?

• Society of Mary: Founded by Blessed William Joseph Chaminade in 1817.

• Core Aspects:

  • Devotion to Mary, education, community spirit, faith-driven social justice, collaboration between religious and laypeople.