Theology and Religious Studies Study Guide

I. Basics of Theology

A. What is Theology?

  • Linguistic Clues:

    • Theo = God.

    • logy = study of.

  • Definition: "The methodical effort to understand and interpret the truth of revelation. As fides quaerens intellectum (Lat. "faith seeking understanding"), theology uses the resources of reason, drawing in particular on the disciplines of history and philosophy. In the face of the divine mystery, theology is always 'seeking' and never reaches final answers and definitive insights" (O'Collins & Farrugia).

  • Importance: Emphasizes that theology continually seeks understanding without claiming to hold final truths.

B. Moral Theology

  • Definition: "That field of theology which studies and teaches how Christians (and others) ought to live. This systematic reflection on Christian conduct draws from the Bible (e.g., the Decalogue, the Sermon on the Mount, and the parenesis of Paul), philosophical reason, and the traditional experience and teaching of the church" (O'Collins & Farrugia).

C. Notable Terms

  1. Decalogue: Refers to the Ten Commandments. ("10 words")

  2. Sermon on the Mount: Part of Jesus’s teachings, emphasizing moral conduct; includes the "Golden Rule" (treat others as you would want to be treated).

II. What is Religion?

A. Linguistic Clues

  • Religion: The connection between the natural human world and the sacred.

B. Definitions of Religion

  1. James Martineau's Definition: "Religion is the belief in an ever-living God, that is, in a Divine Mind and Will ruling the Universe and holding moral relations with mankind" (British philosopher).

  2. General Definition: "Religion is constituted by a set of beliefs, actions, and experiences, both personal and collective, organized around a concept of an Ultimate Reality that inspires or requires devotion, worship, or a focused life orientation" (Peterson et al., 7).

  3. Ashley’s Definition: "Religion as 'world-view and value-system'". (Ashley, 14-15)

C. Contextual Notes

  • Christianity: "Christianity can be understood as a family of faith traditions united in their monotheism and in their belief in the central role of Jesus of Nazareth…" (Gary Macy, in Espín & Nickoloff).

III. What is Religious Studies?

A. Definition

  • "[T]he study of religion as distinct from theology and independent from a particular dogmatic theological position…. Religious studies implies acceptance of an interdisciplinary methodology, including within its domain the philosophy of religion, literary studies of sacred scriptures (usually including the Bible), social scientific approaches, [and] the study of ethics…. It also often assumes a serious commitment to articulating nuanced comparisons between world religions…" (Todd T. Lewis, in Espín & Nickoloff).

B. Sub-disciplines

  1. Philosophy of Religion: "The attempt to analyze and critically evaluate religious beliefs in terms of consistency, coherence, and reasonableness" (Peterson et al., 9).

IV. Reasons for Studying Theology and Religious Studies (THE 1000)

  • Objectives:

    • To learn more about Christianity and Catholicism.

    • To cultivate critical thinking skills.

    • To enhance speaking, careful writing, and public articulation of ideas.

V. Introduction to the Bible

A. The Old Testament

1. Introductory Considerations

  • The Old Testament, known as the Hebrew Bible:

    • Shared by Jews and Christians.

    • In Jewish tradition: Tanakh (Torah, Nevi'im, Kethuvim).

    • Predominantly in Hebrew.

2. The Pentateuch

  • Definition: The first five books of the Bible.

    1. Genesis

    2. Exodus

    3. Leviticus

    4. Numbers

    5. Deuteronomy

  • Main Themes & Content:

    • Genesis: Primordial history, ancestry including Abraham and his sons (Isaac and Ishmael).

    • Exodus: The liberation of Israelites from Egypt, Commandments (Exodus 20).

    • Leviticus: Laws governing Israelite conduct.

    • Numbers: Story of wandering in desert and census of tribes.

    • Deuteronomy: Moses’s teachings to Israelites.

3. Authorship and Theories of the Pentateuch

  • Traditional View: Attributed to Moses.

  • Contemporary View: Documentary Hypothesis which suggests multiple authors (J, E, D, P sources).

4. Historical Books

  • Include narratives such as Joshua through Kings.

  • Context includes Israel’s conquest and establishment in Canaan, and the leadership model established by figures like Joshua, Saul, David, and Solomon.

5. The Wisdom Writings

  • Address life's questions such as morality and human existence.

  • Include Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs.

6. The Prophets

  • Major Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel.

  • Minor Prophets: Hosea, Joel, Amos, etc.

7. Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books

  • Roman Catholic Tradition: Includes additional texts (7-15 depending on the version).

  • Eastern Orthodox Tradition: Additional texts included.

B. The New Testament

1. Introductory Considerations

  • Original Language: Greek.

  • Timeline: 27 books written approximately from the life of Christ to 100 AD.

2. The Gospels

  • Mark: The first gospel, believed to be written around 65-70 AD, anonymous.

  • Matthew: Written by an apostle, focuses on Jesus's Jewish roots and teachings.

  • Luke: Highlights Jesus's compassion, written by a companion of Paul.

  • John: Addresses the divinity of Jesus, written later (90-100 AD).

3. Acts of the Apostles

  • Details the early church and the spread of Christianity.

4. Letters/Epistles

  • Paul’s Letters: A variety of letters addressing theological and practical issues within early Christian communities, written between 50-65 AD,

  • Other Apostolic letters include those addressed to James, Peter, Hebrews, etc.

C. Non-Canonical Works

  • Gnostic Gospels: Various texts that were excluded from the canonical Bible, exploring alternative views of Jesus.

  • Examples:

    1. Gospel of Thomas

    2. Infancy Gospel of Thomas

    3. Gospel of Peter

VI. Historical Development of Christianity

A. Early Church Fathers

1. Constantine the Great

  • Significance: Expanded Christianity, convened the First Council of Nicaea (325 C.E.) confirming the divinity of Jesus.

2. St. John Chrysostom

  • Renowned preacher; criticized the wealthy.

3. St. Augustine of Hippo

  • Influential theologian with writings like "The Confessions."

B. Major Historical Events

1. The Great Schism (1054)

  • Division of Christianity into Eastern Orthodox and Western Roman churches.

2. The Crusades (1095-1291)

  • Military campaigns to regain control from Muslims; resulted in significant conflict and cultural exchange.

C. Subsequent Developments

1. The Inquisition

  • Instances of heresy trials, mainly targeting Jews and Muslims.

2. The Protestant Reformation

  • Figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin challenged Catholic doctrines, resulting in the formation of Protestant churches.

3. The Council of Trent (1545-1563)

  • Addressed reform within Catholicism, reaffirmed the authority of church traditions alongside scripture.

VII. Modern Church Figures and Movements

A. The Second Vatican Council

  • Aimed to modernize the Church's approach to the contemporary world and encourage interfaith dialogue.

B. Notable Popes and Leaders

  • Pope John Paul II: Noted for charisma and global outreach.

  • Pope Benedict XVI: Focus on interreligious dialogue and environmental responsibility.

  • Pope Francis: A champion of mercy and social justice, known for a liberal attitude on some social issues.

C. Contemporary Issues

  • Discussions surrounding the role of laity, conflicts with traditionalism, and adaptation to modern ethical dilemmas.