Theology

Unit 1: How to Read the Bible and Genesis 1-11

Q: What is Divine Revelation?
A: Divine Revelation refers to God making Himself known to humanity, whether through Scripture, nature, or personal experiences, revealing His will and divine plan.

Q: What is Divine Inspiration?
A: Divine Inspiration is the belief that the Bible was written by human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, ensuring it contains God’s true message.

Q: What are Richard Rohr's "Great Themes of Scripture"?
A: The themes are:

  1. Love – God’s unconditional love for humanity.

  2. Justice – God’s commitment to fairness.

  3. Grace – God’s unmerited favor.

  4. Redemption – God’s plan for saving humanity from sin.

Q: How do you cite a biblical passage?
A: Citations follow the format: Book Chapter: Verse(s) (e.g., Exodus 2:1-5). This helps identify the specific location of a passage.

Q: What are the genres in the Bible?
A: The Bible includes:

  • History – Narratives of events (e.g., Exodus).

  • Law – God’s commandments (e.g., Leviticus).

  • Prophecy – Messages from prophets (e.g., Isaiah).

  • Wisdom Literature – Practical insights (e.g., Proverbs).

  • Poetry – Expressed in poetic forms (e.g., Psalms).

Q: What is the Canon of Scripture?
A: The Canon refers to the official collection of books considered sacred and authoritative by the Church, including the Old Testament with 39 books.

Q: What are the parts of the Hebrew Bible (TaNaK)?
A: The TaNaK is divided into:

  • Torah (Law),

  • Nevi’im (Prophets),

  • Ketuvim (Writings).

Q: What is the Enuma Elish?
A: The Enuma Elish is a Babylonian creation myth that parallels Genesis but involves gods in conflict rather than a singular creator God.

Q: What is the Pentateuch?
A: The Pentateuch refers to the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Genesis 1-11: Key Stories and Themes

Q: What happens in Genesis 1?
A: Creation in 7 Days:

  • Day 1: Light is created.

  • Day 2: Sky and waters separated.

  • Day 3: Land and plants appear.

  • Day 4: Sun, moon, and stars created.

  • Day 5: Creatures of the sea and sky created.

  • Day 6: Land animals and humans are made.

  • Day 7: God rests, sanctifying the Sabbath.

Q: What happens in Genesis 2?
A: Creation in 1 Day:

  • God creates Adam and Eve from the earth and from Adam’s rib.

  • This chapter highlights the personal creation of humanity and the bond between man and woman.

Q: What is the theme of Genesis 3?
A: The Fall (Original Sin):

  • Adam and Eve sin by eating from the tree of knowledge.

  • This act introduces sin into the world, causing separation from God and spiritual death.

Q: What happens in Genesis 4?
A: Cain and Abel:

  • Cain, jealous of God’s favor for Abel’s sacrifice, kills Abel.

  • God punishes Cain but marks him for protection.

Q: What happens in Genesis 5-11?
A: Noah and the Tower of Babel:

  • Genesis 6-9: Noah builds an ark, survives a flood, and repopulates the earth.

  • Genesis 11: The Tower of Babel story shows God confusing languages and scattering humanity.

Unit 2: Genesis 12-50 – The Covenant Origins of the Hebrew People

Q: Who are the key figures in Genesis 12-50?
A: Key figures include:

  • Abraham and Sarah – Promise of descendants and land.

  • Isaac and Rebekah – Isaac’s marriage to Rebekah and the birth of Esau and Jacob.

  • Jacob and his 12 sons – The birth of the 12 tribes of Israel.

  • Joseph – Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt and his role in saving his family.

Q: What is the Covenant?
A: The Covenant is God’s promise to Abraham and his descendants, including land, numerous offspring, and blessings for all nations.

Q: What is the significance of circumcision?
A: Circumcision is the sign of God’s covenant with Abraham, marking his descendants as God’s chosen people.

Q: What is Monotheism?
A: Monotheism is the belief in one God, which Abraham introduced, rejecting the polytheism of his time.

Q: What is Henotheism?
A: Henotheism is the belief in one primary God while acknowledging the existence of other gods.

Q: Who are Jacob’s wives and concubines?
A: Jacob’s wives are Leah and Rachel, and his concubines are Bilhah and Zilpah. They bear 12 sons who form the 12 tribes of Israel.

Q: What are the 12 sons of Jacob?
A: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin.

Q: What is the theme of the younger sibling/underdog?
A: Many biblical figures, like Jacob over Esau and Joseph over his brothers, highlight the underdog’s role in God's plan.

Q: What is the story of Joseph?
A: Joseph is sold by his brothers, rises in Egypt, and later saves his family during a famine, demonstrating forgiveness and God’s providence.

Unit 3: The Exodus Journey: Enslavement, Liberation, and the Law

Q: Who enslaved the Israelites in Egypt?
A: Pharaoh enslaved the Israelites due to their growing numbers, fearing their power.

Q: Who assisted Moses in the Exodus?
A: Moses was helped by Aaron (his brother) and Miriam (his sister).

Q: What is the significance of the Burning Bush?
A: The Burning Bush is where God reveals His name, YHWH ("I AM," the eternal one), and calls Moses to lead the Israelites.

Q: What are the 10 Plagues?
A: The 10 Plagues are divine judgments that convince Pharaoh to release the Israelites. These include turning the Nile into blood and the death of the firstborn.

Q: What is Passover?
A: Passover commemorates the night when God passed over the homes of Israelites, sparing them from the final plague that killed Egypt’s firstborn.

Q: What are the 10 Commandments?
A: The 10 Commandments are a set of moral laws given to Moses at Mount Sinai, such as “Do not murder” and “Honor your father and mother.”

Q: What is the Tabernacle?
A: The Tabernacle is a portable sanctuary used by the Israelites for worship during their journey through the wilderness.

Q: What is the Ark of the Covenant?
A: The Ark of the Covenant is a sacred chest containing the Ten Commandments, representing God’s presence among His people.

Q: What was the Golden Calf?
A: The Israelites created a Golden Calf and worshiped it while Moses was on the mountain, symbolizing their disobedience and idolatry.

Q: What is Manna?
A: Manna was the bread-like substance God provided daily for the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness.

Unit 3.5: The Journey to the Promised Land

Q: What is the Day of Atonement?
A: The Day of Atonement is a day of repentance and forgiveness, where sins are symbolically transferred to a goat (the scapegoat).

Q: What is the Scapegoat?
A: The scapegoat is an animal used in a ritual on the Day of Atonement, symbolically carrying away the sins of the people into the wilderness.

Q: What is Kosher Law?
A: Kosher Law defines the dietary laws of the Israelites, such as prohibiting the consumption of pork and certain methods of preparing food.

Q: What is the significance of the 40 years in the wilderness?
A: The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness as a consequence of their disobedience, a time of testing and preparation before entering the Promised Land.

Q: What is the Shema?
A: The Shema is a central Jewish prayer, affirming the oneness of God: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”

Unit 4: The Conquest, Settlement, and History of Israel

Q: Who led the Israelites into the Promised Land?
A: Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan, following the death of Moses.

Q: What is the significance of Rahab and Jericho?
A: Rahab, a prostitute, hides Israelite spies in Jericho, and in return, her family is spared when the city is destroyed.

Q: What is the cycle in the Book of Judges?
A: The cycle is Israel’s sin, followed by oppression, repentance, and deliverance by a judge.

Q: Who are the key figures in the story of Ruth?
A: Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. Ruth, a Moabite widow, finds favor with Boaz, and their marriage establishes the lineage of David.