Lecture Notes on Trinity, Exam Format, World Religions, and Key Theologians

Exam Format and Integrity

  • In-class theology exam on Canvas; please bring computers only, and turn off your phones—access code required to start the timed exam.

  • Exam types (3):

    • True/False questions: about items.

    • Multiple choice: choose one for each item.

    • Matching: equal numbers of questions and answers (no more, no less).

  • Exam length and content:

    • There will be questions in total, shuffled on Canvas, so each student gets a unique order.

    • Some questions may map to the same number (e.g., two MC items under one question number); you may see up to around or questions depending on distribution, but the exam opens as a 100-point assessment.

    • All questions are from the lecturer’s PowerPoints and class notes; printing the PowerPoints and taking good notes in class should suffice.

  • About the exam and preparation:

    • The lecturer emphasizes critical thinking beyond the minimum: the exam is designed to require reasoning, not just rote recall.

    • True/False is criticized as the “lowest form of testing,” but questions are crafted to require understanding and deduction (process of elimination).

  • Process and exam strategy:

    • Process of elimination: answer what you know for sure first; if you have a remaining pair, use elimination to pick the more certain option.

    • Read each sentence in full and use a gut check: if you feel positive, mark ‘True’; if uncertain or negative, mark ‘False’.

    • WWCD: What Would [the Speaker/Mannequin?] Students follow the instructor’s guidance rather than debating the question.

    • Frequency and recency study tips: Write down and apply these two key concepts. Frequency = study multiple times; Recency = stay fresh right before the exam.

    • Avoid multitasking and distractions (e.g., interpersonal issues, spills). The aim is to stay focused and keep information marinating in memory.

  • Integrity and learning environment:

    • The instructor values integrity over grades; mentions prior experience with AI-assisted cheating (Copilot, Jack GPT), and explicitly states that cheating will be penalized.

    • Students have reported past guilt from cheating; the instructor emphasizes character formation and responsible learning.

    • GSAs (Graduate Student Assistants) will be present in class; they may help with grammar and clarity of the exam draft and can be consulted for questions or adjustments.

  • Exam logistics:

    • All exam materials will be uploaded to Canvas by Thursday morning, before the Thursday in-class exam.

    • The exam is to be completed in class; no hard copy papers.

  • Trinity overview (core topic to review for the exam):

    • The central difficulty is reconciling one God in three persons (the Trinity): Father, Son, Holy Spirit.

    • Key terms introduced:

    • EcoGod's(economia) of God: God’s self-disclosure through history; Father as covenant-keeping, Jesus as the Word made flesh, Spirit as the promised Comforter.

    • Oneness of God (Elohim) with a plurality within unity; the Trinity is not explicitly named as a single term in the Bible, but is derived from scriptural pattern and church teaching.

    • Two major doctrinal tasks:

    • Deity of Christ (the Son): Jesus does things God alone can do; associated with creation, forgiveness of sin, eternal glory; Thomas’ confession: "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28).

    • Personhood of the Holy Spirit: the Spirit has mind, emotions, and will; He can be grieved (e.g., 1 Cor 12:11; John 4:24; John 14:26). The Spirit is an actual person and not merely an influence.

    • Essential triadic attributes of the Trinity:

    • Coeternal, Coexistent, Cosubstantial (the Father, Son, and Spirit share the same divine essence).

    • Key diagram approach (Nyānakin/Nyanakin style in the lecture):

    • D1 (Father) as the source; P1 (Father) is a person with mind, will, and emotions.

    • P2 (Son) as another person who is also Go; introduction of Jesus’ deity via Nicaea and Thomas’ confession.

    • P3 (Holy Spirit) as another person with mind, will, and emotions, capable of forming relationships and directing believers.

    • IEssentialdefinitions and terms for the exam:

    • Trinity is a unique Christian doctrine; other religions do not have this concept in the same form.

    • The Trinity is not a process of mixing three modes (Modalism) or three separate gods (Tritheism) or a one-person God who manifests in three states (Monarchianism).

    • Common heresies to distinguish from faithful Trinity:

      • Patripassianism (Patri-passism): the Father suffers; implies the Father is not distinct as a person from the suffering Jesus; historically deemed heretical.

      • Adoptionism: Jesus is adopted as the Son at some point (e.g., baptism) rather than being eternally the Son.

      • Arianism: Jesus is a created being, not God in essence; opposed by Athanasius.

      • Modalism: God appears in three modes (Father, Son, Spirit) but is not three distinct persons.

      • Monarchianism: emphasizes the oneness of God by reducing the mode structure to a single person.

    • Additional related terms: Patripassism, Patripassionism, Passio (passion) terms; the