03 Social And Historical Developments - A Wealth

Question 1

explain Mark 10:17 - 25.
the rich and the kingdom of God

Answer 1

In this story Jesus makes it clear that the kingdom of God is infinately more important than money and wealth. The scholar Bonhoeffer says that Jesu is asking the man to make a huge sacrafice in giving up his wealth. He is not just asking for inner detatchement but litterally give away his wealth.

Question 2

give a quote from Mark 10: 17 - 25.
The rich man and the kingdom of God.

Answer 2

“it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God”-Jesus

Question 3

Explain Matthew 6: 25 - 34.
the sermon on the mount.

Answer 3

Jesus outlines what it means to live in the presence of God. It involves going beyond the letter of the law and living a lifestyle of love and commitment. Jesus is urging his followers to have the right priorities - putting the kingdom of God first. the priority is the spiritual life which is more important than anything physical. the enemy of any priority is anxiety. he urges people to have faith in God.

Question 4

explain Luke 12:33 - 34

Answer 4

Jesus asks his followers to sell their possessions and give their money to the poor. this passage suggests that the decision we make regarding our wealth indicates the path we choose - an earthly path or the path to heaven. In this passage Jesus is not only pointing out the dangers of greed but also highlighting the importance of loving our neighbour by giving our wealth to those in need.

Question 5

Explain 1 Timothy 6:10

Answer 5

all of the letters found in the New Testament explain how to remain true to the faith and how to be a good Christian. In this letter, Timothy explains that money is not evil in itself; it is the love of money or greed that is the real danger. the letter also says that it is the love of money that leads people away from faith. -it is the eagerness to be rich rather than the riches itself that is dangerous.

Question 6

what is the New Testament teaching on wealth?

Answer 6

-it isnt money itself that is considered bad.
-wealth is bad if it distracts people from their faith.

Question 7

what is stewardship?

Answer 7

managing or taking care of.

Question 8

what does the theological concept of stewardship involve?

Answer 8

humans having the God given position of managing their resources well.

Question 9

how does Genesis link to stewardship?

Answer 9

God creates the earth, it belongs to God. Humans have been given charge over it.

Question 10

what does the bible recognise that people own?

Answer 10

possessions.

Question 11

As humans own possessions, who does stewardship apply to?

Answer 11

individuals as well as groups and nations.

Question 12

why does stewardship involve giving to those in need?

Answer 12

because God is the defender of the poor and oppressed.

Question 13

what is considered the opposite of stewardship?

Answer 13

Greed

Question 14

when do Old Testament Prophets warn that religious activities such as sacrifice are meaningless?

Answer 14

when they oppress the poor.

Question 15

what is a tithe?

Answer 15

Christians give 10% of their income to the church.

Question 16

what do Christians who believe we are stewards understand this to mean?

Answer 16

we should manage the resources that God has given us wisely

Question 17

Quote Blomberg on stewardship.

Answer 17

“it is hard to envision anyone seriously studying the Bible in detail and not concluding that stewardship must play a central role in any truly Christian life.”

Question 18

what is asceticism?

Answer 18

a way of life which involves living simply, discipline or training in order to completely focus on God.

Question 19

Does the gospel suggest that Jesus lived a strict form of asceticism?

Answer 19

no.

Question 20

do some think that John the Baptist was part of the ascetic community?

Answer 20

yes.

Question 21

Quote Jesus in relation to the ascetic ideal.

Answer 21

“if any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Mark’s gospel.

Question 22

what is asceticism according to Jesus?

Answer 22

to fast, devotion to prayer, turning away from possessions and living an iniherent lifestyle.

Question 23

what is an iniherant lifestyle?

Answer 23

constant travelling, relying on the support and hospitality of others.

Question 24

what does asceticism range from and to?

Answer 24

from living as a hermit to living in the world but practicing aspects of asceticism.

Question 25

who where The Desert Fathers?

Answer 25

they were early Christian hermits who lived an ascetic life in the Egyptian desert. They viewed Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness and the lifestyle of John the Baptist.

Question 26

what did many monasteries in the middle ages follow?

Answer 26

An ascetic life style. *poverty, prayer and solitude*

Question 27

give an example of ascetic practices in monastic life?

Answer 27

Teresa of Avila.

Question 28

What does asceticism raise question about?

Answer 28

the attitude Christians should have towards the world.

Question 29

What do most Christians agree that some discipline is essential for?

Answer 29

To live a God oriented life.

Question 30

Who is Fr Lazarus and why is he a good example of ascetic living?

Answer 30

-an Australian Philosophy lecturer and atheist. -went on pilgrimage after his mother died. -became a coptic monk in the Egyptian desert. -spends much of his time living as a hermit in a cave. -discipline, solitude, simplicity, focus on God.

Question 31

what is the prosperity gospel?

Answer 31

the teaching that Christians have the right to expect wealth and good health. This is achieved by confessing faith and paying tithes or offerings to religious causes.

Question 32

who follows the prosperity gospel?

Answer 32

some protestant churches as well as Pentecostal and Charismatic denominations.

Question 33

what is the prosperity gospel also known as?

Answer 33

the word faith movement.

Question 34

according to the word faith movement, why is it not enough to just believe what that Bible says about well being?

Answer 34

one must proclaim or confess out loud that one has health and wealth.

Question 35

quote Matthew's gospel that links to the prosperity gospel?

Answer 35

"If you have faith the size of a mustard seed you can move mountains."

Question 36

who is Joel Osteen? Example of the prosperity gospel.

Answer 36

-An American Televangelist, Texas. -He has written 7 New York time best sellers. -His 2017 net worth has been reported between $40 - $60 million. -He lives in a mansion estimated to be worth $10.5 million.

Question 37

Does God want his followers to be wealthy?

Answer 37

-the leaders of the Old Testament were wealthy. -God promised a land that was flowing with milk and honey. This suggests that God does not expect asceticism.

Question 38

where is the prosperity gospel popular?

Answer 38

in economically deprived places as it gives hope. but it is also popular in more affluent areas.

Question 39

what do prophets say is hypocritical?

Answer 39

to worship God and at the same time ignore the poor and suffering.

Question 40

what are Blomberg's 3 key criticisms for the prosperity gospel?

Answer 40

1. God's promise of prosperity was the nation of Israel as a whole, not to the individual Israelites based on their nation of faithfulness. 2. The promise was made to Israelites so we should not assume it made modern day nations. 3. There are no references in the New Testament that God promises peace and prosperity to faithful.