Christianity: Sources of authority and wisdom Flashcards
(106 cards)
1
Q
Who is a Christian?
A
Anyone who believes Jesus is the son of God
2
Q
Who is a Roman Catholic?
A
Christians who follow the Pope.
3
Q
Who is a Roman Catholic’s source of authority?
A
The Church
(Pope and Magisterium)
4
Q
What stance do Roman Catholics take?
A
Traditional stance and aims to uphold Apostolic tradition.
5
Q
Who are West Protestants?
A
Western Christians who don’t follow the Pope.
6
Q
Who are Literalists and Evangelical Christians?
A
Protestants whose source of authority is the Bible.
7
Q
What stance do Evangelical and Literalist Christians take?
A
Conservative stance as they follow the Bible’s teachings.
8
Q
Who are Liberal and Non-Literalists Christians?
A
Protestants whose source of authority is their conscience.
9
Q
What stance do Liberal and Non-Literalists Christians take?
A
Liberal or modern stance as they use their conscience to interpret God’s teachings.
10
Q
Which denominations can Evangelicals and Liberals be found within?
A
All Protestant denominations
11
Q
What books are in the Old Testament?
A
Law
Poetry
History
Major Prophets
Minor Prophets
12
Q
What books are in the New Testament?
A
Gospels
History
Paul’s letters to friends
Paul’s letters to Church
General letters
13
Q
Proverbs 26:11
A
‘Like a dog thst returns to his vomit is a fool that repeats his folly’
14
Q
Matthew 5:38-39
A
‘You have heard that it was said an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also.’
15
Q
What is Revelation?
A
God’s disclosure of himself to humantity.
16
Q
Define inerrant
A
Incapable of being wrong.
17
Q
What is the most conservative view of the Bible?
A
God gave the writers the words to write, as it came from Jesus it is perfect and the original Gospels are perfect. The Bible contains the absolute truth and is inerranr.
18
Q
What is the most liberal view of the Bible?
A
The Bible is a human interpretation of the way God expressed himself through Jesus’ life. As it is the work of human beings it’s fallible (contains errors), but the personal experience of the prescence of God, makes the Bible authoritative for the believer.
19
Q
What is a middle view between the conservative and liberal view of the Bible?
A
God inspired the writers to write but the text needs interpreting by those in authority because not only is the record of teaching fallible (contains errors) but the style and intention of the writers is not always clear.
20
Q
What is a denomination?
A
Group of people who are Christians but follow a different set of specific rules to others.
21
Q
Describe the main diferences between a conservative and liberal denomination in the Christian Church.
A
Conservative is a more traditional view and see the Bible to be infallible whereas a liberal view is non-literal, as they are inspired by their conscience, as they understand the Bible to be metaphorical.
22
Q
What literary forms appear in the Bible?
A
History
Poetry
Paul’s letters to the Church
Paul’s letters to friends
General letters
Gospels
Law
Major Prophets
Minor Prophets
23
Q
Give two reaons why somebody may say the Bible is the ultimate source of authority.
A
Contains the word of God which is infallible. It provides guidance and commandments for people and has done for hundreds of years.
24
Q
Give two reasons why somebody may say the Bible is not the ultimate source of authority.
A
No proof the Bible is the perfect word of God, it could be liberal/metaphorical. Science provides alternative and factual explanations unlike the BIble.
25
2 Timothy 3:16-17
'All scripture is inspired by God is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, ewuipped for every good work.'
26
What does 2 Timothy 3:16-17 mean?
The Bible is an authority which we will use to set moral laws and hold people accountable to.
27
What does Liberal: Process theology say about the Bible?
The Bible is an entirely human document and it's inspired only in the sense it's uplifting. Not revelation as God doesn't intervene with the world and instead the universe exists within God.
28
What does Liberal: Social Gospel Movement say about the Bible?
Rather than debating insoluble questions about inspiration and authority, operationalise and practically live the Gospel.
29
Strengths of the Social Gospel Movement?
Works to end social injustices, follows Jesus' loving nature.
Uses ethical principles of the Bible.
Actively improving the world and spreading God.
30
Weaknesses of the Social Gospel Movement?
Certain works may no longer be accepted in modern society eg. slavery.
Follows some instructions eg. evangelise but not fully accepting of the Bible.
Ignores God's word
Subjective interpretations.
31
What does Neo-Orthodox Karl Barth say about the Bible?
Rejects inerrancy of the Bible as its modern study suggests parts aren't true. Also due to contradictions within it.
32
Strengths of Neo-Orthodox Karl Barth?
Aware of our sins and seek forgiveness.
Acknowledges inconsistencies in the Bible and provides practical resolution.
Adapted to modern/changing times.
33
What does the Conservative: Catholic (Apostolic) say about the Bible?
Special Revelation, it is the ultimate authority. Writers were inspired by God so may contain human error. Church leaders (Magisterium) also inspired to help interpret the Bible. Given by God to be wrote down by humans.
34
Strengths of Conservative: Catholic (Apostolic) view of the Bible?
Can account for differences due to science. Magisterium can relate to modern situations (dynamic.)
All Catholics have the same beliefs.
Turns interpretations to rules.
35
Weaknesses of the Conservative: Catholic (Apostolic) view of the Bible?
Contains human error.
Magisterium may disagree as they are also human.
No individual interpretation may affect personal relationship with God.
Why believe it if it contains fault?
36
What is the Conservative: Protestant (Evangelical) view of the Bible?
Bible is inerrant and infallible. Understands some of it is illustrative and some take it as a scientific account.
37
Strengths of the Conservative: Protestant (Evangelical) view of the Bible?
Clear guidance as it's God's word.
Following one book is practical.
Can't fault a perfect Gods perfect word.
38
Weaknesses of the Conservative: Protestant (Evangelical) view of the Bible?
Conflicts with emerging scientific evidence.
Not everything in the Bible is moral eg. slaves.
Culturally lensed.
No empirical proof of the Bible.
People may cherry pick for own agenda.
Disagree over interpretations.
How can they be sure they understand it fully?
39
What is liberalism?
An umbrella term which is used to refer to the views of Christians who reject any idea the Bible is literally inspired.
40
Conservative:Roaman Catholics views of creation/Bible? 3
Don't see a conflict between religion and science, together both give a complete picture of creation.
Think the story in Genesis is not a literal account, but that there were clear periods of creation.
Believe that the main point of the story is that God created the world.
41
Conservative: Protestants (Literalists) views of creation/Bible?
Are sure of the absolute truth of the Bible and what it says about creation.
Do not accept scientific explanations of creation.
Believe that God created the world in 6 days and rested on the seventh.
42
Liberal: Process Theologians view of creation/Bible?
Believe that scientific theories with research and evidence are undeniable.
Believe that the story shows that was once believed to be true before scientific knowledge developed.
Believe that the account in Genesis is a myth and untrue.
43
What is special revelation?
Something that reveals God to humans. Special revelation is direct, for example a miracle or a vision of God.
44
What is general revelation?
The idea of being able to see something of God through nature and scriptures which are readily available in everyday experience.
45
What is apostolic succession?
The teaching that bishops represent a direct, uninterrupted line of continuity from the first Apostles of Jesus Christ.
46
What is apostolic tradition?
The belief that the church continues the faith and work of the apostles. The apostles received the faith from Jesus Christ through his teaching as well as his death and resurrection.
47
What is the Church as a body?
The Christian Community
48
What is the Church as a source of authority?
Leaders eg. Bishops
49
What was instructed in the Great Comission?
Travel
Evangelise
Baptise
50
How do Catholics worship?
Uses an established pattern of worship and ritual. Liturgical worship
51
Leadership in Catholicism?
Catholic teaches the Apostolic Tradition that flows from Jesus, to the Apostles, the Church and the Church Fathers.
52
Who has authority in the Catholic Church?
Apostolic Succession stemming from the Apostles through an uninterrupted succession of Popes and bishops to the Magisterium, the teaching of office of the Church, in which the Pope has the same authority that Jesus gave St. Peter.
53
How do Protestants worship?
Range of liturgical and non-liturgical. So structured and unstructed.
54
Leadership in Protestantism?
In some Churches there is a tradition that a senior minister/pastor should be followed. No one has more authority than anyone else.
55
Who has authority in the Protestant Church?
In most Protestant Churches the Bible alone is seen as having sufficient authority for teaching. This is the Protestant doctrine of 'sola scriptura.'
56
Which does Catholics belive has more authority- the Bible or Church?
They have equal authority.
57
How did the Apostles originally preach the Gospel?
Done orally, then also in writings by the Apostles and by others associated with them, again under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
58
1 Corinthians 11:2 (Catholic source of authority)
'I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I have delievered them to you.'
59
2 Timothy 2 (Catholic source of authority)
'What you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.'
60
What is the Catholic rule of faith?
Embrace both Scripture and Church Tradition because the Church has the authority to interpret the scripture correctly.
61
Summarise Luther (Protestant source of authority)
Church teaching must be in line with the Bible.
All scholars are subject to the word.
Salvation cannot be mediated through the Priest-no Apostolic succession.
No need for ordained ministers-everyone is apart of the priesthood once baptised.
62
Protestant reformation: Who converted the Roman Empire to Christainity in the 4th century?
Constantine
63
Which city rivalled Rome in the 4th century?
Constantinople
64
Which 2 groups did the Church originally split into in 1056 and who is the head of each?
Catholic-Pope
Orthodoc-Patriach meaning Father
65
Describe which indulgences were first introduced by the Church and what they offered.
Incentive for crusaders to win/take Jerusalem from Muslims. It would remove you of your sin and your future sin.
66
What was the name of the Dominican Friar who began selling indulgences in Germany?
Johann Tetzel
67
What was the Church doing with the money from indulgences?
Building a new church in Rome.
Paying for Archbishop Mainz's debt.
68
Where did Luther nail the 95 theses?
Door of a church in Wittenburg.
69
What year did the Protestant reformation take place?
1517
70
How did Pope Leo respond to Luther's 95 theses?
Papal bull removed his Priesthood.
Called him a 'drunk German' and dismissed it as a joke.
71
Why was Luther concerned about the Catholic's Church approach to the Bible?
Catholic Church was using the Bible to back up its own authority. Few people could understand or read it. Luther feared they'd got the Bible wrong and teachings no longer pure. Luther also wrote the Bible in german.
72
Holloway writes the Protestant reformation unleashed two forces that would change history forever. What were they?
1) 'Sola scriptura' meaning only the Bible has absolute authority.
2) Priesthood of all believers so everyone was equal under Christ which rejected the magisterium and Apostolic succession.
73
Why does Holloway describe religion before the reformation as a transaction?
Quid pro quo agenda, as if you did certain things you would have a protected future.
74
After the big split from Rome, why was there futher splits?
Protestantism was built on the principle of an inability to comprise over any disagreement. Everyone had equal authority to set up there own denomination.
75
Differences between the Roman Catholic Church and Protestants view of sources of authority?
The R.C Church is like a business, with the Pope as the head of business with absolute authority.
Protestants don't work like a business and don't belive Jesus had any intention of creating a Church with one person with all the power.
The cause of the reformation was an argument about authority. Protestants believed they saw no evidence that the Catholic Church was being guided by the Holy Spirit.
Protestants believed the only authority they could rely on was the Bible, which everyone could interpret.
Protestants believe knowing God's will comes through reading the Bible and applying your conscience.
76
Literal interpreation of Matthew 5:38-48
Give more than what is asked of you.
Love your enemies.
Be perfect.
Lend without expecting it back.
Don't resist an evil person who attacks.
77
Summary of Matthew 5:38-48
Intended his disciples to be pacifists, they must go against instincts and show unconditional acceptance of everyone. Jesus talks about attitudes towards others in everyday life and encouraged an attitude that sought peace and love.
78
Matthew 5:38-48
Eye for Eye
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[a] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Love for Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[b] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
79
What is a Creed?
A statement of belief. Nicene creed originaly adopted by the First council of Nicea in 325, amended in 381 at the first council of Constantinople. Ammneded form is called the Nicene creed.
80
What does the Nicene creed state about Jesus?
He is the son of God, from the father.
He is GOd.
Came down from Heaven and incarnated during the virgin birth.
He was crucified for humanity, rose on the third day and ascended.
He will come again to judge and his kingdom is eternal and infinte.
81
What are the implications of Jesus in the Nicene Creed?
No other human is incarnate.
Establishes monotheism and Jesus as an authority figure.
Selfless and creates principle of agape.
Metaphysical being.
82
How is the title of the son of God used?
Used in the Old Testament as a special title for a human being, claiming not that the person concerned has a divine nature but has God's authority. Title is given to David and after his death Jews believed a Davidic kingdom would be restored with the Messiah.
New Testament Jesus is called this during his baptism. Jews were expecting a leader to free them from Roman rule.
Matthew and Luke include a genealogy stressing Jesus' descendance from King David.
83
How is the title son of man used?
Jesus calls himself this in all four Gospels. It empasises Jesus' humanity. Making claims about divinity would lead to persecution. To outside observers he is doing nothing more than claiming to be human but those who knew his work would understand it as a hint of being a representative of God.
Many theologians believe Jesus was both fully divine and fully human.
84
What does adoptionism state?
In the early centuries some were taught that Jesus was born human and adopted by God during his baptism.
85
How was adoptionism rejected?
Rejected by the Church towards the end of the 3rd Century.
86
What does arianism state?
In the 3rd and 4th century, Arius a priest taught that Jesus wasn't fully divine. Instead he was created by God with a purpose and the title 'son of God' is an honour.
87
How was arianism rejected?
Nicene Creed overruled this and it became heresy and was therefore rejected.
88
What do the Cathars state?
In the 11th and 12th Century the sect known as Catharism taught that created matter was too corrupt to be divine.
89
How were the Cathars rejected?
Condemned by the Pope in a papal bull in the 12th century.
90
What does unitarianism state?
In the 18th century it was apopular movement in Britain. The Unitarians believed in a deistic God. As such Jesus is not God incarnate and some belive in the 'adoption.'
91
What has happened to unitarianism?
Still practised in the UK with around 7,000 followers.
92
What is a denomination?
A set of Christians who follow a specific set of rules/beliefs. Eg. Quakers
93
Which types of Christians would argue the Bible is sacred and why?
Conservative Christians as they believe the Bible is the exact word of God and therefore infallible and inerrant and the ultimate source of authority.
94
Why must the Bible be interpretated?
Written by the Apostles/those who had been inspired so they need someone who is also inspired to understand it fully.
Very old texts so they need to be translated to a modern context.
95
Explain the approach of the Social Gospel Movement on the Bible?
They don't focus on the conflicting texts and unanswerable questions. They aim to live the gospel practically and spread God by following the teachings of Jesus and his principle of agaepic love.
96
What is the difference between apostolic succession and apostolic tradition?
Apostolic succession refers to the unbroken pipeline of authority/inspiration from Jesus to the current Archbishop/religious leader. Whereas Apostolic tradition is continuing the actions of the Apostles and what they did.
97
Who was responsible for the European church reformation?
Martin Luther
98
What is a benefit in believing in the church as an authority?
Place and people who can interpret the Bible and guide you during your life.
99
What is a drawback of believing in the church as an authority?
Who's to say they are correctly interpreting the Bible right and properly guiding you. They could be sending messages which back their own agenda.
100
Who wrote 2 Timothy 2?
Paul wrote "what you have heard from me before my many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others.
101
How is 2 Timothy 2 interpreted by the Catholic church?
Through baptism Christians die spiritually with Christ and hope to live with him and reign with him forever.
102
What does sola scriptura?
Your only need is scripture to help you and your relationship with God.
103
What does sola fide mean?
Justification by faith, only need faith.
104
How does sola scriptura and sola fide contradict the authority of the Church?
Says that only scripture and faith is necessary and rebukes the church/priesthood.
105
What happened in Matthew 5:38-48?
Jesus' sermon on the mount and Christians are told how to live their lives eg. how to be moral. "Eye for an eye" and "Love your enemies" passages.
106
