Reading 1-2

Question 1

What does “doctrine” mean?

Answer 1

Teaching.

Question 2

What does the word “theology” literally mean?

Answer 2

God talk; from Greek theos (God) and logos (word).

Question 3

How is theology related to doctrine?

Answer 3

Theology is broader; doctrine refers to teachable concepts, while theology includes deeper reflection on doctrines.

Question 4

What is the classical definition of theology by Anselm of Canterbury?

Answer 4

Faith seeking understanding.

Question 5

What is a “first-order” spiritual phenomenon according to C.S. Lewis?

Answer 5

Experiencing God through prayer, worship, and nature.

Question 6

What is a “second-order” phenomenon in C.S. Lewis’s view?

Answer 6

Theology—reflecting intellectually on our experiences of God.

Question 7

How does C.S. Lewis describe theology?

Answer 7

Like a map created by many spiritual pilgrims to guide faith.

Question 8

What does the branch of “Theology” study specifically?

Answer 8

God the Father—His nature, character, and Trinitarian relationships.

Question 9

What is Christology?

Answer 9

The study of Jesus Christ—His deity, humanity, and role as the Incarnate Son.

Question 10

What is Pneumatology?

Answer 10

The study of the Holy Spirit—His personhood, role in salvation, and work in revelation.

Question 11

What does Hamartology study?

Answer 11

Sin—its nature, origin, and effect on human nature.

Question 12

What is Anthropology in theological terms?

Answer 12

The study of human nature and our relationship with sin and God.

Question 13

What is Soteriology?

Answer 13

The study of salvation—how the Trinity works to save sinners.

Question 14

What is Ethics in theology?

Answer 14

The study of how Christians should live morally in personal and social life.

Question 15

What is Ecclesiology?

Answer 15

The study of the Church—its nature, purpose, and function.

Question 16

What is Angelology?

Answer 16

The study of angels—their nature and function.

Question 17

What is Eschatology?

Answer 17

The study of last things—death, judgment, second coming, and eternal life.

Question 18

Which branches of theology are the main focus of this course?

Answer 18

Christology, Pneumatology, Hamartology, Soteriology, and Ethics.

Question 19

Which branches of theology are less emphasized in this course?

Answer 19

Ecclesiology, Angelology, Eschatology.

Question 20

What is meant by the interrelatedness of theology?

Answer 20

Each branch shapes and informs the others; they work together to build understanding.

Question 21

What does the “dynamism” of theology refer to?

Answer 21

Theology is ever-unfolding, leading to new discoveries and deeper understanding.

Question 22

Why might theological growth be painful?

Answer 22

It may require letting go of long-held beliefs and practices that no longer align with deeper truth.

Question 23

What is the ultimate goal of studying theology?

Answer 23

To better understand God and live in faithful relationship with Him.

Question 24

Why did C.S. Lewis reject the advice to avoid Theology in Mere Christianity?

Answer 24

He believed the ordinary reader is not a fool and deserves clear, accurate ideas about God rather than being treated like a child with only ‘plain practical religion.’

Question 25

What does C.S. Lewis say Theology means?

Answer 25

'The science of God'—a study aimed at having the clearest and most accurate ideas about God.

Question 26

How does C.S. Lewis respond to the R.A.F. officer who rejected theological dogmas after experiencing God in the desert?

Answer 26

Lewis agrees in part, acknowledging the officer’s experience was real, but argues that theological doctrines, like a map, are necessary to go further than isolated spiritual experiences.

Question 27

What analogy does C.S. Lewis use to explain the value of Theology?

Answer 27

He compares Theology to a map of the Atlantic Ocean—less vivid than the real sea, but essential for navigating and going anywhere meaningful.

Question 28

Why does Lewis argue that Theology is more useful than just personal spiritual experiences?

Answer 28

Because it is built on the experiences of many people with God and helps organize and guide understanding, unlike personal experiences that may be isolated and confusing.

Question 29

What is the danger of relying only on personal spiritual feelings, according to Lewis?

Answer 29

It leads nowhere; it's all emotion and no direction—like enjoying waves from the beach but never setting sail.

Question 30

What is Lewis's warning about ignoring Theology in the modern world?

Answer 30

Without Theology, people will still have ideas about God, but they’ll often be wrong, muddled, or outdated, because they're not tested like theological doctrines.

Question 31

According to Lewis, what is the consequence of going to sea without a map?

Answer 31

You will not be very safe—just as trying to pursue faith without Theology is risky and misguided.

Question 32

Why does Lewis believe Theology is especially practical today?

Answer 32

Because of widespread education and discussion—people form ideas about God anyway, so it’s better that those ideas be correct and informed.

Question 33

What does Lewis mean by 'you will not get to Newfoundland by studying the Atlantic that way'?

Answer 33

You can't reach a real spiritual goal like eternal life by merely feeling God’s presence in nature; you need the structured guidance of Theology.

Question 34

What is Christian Theology?

Answer 34

Christian theology is about understanding and talking about God. It’s not just about knowing what we believe, but also why we believe it.

Question 35

What does Matthew 22:37 say about theology?

Answer 35

Love God with your heart, soul, and mind.

Question 36

What does 1 Peter 3:15 encourage believers to do?

Answer 36

Be ready to explain your faith.

Question 37

What is the significance of Acts 2 in Christian belief?

Answer 37

From the beginning, Christians believed specific truths about Jesus.

Question 38

What does theology mean?

Answer 38

The actual beliefs a religious group has and the process of thinking carefully about those beliefs.

Question 39

What does this book explain about Seventh-day Adventists?

Answer 39

It talks about what Seventh-day Adventists believe and explains those beliefs clearly and thoughtfully.

Question 40

Why does theology matter?

Answer 40

Because beliefs are the foundation of everything else: how we act and how we feel about God.

Question 41

How do beliefs affect how we act?

Answer 41

Our lifestyle choices come from what we believe.

Question 42

How do beliefs affect our feelings about God?

Answer 42

Our emotions and experiences are shaped by our beliefs about Him.

Question 43

Give an example of how belief affects feelings about God.

Answer 43

If you believe God is loving and caring, you’ll feel closer to Him; if you think God is only angry and judgmental, you might feel scared or distant.

Question 44

How does good theology help people?

Answer 44

It helps people understand God better, leading to a stronger, healthier relationship with Him.

Question 45

Are faith and reason opposites?

Answer 45

No, faith and reason support each other.

Question 46

What do some people mistakenly believe about faith and reason?

Answer 46

That if you think too much, you’ll stop believing; and if you trust a lot, you shouldn’t question or analyze.

Question 47

How do faith and reason actually interact?

Answer 47

Thinking about your beliefs can make your faith stronger; better understanding of God leads to deeper trust and better experiences.

Question 48

Give an example of faith and reason working together.

Answer 48

Learning more about the Sabbath helped one woman enjoy it more deeply.

Question 49

What is the bottom line about theology?

Answer 49

Theology helps you grow closer to God by helping you understand your faith better; what you believe affects how you live, feel, and connect with God and others; thinking about your beliefs strengthens your faith.

Question 50

What is theology?

Answer 50

Theology is about trying to understand and explain what Christians believe. Anselm called it 'faith seeking understanding.' It means using our minds to make sense of our faith.

Question 51

On what is theology based?

Answer 51

Theology is based on the Bible, which Christians see as God’s message to people. Theology tries to explain the Bible’s message as clearly and faithfully as possible.

Question 52

How is theology rational and logical?

Answer 52

Theology uses ideas and careful thinking to explain faith clearly and reasonably, but it also recognizes that faith includes stories, symbols, and feelings that can’t be fully explained by logic alone.

Question 53

Why is theology historical?

Answer 53

Theology learns from how people have understood the Bible over hundreds of years. It respects past interpretations but always compares ideas back to the Bible itself.

Question 54

What does it mean that theology is contemporary?

Answer 54

Theology must address the problems and questions of today’s world, developing over time to stay relevant for each generation’s unique challenges.

Question 55

Who is theology for?

Answer 55

Theology is for the whole Christian church, not just experts. It reflects the faith of the entire community and guides worship and teaching.

Question 56

What does it mean that theology is systematic?

Answer 56

Theology organizes Christian beliefs logically, like a puzzle where beliefs connect and influence each other. Some beliefs, like belief in God, are central, while others are important but less central.