reading 3-4 Flashcards
(35 cards)
What is Adventist theology primarily considered as?
Adventist theology is primarily Christian in the most basic and orthodox sense, sharing many convictions with the broader Christian tradition.
What are the ‘eternal verities’ shared by Adventist theology and the larger Christian community?
They include the eternal power and existence of God the Father, deity of Christ, personhood of the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, inspiration of the Bible, resurrection of Christ, baptism, Lord’s Supper, final judgment, second coming, and everlasting life.
What are the two major branches of Christianity mentioned?
Eastern (Orthodox) tradition and Western (Latin) tradition.
Into how many subtraditions is the Protestant tradition broadly divided?
Seven: Lutheran, Reformed (Calvinistic), Anabaptist, Anglican, Wesleyan/Arminian, Restorationist, Pentecostal/Charismatic.
What is the principle of ‘The Bible Alone’ (sola scriptura)?
The Bible is the inspired and authoritative final authority for faith and practice.
What does ‘Grace and Faith Alone’ (sola gratia and sola fide) mean?
Salvation is a gift from God received by grace through faith alone, not earned by good works.
What is the ‘priesthood of all believers’ concept?
All Christians have personal access to God without the need for ordained priests as mediators.
What two convictions does Adventism emphasize from the Wesleyan/Arminian tradition?
Free will and sanctifying grace.
What is Calvinistic determinism?
The belief that humans are powerless to accept salvation unless God irresistibly grants it, called irresistible predestination.
What was the protest led by Jacobus Arminius and John Wesley about?
They protested against Calvinistic determinism, emphasizing free will and human responsibility in salvation.
What is the Restorationist tradition’s main idea?
Restoring the simplicity and purity of the Apostolic church’s doctrines and practices from the first century.
What key practices did the Baptist tradition contribute to Adventism?
Adult believer’s baptism by immersion and emphasis on religious liberty and separation of church and state.
What must we do before beginning theological reflection?
We need to carefully think about the resources we will use and how we will utilize them, referred to as ‘theological methodology.’
What are the four major sources for theology?
(1) Scripture, (2) Tradition, (3) Reason, and (4) Christian Experience.
What is the Wesleyan Quadrilateral?
A term for the four major sources John Wesley used for theology: Scripture, tradition, reason, and Christian experience.
What is Scripture in theology?
The sixty-six canonical books of the Bible, which serve as the primary and normative source for theological reflection.
What is the principle of ‘sola scriptura’?
The Protestant principle that Scripture alone is the primary and authoritative norm for theology.
Why do Christians also consider tradition, reason, and experience?
Because Scripture is interpreted in the context of culture, tradition, reason, and experience, but these are secondary to Scripture.
What is Tradition in Christian theology?
The teachings and practices passed down through Christian history, including the creeds and influential figures like Ellen White.
What caution do Adventists have regarding Tradition?
They are wary of traditions that obscure Scripture but recognize some traditions as valuable and biblical.
What is the role of Ellen White’s writings in Adventism?
Her writings are formative but always subject to Scripture’s authority.
What is the difference between formative and normative authorities?
Formative authorities shape thinking but are secondary; normative authorities are primary and definitive for establishing truth.
How can Tradition be seen as a manifestation of Christ’s presence?
Christian traditions reflect Jesus’ promise to be with His church always, guiding theological development and teaching.
