On The Spectrum Of Belief
Within theological study, how is "Doctrine" defined?
A conclusion drawn based on biblical data.
What is the formal term for the study of the approaches, principles, and methods we take to interpret the Bible?
Hermeneutics
Name the branch of philosophy dedicated to the study of how human beings come to know or understand truth.
Epistemology
What classic philosophical dilemma addresses how an all-good and all-powerful God can coexist with an evil world?
The Problem of Evil
This area of theology seeks to sort the Biblical date according to its overarching topic.
Systematic Theology
What term describes teaching that is biblically consistent and accepted within the mainstream Christian faith?
Orthodoxy
Why is it problematic to claim you "just take the Bible at face value" without any interpretative framework?
It fails to recognize that Scripture was written in specific historical contexts where genre and grammar are critical for proper understanding
What term describes the state where the perpetual questioning of truth eventually leads to total inaction?
Absolute Skepticism
What specific term refers to a defense of God’s existence and goodness despite the reality of evil in the creation?
A Theodicy
While Christian doctrine must ultimately derive from Scripture, what three human factors are considered inevitable when studying the Bible?
Experience, Reason, and Tradition
What term describes a theological position that is not normative in Christian tradition, yet does not directly contradict core doctrines?
Heterodoxy
When analyzing John 3:16–17, observing that the specific group who will not "perish" are those who "believe" in the "Son" is an example of what discipline?
Exegesis
What decision-making concept involves choosing actions based on the outcome that is most likely to occur?
Reasonable Probability
Which specific theodicy argues that evil exists because humanity was created with volition capable of pleasing or displeasing God?
Free Will Defense.
Reading a book about Billy Graham's use of John 3:16 in his preaching is an example of what kind of theology?
Historical Theology
What term refers to logical, necessary truths that are foundational and indispensable to the Christian religion?
Dogma
This branch of Theology is about looking at the overarching themes of Scripture and how they relate back to the Gospel.
Biblical Theology
How did we define "Affections"?
A strong inclination that moves a person to change.
Does religious doctrine inherently unite or divide people, and why?
It has the power to do both, depending on whether it is held in submission or rebellion to God
Define Apologetics
From the Greek word Apologia, meaning "Defense" or "Response".
What term refers to a teaching or belief that directly contradicts the core essential beliefs of the Christian faith?
Heresy
What is the eighth and final step of Doctrinal Methodology?
Apologetics
What is the technical distinction between biblical "Inerrancy" and "Infallibility"?
Inerrancy means being without error, whereas Infallibility means being incapable of error
What is the Augustine Theodicy?
Evil is a no-thing, meaning it is only the lack of what is good. It is only defined by absence, and is therefore not a substance, thus, incapable of being created, especially by God.
When engaging in Christian apologetics, what major self-centered assumption should be strictly avoided?
Thinking or believing that we can convert people through our own power.