Critical thinking
This idea provides a structured way to determine truth, showing how if the premises of a statement are true, then conclusion may (or must) also be true
What is logic?
A distinction between reading every passage of Scripture as “true literally” rather than “literally true”
What is recognizing that the Bible communicates truth through multiple literary forms but not always intended to be read literally?
A traditional, often sacred narrative explaining a culture's worldview, values, or natural phenomena through the actions of gods, goddesses, and heroes in a way that contemporary audiences will understand.
What is a myth?
The four Gospels do not seem to agree on important events in Jesus’ life and each seems to be pushing its own “agenda.”
They went to complete the burial rituals including to anoint Jesus' body with spices and oils
Why were the women visiting Jesus tomb on Easter Sunday?
ice cream sales and swimming-related drownings both appear to rise and fall at the same time of year...eating more ice cream causes drownings
What is an example of bad logic or a correlation/causation fallacy?
Roughly 1/3 of the Bible is this artistic and creative form or writing that features rythmic structures, illustrative ideas, and metaphors rather than a straight forward history or argument to convey meaning.
What are poems and songs?
God rested on this day.
What did He do on the 7th day of creation?
Matthew wanted to show Jesus as the the Jewish messiah so emphasized his family connections to King David.
Luke wanted to show Jesus as the savior for all of humanity so he emphasized his family connection to Adam.
What are some reasons there are different geneologies or family trees for Jesus?
Matthew's explanation for how the large stone was moved from Jesus' grave.
What is an earthquake?
This kind of argument’s conclusion builds on or amplifies the statement, providing supporting information that cannot be directly inferred from it.
What is an ampliative argurment?
Between roughly 2000 and 3200 years ago.
When were the books of the Bible written?
The idea that the Earth is the center of the universe known as the geocentric model.
What people believed about the nature of the univesrse for most of human history?
The only gospel written by a gentile (non-Jewish person) who was educated, a physician and who emphasized that Jesus' ministry to the outcast of society.
What is Luke?
The Gospels that only mention one angel at the tomb were just focused on the one that spoke rather than excluding the possibility there was another one.
What do most believe is the explanation for varying numbers of angels at the tomb?
Something a meaningful group believes but isn't grounded in evidence or supported by critical thinking. "Birds aren't real" is an example of this.
What is an example of a conspiracy theory?
A kind of rhetorical device regularly employed in the Bible that is represented by "The enemy came out with all their troops and a large number of horses and chariots—a huge army, as numerous as the sand on the seashore."
What is hyperbole or exaggeration to make important points consistent with communication practices of the day?
Ancient Near East creation stories share similarities to the Genesis story and pre-dated it as well.
What is a reason some doubt the veracity of the creation story?
Gospel many believe was written by one of Jesus' disciples who had previously been a hated tax collector. This author's focus was to present Jesus as the Messiah and King, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy.
What was Matthew?
Women's testimony was not considered credible for court testimony during Jesus' time.
Why was it notable that the Gospels agree that it was women who discovered the empty tomb?
This tool of critical thinking involves understanding texts and their intended meaning by examining historical context, authorial intent, and genre of writing.
What is hemeneutics?
These are the four gospels of the New Testament
What are Matthew, Mark, Luke and John?
Single God rather than multiple ones
People are made in God's image and are intended to care and rule over creation rather than to be gods' slaves
God is seeking a relationship with humans versus being forever in conflict with them.
What are some differences between Genesis' creation story and the Ancient Near East stories?
Likely that leader mentioned as conducting his "first census" as governor that was clearly after Herrod's death held other administrative leadership roles before he was governor and likely conducted censuses in that role.
What is a possible explanation for objection to the year of Jesus' birth as a point of inconsistency in the Gospels?
The woman all Gospels agree visited Jesus' empty tomb.
Whoe was Mary Magdalene?