Aristotle cont.
How do we become virtuous, especially if we tend toward one of the extremes?
Virtuous actions-> virtuous character-> virtuous actions (circular)
-Habituating oneself in right action
-Finding the mean relative to us
What are some of the major events in Israel’s history between the Exodus and the birth of Jesus, and what significance do they have for the Israelites?
-Following the Exodus from Egypt, David established the Kingdom of Israel around 1000 BCE, which later split into North (Israel) and South (Judah) in 922 BCE.
-The Assyrians conquered the North in 721 BCE, and then the Babylonians conquered the South, destroying the Temple in 586 BCE, forcing the Israelites into exile until 538 BCE.
-These historical events, including the composition of the Priestly source around 550 BCE, shaped the Jewish identity as God's chosen people, marked by both flaws like violence and deception, and noble qualities like forgiveness and trust.
What would you say is the prophet Amos' chief concern?
-He is primarily concerned with social justice,a nd particularly economic inequality, greed, and corruption. He criticizes the overconsumption he sees in the Israelites, and condemns their grand religious festivals because he thinks they lack sincerity and are put on for show. He also speaks about the end of the lifestyle that the Israelites are so attached to, and the renewed struggle they will experience. However, he does say that God will not let the people die, only that they will remember their struggle and come closer to God. Essentially, the excess and luxury that led to greed and injustice was the central issue.
What are some of the central theological doctrines associated with the gospels?
-Messiah- that Jesus is the messiah
-Kingdom of Heaven
-Jesus as the fulfillment of law, he says he comes not to abolish the law but to fulfill it
-The Holy Spirit- seen at Jesus' baptism
-Salvation linked with righteous lving and obedience to God's commandments- arable of the Cheep and Goats
Explain his distinctions between involuntary, voluntary, and chosen actions.
Voluntary actions:
- Both chosen and not chosen
-required to be able to praise or blame a person
Involuntary
- Ignorance
-Forced
Chosen Actions
- Deliberate and purposeful
- Deliberate desire of things in our power
Overall, what definition of justice does the Old Testament offer? Do you find it compelling? Why or why not?
Justice = God’s righteousness, linked to covenant faithfulness, rewarding obedience and punishing disobedience, stressing care for those who struggle and fair treatment in society
- Obedience resulted in blessings, while sin leads to curses, as seen in the cycles of judgment and restoration.
-The Old Testament's view of justice is compelling, as it emphasizes righteousness and the severe consequences of disobedience.
Summarize the history of the region from the time of Alexander the Great until the destruction of the city and temple of Jerusalem in 70 AD, and explain its influence on the writing, content, and spread of the gospels.
Hellenization, Alexander the Great at 333 BC
Roman Rule, Conquered 63 BC
Temple destroyed again at 70 AD
Gospels composed c. 40-60 years after death of Jesus
Divisions within Judaism
Sadducees, Essenes, Pharisees, Zealots
Alexander the Great resulted in Hebrew Bible to be translate into Greek, causing the gospel and Christian texts to be spread across the region
Roman rule contributed to Latin translation of the bible, further spreading its influence
Hellenization, which Alexander the Great is largely considered a catalyst of spread Greek language, philosophy, and culture
What are the theological implications of the opening verses of this gospel?
-Jesus is not just a prophet or a teacher, but is fully divine.
-He externally exists with God and was actively involved in the creation of the world.
-He is equal in divine status and is fully God.
What does he mean by practical wisdom, and why is it so crucial to his account of virtue?
Practical wisdom = the ability to carefully think through and make the best choices based on sound reasoning
It is so crucial because it requires both intellectual understanding and good moral character, which is also required of a virtuous person.
discuss the history of the covenant (beyond genesis) and the basic features of the covenant.
-In the Abrahamic Covenant, god promises Abraham land, descendants, and blessing.
-Beyond Genesis, in the Mosaic covenant, God gives the law, making Israel's special status as His people, with blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.
- The basic features of the covenant are characterized by Gods promises, human responsibility, and signs, as in circumcision and the law.
How does it differ from Matthew’s gospel?
No virgin birth
No genealogy of Joseph
No last supper
No baptism
No temptation
The “Word” (Logos)
Allusions to creation
Jesus is more omniscient
Jesus is more explicitly identified with God
Why does Aristotle claim that contemplative life is the best?
Contemplation = out of your head, being present with reality and nature, opposite of being in head ruminating and thinking.
He believes it is the most fulfilling activity for humans, as it engages pure thought and understanding of the highest truths, which he considers the closest activity to the divine nature.
How does the theme of sibling rivalry show up and develop throughout the narrative?
-In the story of Cain and Abel, we witness the first act of jealousy and violence between brothers (Genesis 4).
-In the story of Jacob and Esau, Jacob deceives Isaac and steals Esau’s birthright, leading to estrangement and eventual reconciliation (Genesis 25-33).
-In the story of Joseph and his brothers, Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery out of jealousy, but the story ends in reconciliation (Genesis 37-50).
-The theme of sibling rivalry shows how sinful human desires lead to conflict, but reconciliation is often possible through forgiveness.
What are the signs or miracles Jesus performed, and what do they point toward?
Turning water into wine- transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Healing a gentile
Healing on the Sabbath
Feeding the multitude- multiplying loaves and fishes
Walking on water
Healing the man born blind
Raising Lazarus from the dead
These signs are meant to point towards Jesus' divine identity, demonstrating his power over nature, life, and death, and ultimately encouraging faith in him as the Son of God. They are portrayed as signs and not miracles to underline their intended purpose as indicators of Jesus’ divine identity.
Discuss the times when people try to bargain with, challenge, or persuade God (including Exodus). What do you think is the significance of these exchanges?
-In Genesis 18, Abraham bargains with God over the fate of Sodom, asking if the city will be spared for the sake of the righteous.
-In Exodus 32, Moses intercedes for Israel after the golden calf incident, pleading with God for mercy.
-These stories illustrate God’s mercy and the possibility of intercession, highlighting that God is open to dialogue but also maintains His ultimate sovereignty.