Theology
True or False: Theology is a purely academic study. (If false, explain why)
FALSE! Proper theology has a spiritual dimension; it is a "praying" theology.
True or False: Sacred Scripture is the inspired word of God handed down to us in oral form. (If false, explain why)
False! Sacred Scripture is the inspired word of God handed down to us in written form.
What does the phrase "ex nihilo" mean in Latin?
"From nothing" or "out of nothing."
True or False: Creation is the work of God the Father alone. (If false, explain why)
False! Creation is the work of the Trinity (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)
What does tohu wabohu mean in ancient Hebrew?
Formlessness and emptiness ("without form and void")
The God of creation/the natural world is also the God of what?
Salvation history
Who are the Sacred Authors of Scripture?
The Sacred Authors are the human writers who, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote the books considered Sacred Scripture.
What does it mean to say that God is "eternal"?
He has no beginning or end.
True or false: The goodness of creation is unimportant to our theology. (If false, explain why)
FALSE! The goodness of creation is foundational for understanding the Incarnation (God becoming man) and the Sacraments (how God uses visible signs like bread, wine, water, and oil to communicate invisible grace).
On day 3, what does God create?
Land and vegetation
True or false: God being a Trinity can be known by reason alone. (If false, explain why)
FALSE! We only know God is Triune because He revealed it to us.
What does the "dual authorship of Scripture" refer to?
Books of Sacred Scripture have dual authorship: God and the Sacred Author.
When we say God creates ex nihilo, what does that mean exactly?
When God creates, He does not use any pre-existing matter.
Sun, moon, and stars
What do the six days of creation culminate in?
The seventh day, the establishment of the Sabbath
What is the relationship between faith and reason? Give three reasons why that is the case.
Faith is not opposed to reason because: (1) reason is a gift from God, (2) the God of creation is the God of salvation history, and (3) truth cannot contradict truth.
Should we read Scripture through a 21st century lens? Why/Why not?
No! Scripture comes from a different time, place, and culture. The Sacred Authors use storytelling techniques we are not accustomed to. Lastly, the original audience of these books were ancient people. We have to read these books through an ancient Israelite (for the OT) or 1st century Jewish (for the NT) lens.
Does biological evolution contradict our Catholic faith? Why/Why not?
No, God can make use of things He makes to bring about particular kinds of beings (and He does!).
What is the definition of "intellect"?
One of the rational faculties; a person’s ability to use reason in pursuit of truth.
What is the definition of "free will"?
One of the rational faculties; a person’s ability to choose and act based upon knowledge and understanding.
Identify and explain three of the five reasons why theology matters (from the "Why Theology?" lecture)
1. Deepens understanding
2. Shapes how we live
3. Guides our relationships
4. Informs society
5. Answers ultimate questions
Why must we pay attention to repetition when reading Scripture (two reasons)?
Repetition can be used for emphasis or to establish/build upon a theme.
"The heavens and the earth" refer to what realities? Name and describe these realities.
1. Heavens = invisible realities, such as angels
2. Earth = visible realities, all matter/material reality
What are the definitions of original justice and original holiness?
Original justice refers to how Adam and Eve (before the Fall) were created in right relationship with themselves, each other, and creation.
Original holiness refers to how Adam and Eve (before the Fall) were created with sanctifying grace (God's own life) in their souls.
What does it mean to be made in God's image and likeness? (Four meanings total)
1. Personhood
2. Dignity
3. Sonship
4. Stewardship