Quizzes for Calvin and Calvinism / REL370

 

Augustine Quiz #1 (Piper, 17-76)

  1. What were some of the notorious flaws of Augustine, Luther, and Calvin?  Why do we need flawed spiritual fathers?
  1. Who was Pelagius?  What, according to Sproul, is the 'Pelagian captivity of the church'?
  1. Explain the “triumph of grace” in Augustine’s life and theology?
  1. What, according to Augustine, are the remedies for people without passion or hunger for God?
  1. How is Augustine’s view of grace relevant to the contemporary church?

 

Luther Quiz #2 (Piper, 77-114)

  1. Explain Luther’s view of the authority of Scripture.  How is it different from a Roman Catholic view and a charismatic view?  According to Piper, does Luther’s view nullify the role of the Spirit?  Does it minimize the importance of Jesus Christ?
  1. Describe Luther’s oath to become a monk and his subsequent discovery of the true Gospel.  What role did Scripture play in his conversion?
  1. Why should pastors listen to Luther?
  1. List and explain the six distinctive features of Luther’s study of Scripture.

 

Calvin Quiz #3 (Piper, 115-148)

  1. Specify and explain the central theme underlying all of Calvin's life and preaching.  How is this theme relevant to Calvin's reply to Cardinal Sadolet?
  1. What was the role of Scripture in Calvin’s conversion?  Explain how, in Calvin’s view, Scripture and the internal testimony of the Holy Spirit work together.
  1. In what ways are Calvin’s life and ministry characterized by devotion to displaying the majesty of God by the exposition of the Word of God?
  1. List and explain Piper’s four lessons gleaned from the stories of Augustine, Luther, and Calvin.

 

Calvinism Quiz #4 (Calvin, Institutes, 241-309)

  1. How does Calvin describe Pelagius' view on original sin?  How does Calvin say his view differs?
  2. According to Calvin, what specific aspects of the human person are affected by sin and to what extent?  What evidence does Calvin give for his view?  Does Calvin think sin can be defined as something we lack?  Why or why not?
  3. Explain Calvin's view of the freedom of the will.  How does it differ from the 'philosophers' and many Church fathers?  Explain Calvin's distinction between 'necessity' and 'compulsion', and why it is so important to his view of the will.
  4. Describe Calvin's view of common grace:  What can be known by unconverted humans in the arts and sciences?  What are the limitations to knowledge due to sin?

 

Calvinism Quiz #5 (Calvin, Institutes, 725-797)

  1. For Calvin, how does justification involve both 'forgiveness' and 'imputation'?
  2. Explain Osiander's view of 'essential righteousness' and Calvin's argument against it.  How is Calvin's view of union with Christ different from Osiander's?
  3. How does Calvin use the example of a vessel to illustrate the role of faith in justification?  How do Calvin and Ambrose see Jacob's blessing from Isaac as an example of the role of Christ's righteousness in justification?
  4. Calvin says that there are two aspects that one should be able to note about any proper doctrine of justification; what are they?  Why does Calvin think they so important?

 

Calvinism Quiz #6 (Calvin, Institutes, 920-986)

  1. Explain whether or not Calvin thinks God elects 'individual's or 'nations'?  Explain whether or not Calvin thinks election is based on God's foreknowledge?  Why are these issues important to Calvin?
  2. Explain some of the key biblical passages Calvin cites to support his view of election.  How does he interpret key passages that seem to contradict his view (hint: see pgs 982ff.)?
  3. State the five objections to Calvin's view of election mentioned in the Institutes and his response to each.
  4. According to Calvin, how can we be certain that we are one of the elect?

 

Dutch Calvinism Quiz #7 (Hesselink article on My Northwestern)

  1. Briefly describe three key events central to the origin of Dutch Calvinism in early America.
  1. List and explain four areas where the RCA and CRC have differences.
  1. Compare the Dutch theologians Osterhaven and Spykman to their Presbyterian counterparts.
  1. Be prepared to list and explain Hesselink’s five theses regarding the similarities between various expressions of Dutch Calvinism in America.