Christian Theology Study Guide

REL 262 / Exam #2 / Prof. Michael Andres

Exam will test only material covered in course lectures (not McGrath, unless material overlaps).  Note:  When citing biblical references it is only necessary to indicate book and chapter (e.g. Romans 5, not Romans 5:12).

DOCTRINE OF HUMANITY

What are some common perceptions about the purpose of humanity in popular culture?  Specify some non-Christian views of humanity.  What does Genesis 1 and 2 reveal about the nature of humanity (e.g. purpose, significance, image of God)?  What is "original righteousness"?  Explain the various views of original righteousness (Augustinian, Pelagian, Evolutionary).

What are some answers from popular culture as to what's wrong with our world and how was the problem caused?  What is ultimately wrong with the world (e.g. sin), from a Christian perspective?  What do we learn about the origin, nature and progress of sin from Gen 3-11?   Define and distinguish the difference between guilt and pollution.  Explain the various views regarding the extent sin has affected the human race (e.g. Pelagian, Liberal, Augustinian, Arminian). 

JESUS CHRIST – CHRISTOLOGY

What are some contemporary cultural conceptions of God's presence in our world?  Describe a liberal view of the nature of Jesus Christ.  Be prepared to explain fully and carefully what the NT teaches about Christ's (i) preincarnate existence, (ii) divine nature, and (iii) human nature.  Give relevant biblical references.  Explain the identity and nature of Christ according to the Nicene Creed.  What is the significance of Christ's (i) deity and (ii) humanity?  Explain the meaning of the hypostatic union.  Specify and explain six different unorthodox views of the nature of Christ.  Why were these considered unorthodox?  What important Christological affirmation was made at the Council of Chalcedon (451)?  Describe two different kenotic theories of Christ.

Who are some savior figures from our culture and what are their characteristics?  What is a liberal view of Christ's purpose?  Explain the meaning of the names "Jesus" and "Christ."  How does the OT foreshadow the purpose of Christ's coming (e.g. creator, 2 Adams, image of God, etc.)?  How do the three OT offices show Christ's purpose?  In what ways does Jesus show us a compelling way of life?  Why are human solutions futile in regards to the crisis Jesus came to address?  Was the crucifixion intended deliberately by Jesus?  What is atonement?  Explain the difference between an objective vs. subjective theory of atonement.  Name and describe five different theories of atonement.  Why do some contemporary Christian thinkers object to the penal substitutionary view of atonement?  Explain the meaning of the following terms: sacrifice, penal substitution, imputation, propitiation, justification, redemption, and reconciliation.  Trace the OT background for the notion of atonement, esp. significant details of the ancient Hebrew sacrificial system.   Explain the meaning and significance of Christ's resurrection. 

THE HOLY SPIRIT – PNEUMATOLOGY

Is the good side of the force like the Holy Spirit?  Trace the identity of the Holy Spirit from the OT to the NT.  What is the significance of Pentecost (Acts 2)?  Explain the personality of the Holy Spirit.  Explain the attributes of the Holy Spirit.  Explain some of the works of the Holy Spirit. What is the believer's spiritual union with Christ?  Where do we find union with Christ taught in Scripture (incl. prepositions and metaphors)? 

SALVATION – SOTERIOLOGY

Define and explain carefully the following terms:  election, foreordination, and predestination.  What are two competing views of divine election/predestination?  Be prepared to give arguments for/against each view.  What does the Old Testament teach about election?  What does the New Testament teach about election?  What are some of the spiritual benefits of election?

Explain the dominant plans of salvation in American popular culture (incl. redemptive violence and romanticist redemption).  Compare these to a Christian view of salvation.  Relate the view of human sin with the view of salvation. Explain the following Christian views of salvation:   Liberationist / Liberal, Therapeutic / Existential, Roman Catholic (pre/post-Vatican II), Protestant (Arminian & Calvinist).  Explain the relation between the following aspects of salvation: personal / social, spiritual / material, and future / present. 

What is the ordo salutis?  Define and explain the following terms:  effectual and general calling, regeneration, faith and repentance, justification, adoption, sanctification, perseverance of the saints, and glorification.  Give one biblical reference.  Explain Calvinism vs Arminianism on whether the Holy Spirit is resistible.  List the five points of the Remonstrance and five points of Calvinism.  What was the Synod of Dort?  Explain prevenient grace. Describe Catholic, Reformed, and Liberal views of faith.  Explain the difference between the Roman Catholic, Reformed, and modern Evangelical views of justification (e.g. how does Christ’s righteousness benefit believers?).  Explain the difference between “infused” righteousness” and “imputed” righteousness.  What is the difference between Arminian vs. Calvinist views regarding the assurance and security of faith/salvation?

Distinguish between the sociological fact of religious pluralism and the theory of religious pluralism.  Explain the following theories regarding the uniqueness of salvation in Christ:  pluralism, inclusivism, moderate exclusivism, traditional exclusivism.

EXAM 2 ESSAY QUESTIONS (essay question will be one of the following two):

(1)      Explain  fully and carefully what the NT teaches about Christ's (i) divine nature and (ii) human nature.  Give relevant biblical references.   Explain the identity and nature of Christ according to the Nicene Creed.  According to Chalcedon, how are Christ’s two natures interrelated? Specify some ancient and modern unorthodox views of Christ. What are the significance of Christ's (i) deity and (ii) humanity?

(2)      Compare and contrast a Reformed, Arminian, and Roman Catholic view of soteriology.  Compare and contrast how each views divine sovereignty, original righteousness, human sin (transmission, extent, impact on human will, etc.), human freedom, election, regeneration, faith and repentance, justification, and the assurance of salvation.  Show the interconnectedness of each of these doctrines (how one implies another).  Which view do you find most persuasive?  Defend your view biblically and theologically.  Respond to possible objections.