THEOLOGY IN CONTEXT SEMINAR
The Doctrine of Revelation and Scripture
Quiz Questions
 

Quiz Questions #1

1. Name and explain the five models of revelation mentioned by Fackre (from Dulles).
2. What is the significance of the doctrine of creation when considering the doctrine of revelation, according to Fackre?
3. What is the significance of the docrine of the Fall when considering the doctrine of revelation, according to Fackre?  What are the various answers, mentioned by Fackre, to the question:  How far the Fall?  Give key figures and explain their view.
4.  Distinguish general, natural, and special revelation.  What are the similarities and differences between natural revelation and natural theology?  What do Acts 17, Romans 1, and the nature psalms imply regarding natural revelation?

1. Explain what Paul Tillich means by “method of correlation” and “symbolic” revelation.  Why does Fackre discuss Tillich’s view in the chapter on general revelation?
2. Why does Barth say “no” to natural theology?
3. What does Soskice mean by the expressions “placed” and “sexed texts”?  How, in brief, does Soskice answer the question, Do women need a (new) revelation?
4. What is propositional revelation?  What are two objections to the idea of a propositional revelation?  Respond to these objections.
5. Briefly state the distinctive view of special revelation of the following:  Catholic Traditionalists, Pius IX, First Vatican Council, Modernist Catholics, and Second Vatican Council.
6. Briefly explain the distinctive characteristics of Immanuel Kant’s religious epistemology (incl. "two-source view" of revelation).  What are the consequences of Kant’s epistemology for the doctrine of revelation?

1. Distinguish the following views of Scripture: identity thesis, indirect identity thesis, and non-identity thesis.  What is the "received view" of Scripture and what are some criticisms of it?  Because of these criticisms, what are some current trends in reformulating the doctrine of Scripture?
2.  Explain carefully the relevance of the the doctrine of God (esp. divine providence) when (re)formulating a doctrine of Scripture.  According to Vanhoozer, how does the notion of "divine speech-acts" offer a way forward when conceiving a doctrine of Scripture?
3. According to Carson, what is at issue in the debate over revisionist historiography of the doctrine of Scripture?  What do Rogers/McKim argue regarding the doctrine of Scripture?  What is the “faith and practice” restriction?  What do some scholars argue regarding the influence of Common Sense Realism on the doctrine of Scripture?
4. What are some issue regarding the doctrine of Scripture which derive from observance of the phenomena of the Bible?  Explain the debate over the following terms:  accommodation, inspiration, and inerrancy.
5. Explain the Old Testament’s self-attestation in the following areas, and give one Scripture reference for each:  Old Testament reports of prophetic speech, written words from God, and further statements about the Word of God.
6. Explain New Testament  perspectives on the Old Testament.  Did the NT writers consider their writings equal to the OT in character and truth status?  Give Scriptural evidence for your answer.

1. What did early Church Fathers believe about the divine and human origin of Scripture?  What did the Church Fathers believe about the Bible’s authority, and how was this authority related to tradition and other authorities?  What are some main weaknesses and strengths of the typical Patristic view of Scripture?
2. What do Rogers/McKim argue regarding the authority and truthfulness of Scripture?  Summarize Godfrey’s argument against the Rogers/McKim proposal.  Give examples.
3. What is Sandeen’s argument regarding the Princetonian doctrine of Scripture?  Summarize Woodbridge/Balmer’s three-fold argument against Sandeen’s proposal.  Give examples.
4. Explain what Barr means by the statement, “The centrality of the Bible is the recognition of the classic sources for the expression of Jesus and of God.”  What does Barr mean when he says his account of the formation of the biblical tradition is an account of a human work; it is man’s statement of his beliefs?  Explain Barr’s view of revelation.
5. Explain Barth’s view on Scripture's humanity/divinity (incl. "Scripture principle"), historicity, truthfulness, inspiration, and how these lead to his view of the authority of Scripture.  Mention one problem and one merit for Barth’s view of Scripture.
6. Explain Helm's statement:  "Barth is ontologically objective but epistemically subjective with respect to special revelation."  What are Helm's criticism's of Barth?
 

Quiz Questions #5

1. Discuss Cameron's query as to "...whether scholarly study required an approach to Scripture as merely an ancient text, on the unfettered principles of critical historical and literary study; or whether Christian study offered in a context of dogma within which historical and literary claims would otherwise be assessed."  Describe the answers given by "believing critics" and conservative evangelicals.  What conclusions does Cameron draw?
2. What is redaction criticism?  What are some common criticisms of it?  What does Carson suggest as guidelines for the use of redaction criticism?
3. Compare and contrast the views of Barr, Childs, and Ridderbos on canon history.  Answer the following questions and explain their relevance to the doctrine of Scripture: Is the canon closed?  Is there a canon within the canon?
4. According to Silva, how is the concept of biblical infallibility and authority affected by variations found in Old Testament quotations in the New Testament?  Specify some of the possible solutions to such variations (as exemplified by Hebrews 11:21)?
 

1. Explain what Carl Henry means by and how he uses the following concepts:  “plenary verbal,” “autographs,” “superintended,” and “propositional.”  What sort of biblical evidence does Henry adduce to support his evangelical view of inspiration?  According to Henry, what role should (a) textual criticism, (b) historical criticism, and (c) rational reflection play in one’s understanding of Scripture?  Mention one contribution and one problem with Henry’s view.
2. Give a careful definition of “inerrancy.” What key assertions, qualifications, and misunderstandings regarding inerrancy does the Chicago Statement make/deny, esp. regarding the autographs, truth in matters of science and history, precision, and attention to literary genre?
3. What is "ecclesial illumination"?  Explain Rahner's view of the church's necessary role towards the understanding of Scripture.
4. According to Packer, does Scripture have one clear message?  Explain.  What is the “new hermeneutic”?  How ought belief in verbal plenary inspiration and inerrancy reflect in the practice of biblical interpretation?
5. What is the problem of historical relativity?  Trace some historical antecedents to contemporary views of historical relativity.  How does Hughes respond to arguments for historical relativity?  How does one’s view of historical relativity affect one’s doctrine of Scripture?
6. What, according to Lane, does and doesn't the expression Sola Scriptura mean?  Describe the relation of Scripture's authority to other theological authorities; give examples.