1C The Bible as a source of wisdom and authority in daily life

Question 1

Where does the English word ‘Bible’ derive from?

Answer 1

• The Greek ‘ta biblia’ - ‘the books’

Question 2

Give a few facts about the Old Testament.

Answer 2

• Originally written in Hebrew
• Protestant Bibles: 39 OT books
• Catholic/Orthodox: 46 OT books (the seven extra books are considered deuterocanonical by Prot.s, calling them ‘Apocrypha’)
• Tells the story of G’s engagement with ppl of Israel

Question 3

What does ‘deuterocanonical’ mean?

Answer 3

• (of sacred books or literary works) forming a secondary canon.

Question 4

What does ‘Apocrypha’ mean?

Answer 4

• Works of unknown authorship or of doubtful origin.

Question 5

Give a few facts about the New Testament?

Answer 5

• Originally written in Greek
• 27 books:
- Four Gospels (tells story of J’s life + ministry)
- Acts (records founding of early c.ch)
- 21 Epistles (letters to various c.chs; 14 supposedly written by Paul)
- Revelations (visions)
• Can be read as: poetry, law, history, basis for theological reflection; but, main aim = practical
• John 20:31 - “these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.”
• Gives instructions on meaning/purpose of life; is a guide to everyday living; a source of comfort/encouragement

Question 6

What did St. Augustine say about the relationship between the Old and New Testaments?

Answer 6

• “The New Testament lies hidden in the Old, and the Old Testament is unveiled in the New.”

Question 7

List the 8 Bible references that the spec requires you ti know.

Answer 7

• Meaning and purpose of life
- Genesis 1:26-8
- Ecclesiastes 9:5-9
• A guide to everyday living
- Psalm 119:9-16
- Psalm 119:105-112
• Source of comfort and encouragement 
- Psalm 46:1-3
- Matthew 6:25
• Moral advice
- Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
- Luke 6:36-7

Question 8

Explain the Bible’s teaching on the meaning and purpose of life, with reference to Genesis 1:26-8 and Ecclesiastes 9:5-9.

Answer 8

• Bible ≠ a systematic essay on meaning/purpose of life - it is an account of how G dealt w/ a variety of diff. ppl over centuries
- tells ‘salvation history’: A+E, covenant, Israelites as slaves; Decalogue; etc.
• Genesis 1:26-8
- “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness”
- “Be fruitful and multiply […] have dominion over the fish […] birds […] and every living thing”
• Ecclesiastes 9:5-9
- Mediates the best way to live in the face of impending + unavoidable death + offers moral advice
- “Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart”
- “God has already approved what you do”
- “Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love”

Question 9

Explain the Bible as a guide to everyday living, with reference to Psalm 119:9-16 and Psalm 119: 105-112.

Answer 9

• Psalm 119:9-16
- “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.”
• Psalm 119:105-112
- “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path […] I will follow your righteous laws […] My heart is set on keeping your decrees.”
• Jesus = true C.tian guide ∵ set an example - saved through faith in him
- Sermon on the Mount: Jesus came to fulfil Law of Moses, which suggests it is meant to last forever
- Those who follow J ≠ meant to follow Jewish law on minor issues (made clear in Acts 15)
- Perfect freedom comes through obedience to G’s will

Question 10

Explain the Bible as a source of comfort and encouragement, with reference to Psalm 46:1-3 and Matthew 6:25.

Answer 10

• Psalm 46:1-3
- “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.”
• Matthew 6:25
- “do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body.”
• Bible deals w/ timeless elements of human nature:
- Temptation and sin: even the most devout ppl fail, e.g. King David, but G will forgive if there is repentance
- Bereavement: death ≠ the end (Lazarus = raised)
- Poverty: poor should be treated equitably; J identified w/ poor
- Suffering: when handled joyfully, testimony to the character of J; can help maintain a spirit of humility

Question 11

Explain the Bible as a source of moral advice, with reference to Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 and Luke 6:36-7.

Answer 11

• Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
- “Fear God and keep his commandments […] For God will bring every deed into judgement”
• Luke 6:36-7
- “Do not judge, and you will not be judged […] Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”