3: Classical Theism

Question 1

What kindled the ministry of early apologists?

Answer 1

Among other reasons, Marcus Aurelius, who reigned from 161-180, persecuted Christians as ignorant and superstitious fools.

Question 2

How did the early apologists start to think of the Christian faith?

Answer 2

• As a rational religion
• The apologists were not seeking biblical but philosophical reflection.
• Seeking a synthesis between Christianity and Greek philosophy

Question 3

How were truth and history distinguished from each other?

Answer 3

• Truth = ideas away from events
• History = the realm of the passing

Biblical stories are not truth in themselves, but merely carriers of truth.

Question 4

What was the logos in greek thought?

Answer 4

The rational principle of unity.

Question 5

How did Clement of Alexandria saw the logos enlightening the world?

Answer 5

• The knowledge of God came to the Jews through the Mosaic law
• The knowledge of God came to the Church through the incarnation
• The knowledge of God came to the Greeks through philosophy

Question 6

What was the Greek philosophical method for thinking about God?

Answer 6

• Analogy
  
  • God can be known by reflecting upon the human and extrapolating what would be appropriate for a divine being
• Presupposition:
  
  • God’s nature can be known by human rational processes
  • No need for revelation

Question 7

What was the affirmation of early Christian syncretism in Classical Theism?

Answer 7

Christian theology moved from the salvation-historical narrative style of depicting God, to a more cognitive, constructive approach.

Question 8

What are some characteristics of Classical Theism?

Answer 8

1. The analogy of being (analogia entis) moves from being to nonbeing, mind to matter, rational to irrational, immutable to transient.
2. Ontological correspondence - the divine corresponds in some fundamental way with the creaturely
3. Distinction - God is fundamentally independent of his creation. Difference is as important as is correspondence.
4. Distinction between nature and works - God is knowable independent of his works and thus that his historical actions are accidental (unnecessary to his being)

Question 9

What is a response to the doctrine of metaphysics of being?

Answer 9

• God is known and saves in space and time through Christ as he makes himself known in the world, rather than through abstraction from it.
• The identity of God is to be found in his action both in and for the sake of the world.