Christianity: Sources of authority and wisdom Flashcards
Who is a Christian?
Anyone who believes Jesus is the son of God
Who is a Roman Catholic?
Christians who follow the Pope.
Who is a Roman Catholic’s source of authority?
The Church
(Pope and Magisterium)
What stance do Roman Catholics take?
Traditional stance and aims to uphold Apostolic tradition.
Who are West Protestants?
Western Christians who don’t follow the Pope.
Who are Literalists and Evangelical Christians?
Protestants whose source of authority is the Bible.
What stance do Evangelical and Literalist Christians take?
Conservative stance as they follow the Bible’s teachings.
Who are Liberal and Non-Literalists Christians?
Protestants whose source of authority is their conscience.
What stance do Liberal and Non-Literalists Christians take?
Liberal or modern stance as they use their conscience to interpret God’s teachings.
Which denominations can Evangelicals and Liberals be found within?
All Protestant denominations
What books are in the Old Testament?
Law
Poetry
History
Major Prophets
Minor Prophets
What books are in the New Testament?
Gospels
History
Paul’s letters to friends
Paul’s letters to Church
General letters
Proverbs 26:11
‘Like a dog thst returns to his vomit is a fool that repeats his folly’
Matthew 5:38-39
‘You have heard that it was said an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also.’
What is Revelation?
God’s disclosure of himself to humantity.
Define inerrant
Incapable of being wrong.
What is the most conservative view of the Bible?
God gave the writers the words to write, as it came from Jesus it is perfect and the original Gospels are perfect. The Bible contains the absolute truth and is inerranr.
What is the most liberal view of the Bible?
The Bible is a human interpretation of the way God expressed himself through Jesus’ life. As it is the work of human beings it’s fallible (contains errors), but the personal experience of the prescence of God, makes the Bible authoritative for the believer.
What is a middle view between the conservative and liberal view of the Bible?
God inspired the writers to write but the text needs interpreting by those in authority because not only is the record of teaching fallible (contains errors) but the style and intention of the writers is not always clear.
What is a denomination?
Group of people who are Christians but follow a different set of specific rules to others.
Describe the main diferences between a conservative and liberal denomination in the Christian Church.
Conservative is a more traditional view and see the Bible to be infallible whereas a liberal view is non-literal, as they are inspired by their conscience, as they understand the Bible to be metaphorical.
What literary forms appear in the Bible?
History
Poetry
Paul’s letters to the Church
Paul’s letters to friends
General letters
Gospels
Law
Major Prophets
Minor Prophets
Give two reaons why somebody may say the Bible is the ultimate source of authority.
Contains the word of God which is infallible. It provides guidance and commandments for people and has done for hundreds of years.
Give two reasons why somebody may say the Bible is not the ultimate source of authority.
No proof the Bible is the perfect word of God, it could be liberal/metaphorical. Science provides alternative and factual explanations unlike the BIble.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
‘All scripture is inspired by God is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, ewuipped for every good work.’
What does 2 Timothy 3:16-17 mean?
The Bible is an authority which we will use to set moral laws and hold people accountable to.
What does Liberal: Process theology say about the Bible?
The Bible is an entirely human document and it’s inspired only in the sense it’s uplifting. Not revelation as God doesn’t intervene with the world and instead the universe exists within God.
What does Liberal: Social Gospel Movement say about the Bible?
Rather than debating insoluble questions about inspiration and authority, operationalise and practically live the Gospel.
Strengths of the Social Gospel Movement?
Works to end social injustices, follows Jesus’ loving nature.
Uses ethical principles of the Bible.
Actively improving the world and spreading God.
Weaknesses of the Social Gospel Movement?
Certain works may no longer be accepted in modern society eg. slavery.
Follows some instructions eg. evangelise but not fully accepting of the Bible.
Ignores God’s word
Subjective interpretations.
What does Neo-Orthodox Karl Barth say about the Bible?
Rejects inerrancy of the Bible as its modern study suggests parts aren’t true. Also due to contradictions within it.
Strengths of Neo-Orthodox Karl Barth?
Aware of our sins and seek forgiveness.
Acknowledges inconsistencies in the Bible and provides practical resolution.
Adapted to modern/changing times.
What does the Conservative: Catholic (Apostolic) say about the Bible?
Special Revelation, it is the ultimate authority. Writers were inspired by God so may contain human error. Church leaders (Magisterium) also inspired to help interpret the Bible. Given by God to be wrote down by humans.
Strengths of Conservative: Catholic (Apostolic) view of the Bible?
Can account for differences due to science. Magisterium can relate to modern situations (dynamic.)
All Catholics have the same beliefs.
Turns interpretations to rules.
Weaknesses of the Conservative: Catholic (Apostolic) view of the Bible?
Contains human error.
Magisterium may disagree as they are also human.
No individual interpretation may affect personal relationship with God.
Why believe it if it contains fault?
What is the Conservative: Protestant (Evangelical) view of the Bible?
Bible is inerrant and infallible. Understands some of it is illustrative and some take it as a scientific account.