Lecture 3: History of Apologetics, Pt 2 Flashcards

1
Q

Where did Aquinas believe we need to start our understanding of God?

A

Many truths can be demonstrated by reason alone from what we can gleam by the world around us. These are then backed up by Scripture, but Scripture need not be the starting point.

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2
Q

Who considered apologetics integral to theology itself, which should use a foundation of reason?

A

Anselm

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3
Q

Describe Anselm’s view towards the corruption of reason.

A

Sin impacts our understanding, but God’s grace overcomes this sin.

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4
Q

Who asserted that theology must be performed sola ratione?

A

Anselm

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5
Q

Describe Augustine’s view of faith and reason.

A

While Augustine was happy to use reason to make his points, he believed we must first believe and accept certain precepts of the Christian faith, and then try to understand.

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6
Q

Describe the Epistle to Diognetus.

A

It described how Christians live in self-sacrifice and loving community, and how they were able to do so. It explained that the world hates Christians because of this and they repay that hate with love.

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7
Q

Who believed that when pagans take the Lord’s name in vain, they are giving proof that God already has begun to overcome their defenses and penetrated their minds?

A

Tertullian

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8
Q

Describe the ontological argument.

A

If we imagine the highest and most perfect being, then existence is a property of that being.

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9
Q

Describe Anselm’s understanding of the order and relationship between faith and reason.

A

Anselm coined “faith seeking understand”. First we believe, then we approach theology from a viewpoint of reason, rather than beginning with the authority of Scripture.

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10
Q

Describe Aquinas’s viewpoint towards the corruption of reason.

A

Nature is impacted by sin, but grace - as the crowning natural virtue - helps us to be able to seek truth.

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11
Q

Describe Origen’s views of apologetics.

A

Origen believed faith is based on the work of the Spirit, not on reason. However, apologetics were work engaging in even at the potential risk of endangering faith.

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12
Q

What intellectual background did Aquinas come from?

A

Aristotelian

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13
Q

Describe the viewpoint about Christianity and Greek/Roman culture during the medieval era.

A

Christianity enjoyed a more peaceful time, and was considered basically compatible with Greek and Roman culture.

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14
Q

Which two theologians are known for advancing that Plato came close to revelation?

A

Origen and Augustine

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15
Q

Give Augustine’s view of the fall of Rome.

A

Christians could not be blamed for the fall of Rome, as they suffered as much as the pagans. Further, God could not spare them since that would lead to more people converting for selfish motives.

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16
Q

Who was Thomas Aquinas heavily influenced by?

A

Aristotle

17
Q

Where did Tertullian focus his apologetics?

A

He argued against common misconceptions of Christians, including infanticide, promiscuity, and atheism.

18
Q

Describe Anselm’s thoughts on the corruption of reason.

A

By virtue of being created in God’s image, we can understand God to an extent, and also God’s grace overcomes the noetic effects of sin.

19
Q

Who wrote Cur Deus homo? (Why the God Man?)

A

Anselm

20
Q

Who wrote City of God?

A

Augustine

21
Q

Who write Protrepticus (Exhortation to the Greeks)?

A

Clement of Alexandria

22
Q

Where did Origen focus his apologetics?

A

He focused on giving rational arguments against Celsus’ criticism of Christianity, including Jesus’ divine conception and foreknowledge of his death.

23
Q

Describe Clement of Alexandria’s use of Greek mythology in apologetics.

A

He referred to Orpheus and The Odyssey, focusing on Christ as the incarnate Word.

24
Q

What passage did Augustine take as evidence for reviling the physical and temporal?

A

“Do not love the world or anything in the world.”

1 John 2:15-16

25
Q

Define sola ratione.

A

Literally, “by reason alone.” An assertion that theology must be conducted on the basis of reason before Scripture.

26
Q

Why did Tertullian believe that Christians could not be held accountable for the fall of Rome?

A

He argued that Christians also pray for the emperor on a regular basis.

27
Q

What did Origen argue regarding the imago Dei?

A

Since humans, and especially men, are the most important beings on the planet, it makes rational sense that we were created in God’s image and that a God existed to create us.

28
Q

What intellectual background did Augustine come from?

A

Ex-Manichean, then NeoPlatonic

29
Q

Who created the ontological argument?

A

Anselm of Canterbury

30
Q

Define fides quaerens intellectum.

A

Anselm’s phrase - “faith seeking understanding”

31
Q

Who argued that Christians’ freedom and obedience shines most brilliantly in martyrdom?

A

Tertullian

32
Q

Who referred to Orpheus and the Odyssey in his apologetics?

A

Clement of Alexandria