Test#1 8/28/14 Study Guide Questions

Question 1

Do you believe in God? How do you know God exists?

Answer 1

2 ways we know God exists:

1. Human Reason (or intellect)
2. Observation of the world.

Question 2

What is a common argument against the existence of God?

Answer 2

People say if there is a God then there wouldn’t be anyone suffering.

Question 3

Explain the Proofs of God’s existence.

Answer 3

5 ways knowing God exists & explain:

1. First mover: All movement has an origin.
2. First Cause: Nothing has the ability to cause itself.
3. Everything Comes from Something:
4. Supreme Model:
5. Grand Architect: Order comes from intelligent design.

Question 4

Who developed the proofs of God’s existence?

Answer 4

St. Thomas Aquinas.

Question 5

Explain Paschal’s Wager.

Answer 5

If you believe in God and are right than you get eternal joy, but if you are wrong then you get nothing.
If you don’t believe in God and are right than you get nothing, but if you are wrong then you get eternal suffering.

Question 6

What are you searching for? What is God searching for?

Answer 6

I am searching for God and God is searching for me.

Question 7

Explain the Inescapable Paradox.

Answer 7

Is something that seems absurd, but in reality makes sense.

Question 8

What are the two ways Revelation is passed onto us?

Answer 8

Scripture and Tradition

Question 9

Who are the two authors of Scripture?

Answer 9

1. God

2. Humans (the original 12 Apostles)

Question 10

What is the Deposit of Faith? How are Scripture and Tradition related?

Answer 10

Christ’s message of Revelation given to the Apostles, who in turn transmitted this message through Scripture & Tradition to the Church.

Both scripture & tradition make up the Word of God & essential to understand Divine Revelation.

Question 11

Who is the fullness of Revelation?

Answer 11

Jesus

Question 12

How do you encounter Christ today? (think of the Chart)

Answer 12

1. Church
2. Sacraments
3. Word
4. Prayer
5. People

Question 13

Can you know God? How?

Answer 13

Yes, through Human Reason and Observation of the World.

Question 14

The _________ unaided by the bible, can grasp some truths about God.

Answer 14

Intellect

Question 15

Name 3 things that LIMIT us from knowing God.

Answer 15

1. Darkened Intellect
2. Weakened Will
3. Concupiscence: desire for worldly things.
4. Sin

Question 16

name 3 tools we can use to KNOW God better.

Answer 16

People, Free Will, Immortal Sin, Intellect, and Divine Revelation.

1. People: created in God’s image & likeness.
2. Free Will: to choose God.
3. Immortal Soul: to love God
4. Intellect: to know God
5. Divine Revelation: God’s self communication to us so we know His Divine Plan.

Question 17

What is an example of NATURAL FAITH?

Answer 17

Belief in the word of testimony of another person.

examples:

Question 18

How is Abraham an example of Faith?

Answer 18

He is an example of Faith because he was willing to sacrifice his son to God.

Question 19

What are the 3 stages of Faith?

Answer 19

1st: faith from others
2nd: verified from personal experience
3rd: lived out in community

Question 20

What are the criteria for a book of the Bible to be accepted as part of the canon?

Answer 20

1. Apostolic: connected to an Apostle
2. Orthodox: writing could not contradict the teachings of Jesus
3. Inspired: had to be inspired by the Holy Spirit
4. Liturgical: used in prayer and worship services

Question 21

Why does the Church have creeds?

Answer 21

To establish a declaration of the church beliefs and to defend against heresy