The Bible Is a Primary Source of Christian Belief

Question 1

What is Fundamentalism?

Answer 1

Literal interpretation of scripture

Question 2

What is Nonfundamentalism?

Answer 2

Interpretation in light of reason and composition

Question 3

What is Contextual Interpretation? (5)

Answer 3

Searching of the meaning of scriptural passage using:
The literary form
The language used. Considering the total context
The author’s purpose
The audience the author has in mind
Setting

Question 4

Why is there variety in the writing styles in the Bible?

Answer 4

There were many writers over many centuries, and they chose the literary form according to their inclination, the occasion and the general cultural context

Question 5

What are the six writing types found in the Bible?

Answer 5

Proverbs - Proverbs 10
Parables - Luke 8:4-18
Love Song - The Song of Songs
Letters - Romans 1:1-16
Poetry - The Psalsm, Pslam 8
Narrative - (fiction) - Jonah

Question 6

What are the six parts in both Testaments

Answer 6

Core Story
Expanded Narrative
Historical Narrative
Organizational Literature
Theological Literature
Instructional Literature

Question 7

What is the Core Story of the Old Testament?

Answer 7

The Exodus Event - Moses

Question 8

What is the Core Story of the New Testament?

Answer 8

The Death, Resurrection & Ascension of Jesus

Question 9

The context of the Bible can be divided into what?

Answer 9

Categories of Literature which all have some relationship to the Core Narratives of the Exodus and the Death - Resurrection events

Question 10

Expanded Narrative Stats (they are more elaborate…)

Answer 10

They are more elaborate and are complete presentations of the core stories

Question 11

Historical Narrative Stats

Answer 11

The tell of the history of Israel after Moses and the History of the church after the life of Jesus

Question 12

Organizational Literature stats (they provide…)

Answer 12

They provide the structures necessary to maintain the community

Question 13

Theological Literature stats (they present…)

Answer 13

They present a theoretical expression of the beliefs of community

Question 14

Instructional Literature stats (they apply…)

Answer 14

They apply the message of faith to the concerns of everyday life situations

Question 15

What do the origins of the word: “Gospel” suggest about the purpose of the Gospels?

Answer 15

“Gospel” is derived from the word “Godspell”, which in turn is a translation of the Greek work “Evangelion” meaning: “the proclamation of good news”

The Authors of the Gospels are called Evangelists - literally proclaimers of the Good News (Gospels)

Question 16

What is Religious Truth?

Answer 16

For Christians, Religious Truth is the deeper meaning God intends to reveal to people through historical events

Question 17

What can we learn about the Gospels besides some basic information about Jesus and his message?

Answer 17

The significance of Jesus for the people of his time

Question 18

Briefly describe the three major stages in the development of the Gospels

Answer 18

Jesus’ life and death. His birth, his home life, and his preaching. Along with his death resurrection
Evangelism - telling anyone and everyone who would listen about God,because they brought word was ending soon
The actual writing of the word. To make sure the church would pass on its teachings to the future generations

Question 19

Christ is not Jesus’ last name. Explain

Answer 19

Christ is not his last name, it’s a title. It means: “anointed one”

Question 20

What two major factors explain the transition from an initial oral telling of the Good News to the written form of the Gospels?

Answer 20

The realization that Jesus was not going to return as quickly as they thought,which lead to them realising that if the church did in fact have a future, they’d need to ensure the salvation of the future generations

Question 21

For the Gospel of Matthew, summarise the Author, Approximate Date when written, the Primary Audience and the Central Theme

Answer 21

Author: Matthew
Apx. Date when written: 90 C.E
Primary Audience: The Jews converting to Christianity
The Central Themes: To convince Jews that Jesus was clearly the messiah

Question 22

For the Gospel of Mark, summarise the Author, Approximate Date when written, the Primary Audience and the Central Theme

Answer 22

Author: Mark
Apx. Date when written: Between 65 & 70 C.E
Primary Audience: The Roman Church and the Gentiles
The Central Themes: To explain to the church members that suffering is an integral part of Christian Life & to give them
the courage to endure it as Jesus did

Question 23

For the Gospel of Luke, summarise the Author, Approximate Date when written, the Primary Audience and the Central Theme - he also wrote Acts

Answer 23

Author: Luke (Doctor)
Apx. Date when written: 85 C.E
Primary Audience: Theophilus, established Christians and Gentiles (rich people)
The Central Themes: That God loves those rejected by society

Question 24

For the Gospel of John, summarise the Author, Approximate Date when written, the Primary Audience and the Central Theme

Answer 24

Author: John
Apx. Date when written: 95 C.E
Primary Audience: For the Jews/Church
The Central Themes: To show an understanding of Jesus being the son of God

Question 25

Classify the four gospels

Answer 25

Mark, Luke and Matthew are known as the Synoptic Gospels

John is the ‘Fourth Gospel’