Theme 1E: Early Church- Kerygmata ('preaching'/'message')

Question 1

Describe the concept of Kerygma in the context of early Christian preaching.

Answer 1

Kerygma is the greek word for ‘preaching’ or ‘proclamation’ , referring to an annoucement rather than just a set of teachings. It is central to the early church’s mesage about Jesus, as seen in the Apostles’ preaching in Acts

Question 2

Explain Hermann Reimarus’s perspective on the disciples’ portrayal of Jesus.

Answer 2

Hermann Reimarus was a skeptical theologian who argued that the disciples altered Jesus’s views, particularly by removing his apocalyptic beliefs about the end of the world, to focus on a timeless spiritual truth after the world did not end.

Question 3

How did Reimarus believe the disciples responded to the failure of Jesus’s apocalyptic predictions?

Answer 3

Reimarus believed the disciples faked the resurrection and shifted the focus of Jesus’s message to avoid returning to their previous lives as fisherman, thus starting a new religion.

Question 4

Do the letters of Paul align with the early churh’s preaching as described in the book of Acts?

Answer 4

The consistency or conflict between Paul’s letters and the early church’s preaching is a key area of debate, particularly regarding the core ideas presented in both.

Question 5

What role does the Kerygma play in understanding the early church’s message about Jesus?

Answer 5

The Kerygma is crucial for understanding how the early church proclaimed the events of Jesus’s life and ministry, emphasising the announcements of significant events rather than merely teaching doctrines.

Question 6

How did the disciples present their message about Jesus according to the concept of Kerygma?

Answer 6

The disciple presented their message not as a lecture but as a ‘heralding’ of an event, focusing on the proclamation of Jesus’s significance and actions.

Question 7

What is the significance of the Kerygma in the New Testament?

Answer 7

The Kerygma is significant in the New Testament as it encapsulates the core message of the apostles, highlighting the importance of proclaiming the events of Jesus’s life and the implications for believers.

Question 8

Describe the distinction C.H. Dodd makes between Kerygma and teaching or historical fact.

Answer 8

C.H Dodd emphasises that Kerygma should not be confused with teaching or historical fact, although it can encompass these elements. He views the New Testament as a bold set of claims that challenges readers to make a decision.

Question 9

Explain the significance of the speeches in the book of Acts according to C.H. Dodd.

Answer 9

According to C.H. Dodd, the speeches in Acts are significant as they focus on experiencing a joyful transformation in our lives, highlighting the impact of the Christian message.

Question 10

How does the book of Acts illustrate the spread of Christian message?

Answer 10

The book of Acts illustrates the progression of the Christian message from Jerusalem, through the Roman Empire, and ultimately to Rome itself.

Question 11

Define the central theme of the speeches in Acts 2 and 3.

Answer 11

The central theme of the speeches in Acts 2 and 3 is that God’s plan for salvation, as foretold in Jewish scriptures, has been fulfilled through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, and continues through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Question 12

Do the speeches in Acts suggest a transformation for the audience?

Answer 12

Yes, the speeches in Acts suggest that the audience can experience a joyful transformation in their lives as a result of the Christian message.

Question 13

Explain the role of the Holy Spirit in the fulfillment of God’s plan as presented in Acts.

Answer 13

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the continuation of God’s plan for salvation, as indicated in the speeches of Acts, following the fulfillment of this plan through Jesus.

Question 14

Evaluate the historical reliability of the book of Acts.

Answer 14

Some scholars consider Acts a literary product rather than a historical account, suggesting that the speeches attributed to figures like Peter, Stephen, and Paul are summaries reflecting the author’s perspective.

Question 15

Identify the author of Luke-Acts and his background.

Answer 15

Luke, the author of Luke-Acts, is a Gentile and not a Jewish Christian, which means he was not present during the events he reports.

Question 16

Discuss the timeline of the writing of Luke-Acts.

Answer 16

Luke-Acts was likely written about 40-50 years after the event it describes, around 80 CE.

Question 17

Analyse the structure of the book of Acts.

Answer 17

Acts is highly organised, which may suggest that the material has been altered from its original form, featuring 11 speeches that share similar elements and serve as focal points in the narrative.

Question 18

Compare the language style of Acts with Paul’s theology.

Answer 18

The language in Acts is more characterisitc of Luke-Acts than of Paul’s theology, with later speeches attributed to Paul sounding more like the voice of Luke.

Question 19

Examine the themes present in Paul’s letters versus those in Acts.

Answer 19

Many significant themes from Paul’s letters, such as faith versus works and spiritual gifts in the Church, are notably absent in the accounts of his preaching in Acts.

Question 20

Describe the nature of events reported in the book of Acts.

Answer 20

Acts includes reports of miraculous events and sudden dramatic shifts in perspectives, which align more with ancient literary styles than with modern historical accounts.

Question 21

Counteragruments- Describe the purpose of Luke in writing the book of Acts.

Answer 21

Luke’s purpose in writing the book of Acts is to convey how the good news of Jesus spread through the work and message of the disciples.

Question 22

Counterarguments- Explain the significance of the early church’s acceptance of the book of Acts.

Answer 22

The early church never seriously questioned the book of Acts as a key document, suggesting its historical value and reliability, as any misrepresentation of known events would likely have been challenged.

Question 23

Counterarguments- Define the Muratorian Canon and its relation to the book of Acts.

Answer 23

The Muratorian Canon is an early list of Christian texts that affirms the book of Acts, indicating its acceptance and importance in early Christian literature.

Question 24

Counterarguments- How do scholars view the historical value of the book of Acts?

Answer 24

Many scholars disagree with the assumption that there is no historical value in Acts, recognising its significance as a historical document.

Question 25

Counterarguments- Do historical roots influence the arrangement of material in writing?

Answer 25

Yes, the arrangement of material by a writer does not negate its historical roots; it can still reflect the historical context and events.

Question 26

Counterarguments- Explain the role of Luke in relation to Paul's missionary journeys.

Answer 26

Luke is traditionally believed to have accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys, which would have given him acces to first-hand accounts of the events he describes in Acts.

Question 27

Counterarguments- What evidence supports the historical reliability of the book of Acts?

Answer 27

The book of Acts is supported by the early church figures such as Tertullian, clement, and origen, who affirm its authenticity and historical value.

Question 28

Counterarguments- How does the timing of the writing of Acts affect its historical credibilitiy?

Answer 28

Although Acts was written long after the events it describes, the tradition of Luke accompanying Paul suggests that he had access to reliable first-hand accounts.

Question 29

Counterarguments- Describe the differences between Paul's presentation in Acts and his own writings.

Answer 29

Paul's presentations in Acts and his letters differ because he had different aims in his speeches compared to his letters.

Question 30

Counterarguments- Explain Dodd's examination of Paul's letters.

Answer 30

Dodd examined Paul's letter to determine if they contained the main elements of the kerygma, concluding that they did, affirming Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy and highlighting his life, death, and resurrection as key elemnts of the Christian faith.

Question 31

Counterarguments- How does Dodd view the author of Acts?

Answer 31

Dodd believes that the author Acts was a careful historian, as evidenced by the inclusion of different accounts of Paul's conversion.

Question 32

Counterarguments- What conclusion can be drawn about Paul's relationship with the Apostle based on the content?

Answer 32

The conclusion is that Paul was personally acquainted with the Apostle and witnessed their preaching, negating the need for him to fabricate any information.

Question 33

Counterarguments- Define the kerygma in the context of Paul's letters.

Answer 33

Kerygma refers to the core message of the Christian faith, which includes the belief in Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy and the significance of his life, death, and resurrection.

Question 34

Counterarguments- Do the accounts of Paul's conversion in Acts suggest a unified literary work?

Answer 34

No, the different accounts of Paul's conversion in Acts suggest that the author did not aim to create a unified literary work.

Question 35

Counterarguments- Explain the significance of Paul's direct access to the Apostle's message.

Answer 35

Paul's direct access to the Apostle's message implies authenticity in his teachings and reinforces the credibility of his writings.

Question 36

Describe the argument regarding the relevance of the Kerygma in relation to Jesus' beliefs about the end of the world.

Answer 36

Some argue that the Kerygma is irrelevant because Jesus believed the world would end in his lifetime, viewing him as an apocalyptic figure whose aim was to bring his generation to God before judgement.

Question 37

Explain the significance of Matthew 16:28 in the context of Jesus' teachings.

Answer 37

In Matthew 16:28, Jesus states that some present will not die before seeing the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom, which supports the view that he believed in an imminent end of the world.

Question 38

How did the early Church's beliefs reflect the apocalyptic view of Jesus?

Answer 38

The early Chruch expressed beliefs such as 'the coming of the Lord is near' (James 5:8), indicating they shared the apocalyptic view that the end was imminent.

Question 39

Discuss Albert Schweitzer's perspectives on the historical Jesus and his relevance today.

Answer 39

Albert Schweitzer argued that the historical Jesus' belief in the imminent end of the world rendered him irrelevant for contemporary faith, as it was a central aspect of his teachings.

Question 40

What implications did the belief in an imminent end have on the Apostles' actions and mindset?

Answer 40

The belief in an imminent end may have led the Apostles to await Jesus' return actively, potentially causing them to lose hope as time passed without his return.

Question 41

How does the concept of Jesus as an 'eschatological figure' influence interpreations of his mission?

Answer 41

Viewing Jesus as an eschatological figure suggests that his mission was focused on preparing his generation for the coming judgement rather than establishing a lasting movement.

Question 42

Describe the main argument presented by C.H. Dodd regarding the kerygma.

Answer 42

C.H. Dodd argued that the kerygma was relevant and that there was much more going on in Jesus' kerygma and the life of the early Church than just Jewish apocalypticism.

Question 43

Explain the focus of early Christians according to Dodd.

Answer 43

Early Christians were more focused on the joy of the experience of the risen Jesus and the community of the Church rather than solely on the life to come, even though they may have expected the world to end soon.

Question 44

Define realised eschatology as described by C.H. Dodd.

Answer 44

Realised eschatology means that one does not have to wait until the end of the world to experience the fullness of God; this experience can be realised in the present.

Question 45

How did Dodd interpret Jesus' beliefs about God's intervention in the world?

Answer 45

Dodd stated that Jesus believed not only in the coming of God at the end of the world but also that God had already broken into the world through Jesus' life and ministry.

Question 46

Do the elements of the kerygma focus on the imminent return of Jesus according to Dodd?

Answer 46

Dodd noted that there is very little in the elements of the kerygma that concerns the imminent return of Jesus; it is mostly about the experience of forgiveness and living in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Question 47

What was the significance of the experience of forgiveness in the early Church?

Answer 47

The experience of forgiveness was significant in the early Church as it was a central aspect of the kerygma, emphasising the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

Question 48

How did Dodd's views challenge traditional Jewish apocalypticism?

Answer 48

Dodd's views challenged traditional Jewish apocalypticism by suggesting that the kerygma and the early Church's focus were not solely on apocalyptic expectations but also on present experiences of God's presence and community.

Question 49

Describe the early Church's focus in relation to God's power.

Answer 49

The early Chruch emphasised God's power of forgiveness, community, and renewed hope rather than the impending demise of the world.

Question 50

Explain the significance of Jesus' return for early Christians.

Answer 50

For most early Christians, the fact that Jesus hadn't returned was not significant, as they were able to enjoy the power of Christian living.

Question 51

How should passages about the end of the world in the Bible be interpreted according to Dodd?

Answer 51

Dodd suggested that some passages about the end of the world should be viewed as interpretations of the challenges faced by all people through the power of the kerygma,

Question 52

Define 'eschatological fanaticism' in the context of Christianity.

Answer 52

Eschatological fanaticism refers to the extreme views regarding the end of the world that have always existed on the fringe of the Church

Question 53

What is at the heart of Christianity according to the content?

Answer 53

At the heart of Christianity is the saving power of Jesus, which can be experienced in this life.

Question 54

Explain the concept of kerygma as mentioned in the content- (is they kerygma still relevant)

Answer 54

The kerygma is the proclamation of the good news that Jesus announced, specifically referenced in Mark 1:15, which states that the Kingdom of God has come near.

Question 55

Do early Christians focus on apocalyptic views according to the content?

Answer 55

No, early Christians primarily focused on the power of Christian living rather than apocalyptic views, which were considered fringe.

Question 56

How does the early Church view the challenges faced by people?

Answer 56

The early Church viewed the challenges faced by people through the lens of the kerygma, emphasising the power of forgiveness and community.

Question 57

Describe Bultmann's view on the kerygma.

Answer 57

Bultmann viewed the kerygma as an announcement rather than a doctrine or teaching, emphasising its relevance to modern life by distinguishing it from myth.

Question 58

Explain Bultmann's perspective on the New Testament.

Answer 58

Bultmann believed the New Testament was filled with myths that are irrelevant to contemporary individuals and did not focus on proving its unity or historical value.

Question 59

How does Bultmann define a myth?

Answer 59

Bultmann defines a myth as a primitive science that explains events through supernatural causes, such as interpreting an eclipse as punishment for sins.

Question 60

What are the three options Bultmann presents for engaging with the biblical message?

Answer 60

1) Believe the myths of the Bible literally. 2) Cut out the mythological sections and build a religion on what remains. 3) Find the underlying truth (kerygma) of the myth by reading metaphorically.

Question 61

Do Bultmann's views suggest a literal interpretation of the Bible?

Answer 61

No, Bultmann does not advocate for a literal interpretation; instead, he encourages finding the underlying trtuh by interpreting myths metaphorically.

Question 62

Explain the significance of distinguishing kerygma from myth according to Bultmann.

Answer 62

Distinguishing kerygma from myth is significant because it allows individuals to confront existential decisions about their faith in a way that is relevant to modern life.

Question 63

What is the first main mythology Bultmann identifies in the New Testament?

Answer 63

The first main mythology identified by Bultmann is the Jewish apocalyptic belief in the sudden end of the world brought about by God.

Question 64

How does Bultmann suggest we should read the myths in the Bible?

Answer 64

Bultmann suggests that we should read myhts by looking 'between the lines' to uncover the underlying truth, treating them more as metaphors than as historical accounts.

Question 65

What existential challenge does Bultmann believe individuals face regarding their faith?

Answer 65

Bultmann believes that individuals are confronted with an existential decision about their faith when they engage with the Kerygma and distinguish it from myth.

Question 66

Define the term 'kerygma' as used by Bultmann

Answer 66

Kerygma refers to the core message or announcement of the Christian faith that is distinct from mythological elements.

Question 67

Describe the core belief of Gnosticism regarding the created world.

Answer 67

Gnosticism views the created world as a spiritual battleground where each person is a spark of light trapped by demonic forces.

Question 68

Eplain the role of the being of light in Gnostic beliefs.

Answer 68

In Gnosticism, a being of light is sent down from God to impart special knowledge (gnosis) to help liberate the trapped sparks of light.

Question 69

Summarise Bultmann's perspective on the disciples' encounter with Jesus.

Answer 69

Bultmann suggested that the disciples experienced a new awakening or experience of God when they encountered Jesus.

Question 70

List the basic truths about humanity expressed in the kerygma according to Bultmann.

Answer 70

1) We are not masters of the world. 2) There is a transcendent power in the universe. 3) Our plan and power are finite. 4) It is false to think we can control life. 5) It is possible to find a spirit of openness to the future. 6) There is forgiveness.

Question 71

How does Bultmann view the expression of Kerygma in relation to cultural beliefs?

Answer 71

Bultmann believes that a ‘pure Kerygma’ does not exist apart from cultural beliefs and ideas, as ideas are hard to express without words.

Question 72

Define the term ‘Kerygma’ in the context of Bultmann’s beliefs.

Answer 72

Kerygma refers to the core message of the Christian faith that involves a personal decision and is expressed through cultural beliefs and ideas.

Question 73

Explain the significance of Acts 2:37 in Bultmann’s interpretation of the Kerygma.

Answer 73

Bultmann highlights Acts 2:37 as significant because it shows the powerful impact of the Apostles’ message, prompting listeners to seek guidance on what to do next.

Question 74

Discuss the emotional response of the people in Acts 2:37 after hearing the Apostles’ message.

Answer 74

The people were ‘cut to the heart,’ indicating a deep emotional and spiritual reaction to the message proclaimed by the apostles.

Question 75

What does Bultmann suggest about the power behind the Apostles’ words when they proclaimed their message?

Answer 75

Bultmann suggests that there was a palpable power behind the Apostles’ words that resonated with the listeners and can still be felt today.

Question 76

Describe the concept of Kerygma according to Bultmann.

Answer 76

Kerygma is a personal message that proclaims truth and elicits a response, not focused on exact elements, scientific explanation, or doctrine, and is expressed differently by each generation.

Question 77

Explain how Bultmann views the relationship between Kerygma and historical truth.

Answer 77

Bultmann believes that Kerygma cannot be proven true through historical means and is not about historical accuracy, but rather about personal response.

Question 78

Do Bultmann’s views suggest that Christian doctrine is mythological?

Answer 78

Bultmann raises questions about the historical truth of Christian claims, suggesting that while there may be a historical foundation, he does not focus on doctrine, which could imply a mythological interpretation.

Question 79

How does Bultmann’s interpretation of Kerygma differ from traditional views of Christian doctrine?

Answer 79

Bultmann’s interpretations emphasises personal experience and response over doctrinal accuracy and historical verification, potentially leading to a more individualistic understanding of faith.

Question 80

Explain the significance of the book of Acts in relation to Bultmann’s views.

Answer 80

The book of Acts serves as a public declaration of the good news and a response that leads to community formation, which Bultmann’s focus on individual Kerygma may distort.

Question 81

What implications does Bultmann’s approach have for modern interpretations of Christian myths?

Answer 81

Bultmann may have replaced traditional apocalyptic myths with new myths about meaning, suggesting a shift in how modern people understand and relate to Christian narratives.

Question 82

Define the term ‘myth’ in the context of Bultmann’s philosophy

Answer 82

In Bultmann’s philosophy, a myth is not a literal truth but can convey deeper meanings and truths that resonate with personal experiences and contemporary understanding.

Question 83

How does Bultmann’s perspective challenge the historical analysis of Christianity?

Answer 83

Bultmann challenges the historical analysis by asserting that the truth of Kerygma is not subject to historical proof, thus shifting focus from historical events to personal belief and experience.