Theology 1 Flashcards
What is the main purpose of theology?
Theology aims to help believers understand divine mysteries more deeply through a systematic exploration of the truths revealed by God.
What is the origin and meaning of the term “theology”?
Theology is of Greek origin, meaning a “treatise” or “science of God.” It is used by Christians to describe the structured study of divine revelation.
How does theology view the role of faith?
Faith serves as both the foundation and guiding principle of theology, encouraging believers to explore and understand their faith intellectually.
Summarize St. Augustine’s quote, “intelligere ut credas, credere ut intelligas.”
“You have to understand to believe and you have to believe to understand.” This highlights the interdependence of faith and reason in theology.
What does “fides quaerens intellectum” mean, and who proposed it?
St. Anselm proposed “fides quaerens intellectum,” meaning “faith seeking understanding.” It implies that believers seek to understand their faith out of love and reverence.
What is the intellectual dimension of faith in theology?
Theology encourages believers to think, question, and understand their faith, raising faith to the level of intellect.
What are the three main sources of theology?
The three sources are Sacred Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium.
Define “Sacred Scripture” in the context of theology.
Sacred Scripture is the Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and is a primary source for theological study and understanding.
What is the significance of exegesis in theology?
Exegesis is the critical interpretation of Scripture, helping theologians delve deeper into its meanings and insights.
Why is Tradition important in theology?
Tradition is the unwritten Word of God, encompassing the life, practices, and teachings of the Church, and it provides context and continuity with Scripture
How are Tradition and Scripture related in theology?
They are closely linked, stemming from the same divine source and mutually reinforcing the understanding of faith.
What is the Magisterium?
The Magisterium is the Church’s teaching authority, tasked with authentic interpretation of God’s Word and protecting the integrity of the faith.
How does the Magisterium contribute to theology?
It provides authoritative interpretations of theological matters, safeguarding faith from error and adapting teachings to contemporary issues.
Why can’t Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium exist independently?
They are interdependent; each is essential to maintain a cohesive and accurate understanding of theology and faith (DV 10).
What does theology aim to develop within believers?
Theology aims to develop a reflective faith, integrating belief with intellectual understanding and critical thinking.
How does theology balance faith and reason?
Theology encourages believers to use reason to deepen their faith, bridging belief with intellectual exploration.
What is the universality of suffering?
Suffering is a universal experience, affecting all people in various forms, and has been explored by philosophers, theologians, and thinkers throughout history.
What do existentialists like Sartre and Camus say about suffering?
Existentialists view suffering as a result of life’s absurdity and the lack of inherent meaning, with Camus advocating for dignity in facing suffering.
How does Nietzsche view suffering?
Nietzsche saw suffering as essential for human growth and creativity, and believed that overcoming suffering leads to strength (“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”).
What is the Stoic perspective on suffering?
Stoics believe suffering is inevitable, but emphasize control over one’s response, promoting resilience and acceptance of what cannot be changed.
What is “dukkha” in Buddhism?
Dukkha is the Buddhist concept that life involves suffering, largely due to desire, attachment, and ignorance.
What are the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism?
The Four Noble Truths outline the nature of suffering and the path to end it through the Eightfold Path, promoting ethical conduct, discipline, and wisdom.
How does Christianity view suffering?
Suffering in Christianity is often seen as redemptive, with the suffering of Jesus on the cross offering salvation and the idea that suffering brings believers closer to God.
How is suffering perceived in Islam?
In Islam, suffering is viewed as a test from God, rewarding patience and providing an opportunity for spiritual growth.
What is the Hindu perspective on suffering?
Hinduism links suffering to the cycle of samsara and karma, with liberation (moksha) attained through detachment from desires.
What is Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy?
Logotherapy is a psychological approach that emphasizes finding meaning in suffering as a way to overcome it, based on Frankl’s experiences in the Holocaust.
What is Freud’s “reality principle”?
The reality principle is Freud’s idea that people must accept the painful realities of life, with suffering as an inevitable part of existence.
How does Dostoevsky explore suffering in The Brothers Karamazov?
Dostoevsky examines the suffering of innocent people, questioning faith, doubt, and the moral challenges posed by a benevolent God allowing suffering.
How does suffering function in Shakespeare’s tragedies?
Shakespeare’s tragic heroes endure personal suffering that often leads to self-discovery and reflection on the human condition.
How do modernist writers depict suffering?
Writers like Kafka, Beckett, and Eliot portray characters trapped in meaningless suffering, reflecting existential despair in the modern world.
