Theology 2 COPY Flashcards
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What is the name by which the Homilies of Mar Afrahath are known?
Demonstrations.
How many Demonstrations of Mar Afrahath are available to date?
Twenty-three.
What is the theme of Aphrahat’s Demonstrations?
Christian treatise on Prayer.
According to Mar Afrahath, what is the for prayer to be acceptable to Alaha?
Purity of heart.
How does Mar Isahaq of Niniveh describe the Body of Isho M’shiha?
Temple/ Tabernacle of the Divinity.
How does Mar Isahaq of Niniveh describe the Human nature that Isho M’shiha took?
The Sanctuary.
Who describes Humanity of M’shiha as the “garment of divinity”?
Mar Isahaq of Niniveh.
Who says: “For our salvation He put on (a) man and dwelt in him”?
Mar Theodore of Mopsuestia.
Who uses the phrase: “Robe of Humanity”?
Cyrus of Edessa.
Who uses the phrase: “Robe of the Body”?
Mar Narsai.
Who teaches “All that applies to (the Man) is raised up to (the Word) who accepts it for himself, having willed to make Him share in this honour. So, we have acquired an accurate knowledge of the Creator” ?
Mar Isahaq of Niniveh.
To describe the level of intimacy of creation with Alaha, achieved in the sacrifice of M’shiha, what term does Mar Isahaq of Niniveh use?
Mingling.
Who is known as the father of the East Syriac spiritual tradition?
Mar Yohannan Ihidaya (St. John the Solitary).
Whose prayer is this “You fashioned me in Your will from the beginning, so that I may behold Your eternal glory. For it is You who, even before we came into being, wished in your love that creation should come into being so as to become aware of You”?
Mar Isahaq of Niniveh.
According to Mar Isahaq of Niniveh, what is the “the first book” given by Alaha to the rational beings?
The Visible World.
According to Mar Isahaq of Niniveh, how many powers does a human soul have?
Five
According to Mar Isahaq of Niniveh, which among the 5 powers of the human soul end their existence in the moment of death?
Natural desire and irascible power.
According to Mar Isahaq of Niniveh, which is the only power of the human soul that remains active during the separation between the body and the soul?
Vitality.
Why does human soul require simple rationality in heavenly life according to Mar Isahaq of Niniveh?
For knowing Alaha through contemplation.
According to Mar Isahaq of Niniveh, which of the five powers of human soul are necessary For heavenly life?
Simple rationality and natural desire.
Why does the human soul require natural desire in heavenly life according to Mar Isahaq of Niniveh,?
For loving Alaha.
According to Mar Thimothy I Casolikka, which are the two powers exclusively of human soul?
Rationality and Will.
Which are the two powers exclusively of the soul by the union with the body according to Mar Thimothy I Casolikka?
Concupiscence, irascibility, and vitality.
According to Mar Thimothy I Casolikka Which powers of human soul are active while the body is alive?
Rationality and will.
According to Mar Thimothy I Casolikka Which powers of human soul are active while the body is alive,become inactive at death, but appear again after resurrection?
Rationality and will.
Which power of human soul according to Mar Thimothy I Casolikka is active always?
Vitality.
In the Syriac tradition, the image of Alaha in human is often compared with which symbol?
The symbolism of a metal mirror.
How can humans “feel” or “know” Alaha?
It is due to the human’s divine image; located in the noetic (intellectual) part of the soul.
According to Mar Isahaq of Niniveh, what are the five gifts given to the human soul?
Life, sense perception, reason, freewill and authority.
According to Mar Isahaq of Niniveh, what is the target of the powers and gifts given to the human soul?
To become aware of and enjoy the delight of intelligence and the pleasure of the vast gifts of insights.
How does Mar Isahaq of Niniveh define deification?
It is becoming “Alahas by the means of grace”.
According to Mar Isahaq of Niniveh, what is death?
Death is part of the original destiny of human and the fruit of the love of Alaha, who knew from the beginning that human would fall. Death is not the direct repercussion of sin.
What does Mar Isahaq of Niniveh teach about the weakness of humans?
Weakness is used for the benefit and growth of humans: the knowledge of Alaha’s patience, power and especially His love.
Who taught that “Death is not simply a retribution for sin, but becomes the passage to a wonderful and glorious life, part of the destiny of Alaha’s merciful attitude towards humanity; by the Incarnation, death is not something frightening, but a short passage to the second catastasis.”?
Mar Isahaq of Niniveh.
According to Mar Isahaq of Niniveh what is the inaugural event of eschatological knowledge?
The Incarnation of M’shiha.
According to Mar Isahaq of Niniveh, why did M’shiha suffer and die on Sliva?
The main reason for that is to reveal His love, which is “more abundant than the sea”.
Does there exist any Christological disputes between catholic theology and the east syriac theology?
No.
Which was the declaration that put an end to the controversies between catholic theology and the east syriac theology?
Common Christological declaration of Pope John Paul II and his holiness Mar Dinkha IV, Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East.
When was common Christological declaration of Pope John Paul II and his holiness Mar Dinkha IV, Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East Declared?
Friday, 11 November 1994.
Who were the primates who siged common Christological declaration of Pope John Paul II and his holiness Mar Dinkha IV, Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East?
Pope John Paul II and Mar Dinkha IV Catholicose.
Where was common Christological declaration of Pope John Paul II and his holiness Mar Dinkha IV, Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East declared?
At Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome.
Who are the agents who have received and delivered the “divine revelation”?
Adam, Noah, Abraham, melchizedek, Moses and other Nivyas; these received the beginnings of the divine revelation and proclaimed the same to humankind; but, it was the incarnate son of Alaha our lord and Savior Isho M’shiha, the second person of the holy trinity, who brought the divine revelation to earth in it’s fullness and perfection.
From where did the doctrine of the Apostolic faith come?
It is from divine revelation.
Is it possible for man to have any knowledge of Alaha, without it being revealed to him?
Some knowledge of Alaha can be gained by the consideration or contemplation upon the creation (such as the trees, flowers, the cosmos, etc); however, this knowledge is imperfect and not sufficient to reveal the totality of Alaha. It will only serve as a preparation for faith; or, as a help toward Alaha and his revelation.
How do we preserve divine revelation and spread it among humankind in the true Church?
By utilizing two methods: the holy apostolic and living tradition; and the holy scriptures.
What do we mean by “holy apostolic and living tradition?”
We mean that the holy, apostolic, and the living tradition is the dogma of the Christian faith, the law of Alaha, the holy raze, and the rituals as handed to us by the true believers and worshipers of almighty Alaha, orally and by example from generation to another.
What is the Aramaic term for revelation/ manifestation?
Denha.
Which is the more ancient practice, observing the use of the sacred scriptures or of the holy, apostolic, and the living tradition?
`The most ancient and original means, or mode, for proclaiming the divine revelation is the holy apostolic and living tradition! From Adam, the father of humankind to the Moses nivya there were no written sacred books. Maran Isho M’shiha, himself, delivered his divine dogma and practice unto the disciples by word of mouth and primary example; not by the written page. This same method or mode was followed, also, by the holy Shlihe in their days of Apostolic ministry; proclaiming the Christian faith, and establishing the holy
Church of Maran Isho M’shiha.
What is the true repository for the holy, apostolic and the living tradition?
All true believers united by the holy tradition of the faith, collectively and successively, by the will of God, compose one holy church; and, this holy church is the true repository of the holy and living apostolic tradition.
If you say that holy tradition is so important, then why is the holy scripture given to the Church?
The holy scripture is given to the Church, so that the divine revelation may be kept and preserved as it had been given, without change.
Why do we abide within the structure of the holy apostolic and living tradition, even though we have easy access to the holy scriptures?
We are to abide in the sacred tradition, as it is in line with the divine revelation and the holy scriptures (all else is to be cast aside as heresy). Poulose Shliha records for us: “. . . Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by our word, or epistle. . .” (II Thessalonians 2:15).
What do we mean by the Old Testament and the New Testament?
We mean to state that there was an earlier covenant of Alaha with man; and the new covenant of Alaha with mankind.
What constitutes the formation of the Old Testament?
The Old Testament is the revelation of the forth-coming of Jesus Christ, and preparing them (humankind) to accept him.
What constitutes the New Testament?
The absolute fulfillment of the Old Testament Nivyoosa (prophecies) in the giving of the Gift of Alaha: His Only Begotten Son Maran Isho M’shiha.
Name the Books of the Law.
They are the five books written by Mushe; Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
Which are the doctrinal books of the Old Testament?
They are the Books of Iyyob (Job), the Mazmore (Psalms), and the Book of Shlemon (Solomon).
What does the Church use as her symbol or instrument to convey the doctrine of faith?
The Creed of the 318 Fathers, the Nicene Creed was accepted in the whole Church by 325 A.D.
When did the East Syriac Church accept the Creed of Nicene officially?
In 410 A.D.
Who introduced the Nicene Creed to East Syriac Church?
Mar Marutha.
Who officially accepted Nicene Creed in East Syriac Church?
Mar Isaac in 410 A.D.
What is the Creed?
The Creed is an exposition of the Faith handed to us by the Apostles in brief. It is the doctrine that all Christians are to believe, divided into 12 articles of profession.
How many professions of faith do we profess in the creed?
12.
What does the first profession of the creed speak about?
It speaks of Alaha, that HE is the prime origin and in particular the First Qnoma of the Holy Trinity: Alaha the Father, and that HE is the Creator of the Worlds, Visible and Invisible;
What does the second profession of the creed speak about?
It addresses the Second Qnoma of the Holy Trinity, Isho M’shiha the Son of Alaha the Father.
What does the third profession of the creed speak about?
It addresses the Incarnation of God the Word, the Second Qnoma of the Holy Trinity.
What does the Fourth profession of the creed speak about?
It addresses the Hassha (passion), the death and the burial of Isho M’shiha.
What does the Fifth profession of the creed speak about?
It addresses the Glorious Resurrection of Isho M’shiha.
What does the Seventh profession of the creed speak about?
The Second Coming of Isho M’shiha from Heaven.
What does the Eighth profession of the creed speak about?
The Third Qnuma of the Holy Trinity; Ruha d’Qudsha.
What does the Nineth profession of the creed speak about?
The One, Holy, Universal, Apostolic Church of Isho M’shiha.
What does the Tenth profession of the creed speak about?
The Holy Mammodisa, together with the implication of the other Raze.
What does the Eleventh profession of the creed speak about?
The Resurrection of the dead.
What does the Twelfth profession of the creed speak about?
Life everlasting.
Why do we confess belief in One Alaha?
The heathen have taken the created creature for god and gods, and therefore, they think that there are many gods.
Why is it necessary for us to confess this faith?
It is essential for us to give witness to our confession of faith for our salvation, it is written: “. . . for with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation . . .” (Rom 10:10).
Why is it not only important to salvation to believe, but, also to confess “the One, Holy, Apostolic, and Orthodox Faith?”
To preserve our life and temporal possession and to fail to give witness to this Holy, Apostolic, Orthodox Faith, means that we have failed to recognize a true faith in God, the Savior, nor do we desire to enjoy the blessings of Eternal Life. (“. . . whosoever shall deny
Me before men, him shall I also deny before My Father who is in Heaven . . .” Karozusa d’Matthai 10:33)
How does the Holy Bible teach us about the unity of the One Alaha?
The very words of this Holy Apostolic Orthodox creed is taken from the writings of the Paulose Shliha “. . . but there is no other Alaha but One. For though there be those who are Week 20 (April 28_2024)
called gods, whether in Heaven or Earth, but to us there is but One Alaha, The Father, of whom are all things, and we in Him; and One Lord Isho M’shiha, by whom are all things, and we by Him. . .” (I Cor 8: 4b, 5, 6).
Can we know the very essence of Alaha?
No! It is above all human knowledge and that of the Angelic hosts.
How does the Holy Scripture address this point of our knowledge concerning the “essence of Alaha”?
Paulose Shliha records: “ . . . in His time, He shall show, Who is the blessed and Only Potentate, The King of kings, The Lord of lords, Who alone hath immortality, dwelling in The Light which no man can approach unto; Whom no man have seen, nor can see: to Whom be
honor, and power everlasting: Amen . . .” (I Tim 6:15-16)
What can we derive from Divine Revelation as it defines essence and the essential attributes of Alaha?
That Alaha is spirit, eternal, all-good, omniscient, all-just, almighty, omnipresent, unchangeable, all-sufficing to Himself, all-blessed, etc.
What is the Qnoma of First person of Holy Trinity?
Alaha the Father begets (is not begotten), neither proceeds from any other Qnoma.
What is the Qnoma of Second person of Holy Trinity?
Alaha the Son, He is eternally begotten of Alaha the Father, He does not proceed from any other Qnoma.
What is the Qnoma of Third person of the Holy Trinity?
Alaha the Ruha d’Qudsha He eternally proceeds from Alaha The Father, and He is not begotten by any other Qnoma.
Are the Three Qnome equal?
Yes. They are equal in majesty, authority, power, love and will. The Father is truly Alaha, the Son is truly Alaha, the Ruha d’Qudsha is truly Alaha; One Alaha eternally revealed in Three Qnome.
Why we call Alaha the Almighty One?
We call Alaha the Almighty Alaha, because all that He has created is sustained and upheld by Him, His Power and His Will.
When we recite these words from the 318 Fathers, “maker of all things visible and invisible,” what do we confess?
Our confession states that all which was made is by Alaha! And, that nothing exists which was not created nor made by Him, whether visible or invisible.
Why do we call Ruha d’Qudsha and not Holy Spirit?
Ruha d’Qudsha means Ruha of Sanctification, Who sanctifies everything. Sanctification is the work of Ruha d’Qudsha and it is not a description.
What do we mean by the word (from the Creed) “invisible”?
The word “invisible” means, simply, the spiritual world, or that which is inhabited by the Malakas, Resh Malakas (Arch-Angels), etc. Or, that world which is not comprehended by the physical mind.
What are Malakas?
They are incorporeal beings which have no physical being, but that do have intelligence, will, and power.
Which was first created? The invisible? Or, the visible?
According to the Sacred Scripture and the Church Fathers, the invisible was first created. And that the Malakas were first created before humankind.
Where does the idea of “Guardian Malaka” come from?
It comes from the Mazmora of Daveed, where we see: “ For HE shall give HIS Malaka charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways..” (Mazmora 91:11)
How is it that humankind is in the Image of Alaha?
Poulose Shliha explains to The Church, that humankind expresses the Image of Alaha in righteousness a holiness of truth, “ That ye put on the new man, which after Alaha is created, in righteousness and true holiness.” (Eph 4:24)
What is the breath of life?
The soul, a substance both spiritual and immortal.
Was man placed into a spiritual or a material Pardaisa (Garden)?
A two fold answer, for the body it was material, a visible and a blissful abode, but for the human soul it was a spiritual garden with state of communion and fellowship, by grace, with Alaha. A place for spiritual contemplation of the created beings (humankind).
Does Alaha’s predestination of man toward happiness remain unchanged or changed?
It remains unchanged, as Alaha, of His knowledge and infinite mercies, has predestined to open for all of humankind, even after his departure from the way of happiness, a new way to happiness through His only begotten Son Isho M’shiha.
How does the Holy Church define “predestination”?
It is the will of Alaha by which humankind is designed for Eternal happiness or bliss.
With respect to the world, and more particularly to that of mankind, what follows immediately upon their creation?
It is Divine Providence, as the Church declares which follows immediately upon their creation.
What is the definition of “Divine Providence?”
The Church defines the Divine Providence, as that constant energy of the Power of the Almighty, the wis dom and the goodness of our worshipful Alaha, by which He will keep and preserve the being and faculties of His created beings; directing to a good end, assisting all that is good; but as to evil, which will spring up from the departure of good, He will either cut it off or correct it; and, turns it into good results.
Who had given the Name Isho for the first time?
The Name Isho was given for the first time through Gawriel Malaka.
Why was this Name given to the Son of Alaha at His conception and birth?
He was so named, because He was conceived and born to save humanity from their sin through the ultimate death upon the Sleeva.
What is the meaning of the word “M’shiha”?
Anointed One.
What does the Holy Scripture say about The Divinity of Maran Isho M’shiha as the Son of Alaha?
“In the beginning was The Word, and The Word was with Alaha; and The Word was Alaha”.
Why is Isho M’shiha called “the Only Begotten Son of Alaha?”
He is the only begotten Son of Alaha because of His Divine Nature; others like Malakas, and saints of the past, and believers of the present, are called “sons of Alaha” by Grace in adoption.
In the Creed we confess “Very Alaha of Very Alaha, of one Essence with His Father,” Why?,
Isho M’shiha is of the same divinity as The Father, He is not lesser, nor greater, He is the same in authority, will, majesty, and worship’’. I and My Father are One ”. Alaha
Why do we confess in the Creed that “Isho M’shiha is begotten of His Father before all worlds and not made?”
Arius taught that The Son of Alaha was made and that there was a time when He was not (existing), and for this purpose this phrase was placed into the Creed to declare the truth of the Orthodox Faith, that Isho M’shiha in His Divinity is not made but that He is the Creator
(in fact), in contradistinction to the heresy of Arianism.
We confess, “By whose hands the worlds were established and everything was created” What is meant by this phrase?
It means that Alaha the Father created all things by His Son, His eternal wisdom and by His eternal Word.
We Confess in the Creed; “who for us men and for our salvation came down from
Heaven”? About Whom is it said?
We are confessing the Second Knoma of the Holy Trinity, Alaha The Melsa (Word), Bre’ d’Alaha (Son of Alaha).
What is the East Syriac word for Holy Trinity?
‘‘Thlisayusa’’
Which kind of death came about upon our foreparents, because of their sin; physical or spiritual?
Both, either physical or spiritual death visited humankind. Physical death, when the human soul separates from the body; and, spiritual death when the soul separates from Alaha.
Why is it written that Isho M’shiha was of the “seed of the woman?”
He was born as a man, of the Holy Virgin Maryam,by the Power of the Ruha d’Qudsha, without benefit of an earthly father. So, Isho had an earthly mother; with a heavenly Father.
Do humankind have any hope for salvation?
Yes! When Adam and Eve had confessed their sin, Alaha the Almighty promised them a hope for salvation.
In the times past, did people believe in the coming of the M’shiha?
Some did, but the greater number of humankind forgot that Alaha had made a promise to send a savior.
What is meant by the word “Incarnation?”
By the word Incarnation we mean that Alaha the Word the Second Knoma of the Holy Trinity took upon Himself human enfleshment (that is a human body), without sin, and was made man, without ceasing to be Alaha the M’shiha who is perfect man and perfect Alaha.
Why do we confess “. . . He became man. . .”?
We confess “He became man” because to give emphasis to the our Lord’s perfect humanity.
Why do we confess, Isho M’shiha “. . . was crucified for us men. . .”?
In this statement we clearly declare that Maran Isho M’shiha through His death upon the Sleeva, delivered us from the curse of death, sin and Satan.
What was the purpose of the descent into Sheol by our Lord?
First, to proclaim His victory over death; and secondly, to deliver the righteous souls who had, in faith, anticipated His coming.
Why do we name or call the Third Person of the Holy Trinity “Lord God?”
We use this term in the same fashion as we refer to the entire Qnome of the Holy Godhead; “Lord God.”
In what form did Isho ascend into Heaven? In His humanity? or, in His Divinity?
In His humanity, In his Divinity was always in Heaven.
What is the tetragrammaton used in Hebrew to denote Alahah?
(יהוה) YHWH
What is the most common name of Alaha in the Hebrew Bible?
Yahweh.
