Posted: September 16th, 2017

Religious studies

Religious studies

The Middle Ages are often looked at as a time of great ignorance with little progress being made in Europe. From your reading of this chapter, build an argument to disprove that idea. Do so by explaining what advances were made during this period of time.

2. Anselm, Aquinas, Scotus, Ockham and Erasmus are highlighted as key theologians of this period. What was one contribution of each?

Chapter 3:
1. McGrath suggests that there were in fact six different reformations going on during the Age of Reformation. What was the goal of each reformation, and how did they differ from each other?

2. What role did catechisms play in the reformations described in this chapter? What does this say about our efforts at Christian education today?

Chapter 4:
1. Chapter 4 gives a description of theological developments within the following denominations: Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Protestantism, Evangelicalism and Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements. If you have an affiliation with one of these groups, comment on the similarities or differences that you have with that denominational family. If you have no affiliation with a Christian denomination and are of a different world religion, comment on differences within that religion. If you are non-religious, identify principles from the denominational groups that you would affirm, without affirming a deity.

2. McGrath discusses theological trends in the western world and lists the following: Liberal Protestantism, Modernism, Neo-Orthodoxy, Feminism, Liberation Theology, Black Theology, Post-Liberalism, and Radical Orthodoxy. Choose one of these and elaborate on it. What are its key beliefs? How closely does it resonate with your perspectives, be they religious or not?

Chapter 9:
1. How do you answer the question, “Is God male?” What significance is there to this question for our culture today?
2. Characteristics of God are called his “attributes,” and this chapter deals with several of God’s attributes. God is described as all-powerful-omnipotent-and capable of doing anything not a logical contradiction (i.e., making a stone so heavy God cannot lift it). Our text provides three perspectives on how God acts in the world with his power: Deism, Thomism and Process Theology. What is the difference between these?

Chapter 10:
1. McGrath notes that the doctrine of the Trinity is “counterintuitive.” Nevertheless it is supported by Scripture. How is the doctrine of the Trinity supported by the Bible?
2. The “Filoque” controversy is one of the issues that continues to separate the eastern churches (Orthodox) from the western churches (Catholic and Protestant). What is the controversy about and why is it important?

Chapter 11:
1. The New Testament uses several titles for Jesus. What do we learn about Jesus Christ from each of the titles given to him?
2. What is meant by speaking of Jesus Christ as “the mediator” between God and humanity?

Chapter 12:
1. This chapter deals with the problem of faith and history. Three specific difficulties are mentioned: the chronological, metaphysical and existential difficulties. Describe why each is a problem.
2. Read I Corinthians 15, a chapter dedicated to the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. How important is the resurrection to the Christian faith?

Chapter 13:
1. The death of Jesus Christ on the cross has had multiple interpretations, such as sacrifice, victory, tied to forgiveness, and as a demonstration of God’s love. If you were required to choose one of these four interpretations, which would you choose, and why?
2. What is universalism? Is it a Biblical teaching?

Chapter 14:
1. What is the “Image of God” and how does it relate to the concept of sin?
2. How does Luther describe the concept of justification? What is meant by “forensic justification” and how did the concept fare at the Council of Trent?

Chapter 15:
1. What was the Donatist controversy about? How did it disrupt the unity of the church?

2. Four terms have been designated to be the “notes” of the church: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic. Can these words be used to describe the congregations that we see in the world today? Why or why not?

Chapter 16:
1. What is the debate concerning the “real presence” in the Eucharist about? What various interpretations are there about how Jesus is present with his people in this sacrament?

2. Describe the debate regarding the baptism of infants. What are some arguments on both sides of the issue?

Chapter 17:
1. After reading chapter 17, how do you respond to Question 3 at the end of the chapter, which reads – “Do all religions lead to God?” What does your answer reveal about your own theology?

Chapter 18:
1. Make a list of questions raised in this chapter regarding what happens after death. For example, is there or is there not a purgatory? Or, will Christ reign on earth for 1,000 years? Choose one of your questions and provide an answer that explains your own approach to the question.