Christian Theology Quiz: Birth and Teachings

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Questions and Answers

What concept illustrates God's self-offering for humanity during the events of the Passion and Cross?

Kenosis (correct)

Atonement

Grace

Redemption

Which of the following best describes the nature of Jesus according to Christology?

Jesus was a human prophet who was adopted by God.

Jesus had only a divine nature.

Jesus is a divine person with both human and divine natures. (correct)

Jesus was a mere teacher whose teachings do not relate to divinity.

What is highlighted as evidence for the historicity of the resurrection?

The writings of ancient philosophers on immortality.

The traditions followed by early Christians.

The miracles performed during Jesus' early life.

The resurrection narratives provide direct testimony. (correct)

What does Hellenism emphasize regarding God's interaction with humanity?

God interacts through the Logos as a mediator. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'consubstantial' in relation to Jesus?

Jesus is of the same substance as the Father. Signup and view all the answers

What spiritual truth is highlighted by Zachariah being silenced?

The necessity of faith to receive divine messages Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates Divine Law from Man-Made Law?

Divine Law is written in sacred texts, while Man-Made Law is derived from human reasoning. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Kenosis' refer to in the context of Christian theology?

The self-emptying nature of Christ's sacrifice Signup and view all the answers

How does Jesus' death on the cross contradict archaic notions of sacrifice?

It showcases a selfless love contrary to claims of violence being holy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Soteriology?

The study of salvation and its implications Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Synoptic Gospels from the Gospel of John?

Synoptics summarize Jesus’ earthly life; John emphasizes theological themes. Signup and view all the answers

Which event connects the births of John the Baptist and Jesus in Luke's account?

The response of Mary and Zechariah to their respective announcements Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Christ's humanity is revealed through His suffering, according to the content?

His liberation from violence and unity with humanity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Foretelling of the Birth of John the Baptist and Jesus

Zachariah was silenced for disbelief, illustrating the importance of spreading the word of God.

The Beatitudes

The Beatitudes guide spiritual growth towards the Kingdom of Heaven.
They offer a lifestyle, not laws, and differ from the 10 Commandments.

Divine, Natural, and Man-Made Law

Divine Law: Teachings from God to understand commandments.
Natural Law: Laws based on the fundamental nature of things created.
Man-Made Law: Laws established by human beings.

Christology (High vs. Low)

High Christology: Focuses on Christ's relationship with God.
Low Christology: Focuses on Christ's relationship with humanity.

Concepts in Christian Theology

Expiation: Making amends for wrongdoing to remove guilt.
Propitiation: Satisfying God's anger due to sin.
Soteriology: The study of salvation.
Kenosis: Self-emptying; offering oneself.
Love: Willing the good of another.

Jesus' Sacrifice

Jesus' Crucifixion: A salvific act, not a pagan, archaic sacrifice.
Archaic sacrifice: Violence is considered holy, separating the sacred from the profane. Its goal is to restore peace. God does not call for violence but acknowledges human tendencies to create it.
Christian Sacrifice: Driven by love (willing the good of another); love requires self-emptying. Christ's death on the cross is a demonstration of love.
Psalm 50 and 40: Highlight God's rejection of blood sacrifices in favor of praise.

Soteriological Significance of Suffering

Christ's suffering does not represent the maximum possible pain.
Christ's humanity was liberated from violence, demonstrating a God who suffers to unite humanity with Himself.

The Gospels

Canonical Gospels: The four books of the New Testament that are recognized by Christianity as authoritative and divinely inspired. These include the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—which share a similar narrative structure and content, and the Gospel of John, which presents a distinct theological perspective.
Synoptics: These Gospels provide a narrative that encapsulates the life of Jesus Christ, detailing significant events starting from his miraculous birth through his ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. The Synoptic tradition emphasizes the historical context of Jesus' life, portraying him as both a teacher and a healer.
John: This Gospel diverges from the Synoptic approach, as it emphasizes the deeper spiritual and theological implications of Jesus' identity as the Son of God. It includes profound discourses and claims made by Jesus, focusing heavily on themes such as light, truth, and eternal life, which serve to highlight his divine nature.
Other Gospels: The Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Mary Magdalene are examples of early Christian texts that were excluded from the Biblical canon due to their differing views on theology and the nature of Christ. Their exclusion reflects the early Church's efforts to establish orthodoxy and define the boundaries of accepted Christian doctrine.
Luke's Account: Luke's Gospel is noteworthy for its detailed narrative regarding key events such as the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel reveals to Mary that she will conceive Jesus; the Visitation, during which Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth; and the interconnected births of John the Baptist and Jesus, highlighting the roles of divine intervention and human response, as seen in the joyous proclamations of Mary and the initial doubts of Zechariah.

The Passion, Cross, and Resurrection

Jesus’ Passion and Crucifixion represent not punishment but self-offering (Kenosis).
Contrast that description of the Passion with ancient ideas of a vengeful God and modern misconceptions.
The Resurrection: Offers historical testimony to the Resurrection; Jesus offered peace to those who had betrayed/abandoned Him.

Christology (II)

Jesus' Two Natures: Fully human and fully divine.
Jesus' Purpose: Showcase true humanity's intended relationship with God and each other.
Jesus as the Divine Logos: Pre-existed creation, not created but begotten, and consubstantial with the Father; the Second Person of the Trinity.
Pre-existence of Jesus (Argument): Refer to Chapter 6 of Ancient Christian Doctrine for details.
Communication of Idioms: Review class work and homework materials.

Logos (Word)

Hellenism: Logos = God's way of interacting with humanity.
Judaism: God is too pure to interact directly; Logos is the intermediary.
New Testament: Logos becomes incarnate in Jesus, connecting God and humanity.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts in Christian theology, including the foretelling of Jesus' birth, the Beatitudes, and various types of law. Explore the distinctions between high and low Christology, and delve into important terms like expiation and soteriology. This quiz covers essential teachings that shape the Christian faith.