Dorman Chapter Questions Final Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Why do advocates for 'general atonement' usually reject the notion of penal substitution?

They believe Christ died for all of our sins, so He wouldn't suffer the penalty that we deserve for our sins again.

How has the verse 'Christ descended into Hell' been interpreted? (Select all that apply)

Ignored (correct)

Release OT saints from hell (correct)

Metaphorical torture (correct)

Went to destroy hell as an option for believers (correct)

Just buried (correct)

Went to Hades to tell imprisoned spirits about the victory (correct)

How do Greek dualism and Eastern pantheism differ from the biblical view of creation?

Greek dualism teaches that God and matter/creation are both eternal, Eastern pantheism teaches that everything is God, while Christians separate God from his non-eternal creation.

What do Dialectical Materialism (Marxism) and Atheistic Evolutionism (Darwinism) teach about the nature of the world?

Marxism teaches that human history and the nature of the world have an economic goal, while Darwinism teaches life began by chance out of nonliving material and has evolved by chance. Signup and view all the answers

What six basic statements about angels are made in Dorman?

Spiritual beings created by God, may appear in bodily form, minister to God's people, exist in a hierarchy, possess limited powers, free moral agents. Signup and view all the answers

How does Karl Barth define the Image of God?

God has called people to exist in personal relationship with one another, not what the individual being is or does. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the creationist and traducianist view of the origin of the human soul?

Traducianism says both the body and soul develop in the womb and derive from the parents; Creationism states God specially makes a soul for each body and implants it before it is born. Signup and view all the answers

How does the writer of Genesis 3 show the biblical account of the Fall is historical, not a myth?

Genealogies that link Genesis 2 and 3 with the following chapters account for the entire first 11 chapters of Genesis and God calling Abram to start Israel. Signup and view all the answers

What does the tree of knowledge of good and evil tell us about the fundamental essence of sin?

Sin takes away man's moral autonomy, the ability to make moral decisions without being accountable to someone else. Signup and view all the answers

What does Eastern vs Western view on original sin and original guilt entail? (Select all that apply)

Western: Original sin AND guilt Signup and view all the answers

What is synergism?

Human will must cooperate with God's will in order for people to be saved. Signup and view all the answers

What is monergism?

God's work alone makes possible our salvation. Signup and view all the answers

Distinguish between indeterminism and self-determinism.

Indeterminism (Eastern): Will is free in the sense of being indifferent or undecided by nature; Self-determination (Western): Will is constantly in a state of decision, not indecision. Signup and view all the answers

What is common ground between Arminians and Calvinists against Pelagians in sin and free will?

Both believed in sinful human nature, while Pelagius believed humans could be perfect and had the free will to save themselves by Jesus' model. Signup and view all the answers

Why were Cerinthianism and docetism such threats to the Christian faith?

They don't accept that Jesus was fully God and fully human: Cerinthianism taught Jesus was fully human, but only chosen by God, while docetism taught Christ was a spirit-being who only appeared to be human. Signup and view all the answers

What are the different interpretations of 'kenosis Christology'? (Select all that apply)

Emptied himself of choosing not to use divine power Signup and view all the answers

In which two senses do Christians speak of the sinlessness of Christ?

'Able to not sin' and 'not able to sin'. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Greek hope for life after death differ from the Jewish hope?

Greek dualists hoped that once the body had died, the soul would be set free to live in a state of immortality, while Jews believed entire persons with soul AND body would be saved. Signup and view all the answers

How did the ancient Jewish view of history differ from that of the early Christians?

Jews believe the coming of the Messiah will usher in the final judgment at the same time, while Christians believe the Messiah already came and now we are just waiting for the final judgment to happen. Signup and view all the answers

To what crucial event of recent history does Oscar Cullmann compare the resurrection of Jesus?

D-Day when the Allied forces knew they could/would win. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three principal strands of evidence for the resurrection of Jesus?

<ol> <li>The tomb was empty three days after Jesus was laid there; 2. Eyewitnesses of the living Jesus after the empty tomb; 3. Disciples wouldn't suddenly change from frightened/sad into fearless witnesses without reason.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Define ascension and two implications.

The visible ascent of the Mediator, according to his human nature, from earth to heaven; 1. Christ ascended according to his human nature, not his divine; 2. The incarnation did not cease to exist with the ascension. Signup and view all the answers

What did Christ accomplish when he ascended into heaven?

<ol> <li>Further demonstrate the Lordship of Christ; 2. Inaugurate Christ's ministry as our great high priest; 3. Make possible the coming of the Holy Spirit; 4. Prepare a place for us in heaven; 5. Assure his followers that he will return visibly and gloriously.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Eastern version of the Nicene Creed differ from the Western version? (Select all that apply)

East denies the Filioque clause because it would take away the Father’s superiority. Signup and view all the answers

What is Pentecostalism?

God's continuing miraculous intervention within the life of the Church. Signup and view all the answers

What is the cessationist view?

God has suspended certain gifts of the Spirit in our time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Eastern Orthodox concept of 'theosis'?

Deification and full restoration into 'likeness of God' when Christ returns at the end of the age. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the doctrine of particular election sometimes called 'unconditional election'?

Because particular election is the sole work of God who elects without regard to anything present in our human condition, therefore it is 'unconditional'. Signup and view all the answers

List the five elements of the Roman Catholic 'ordo salutis'.

<ol> <li>Baptism - removes taint of original sin; 2. Confirmation - baptized person is filled with strength for supernatural life; 3. Eucharist - central means of grace through Christ present in bread and wine; 4. Penance - acts of absolution for post-baptismal sins; 5. Extreme Unction - sick or dying believer receives supernatural salvation of soul.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

How did Martin Luther's view of justification differ from that of Roman Catholicism?

Luther viewed justification as being forgiven of sins and declared righteous, not making righteous through good works or penance. Signup and view all the answers

What were John Wesley's three contributions to Arminian theology?

<ol> <li>Divine/prevenient grace; 2. Justification; 3. Sanctification.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What are 'indulgences' and why did Luther oppose them?

Indulgences are a form of penance that you pay for, which went against Luther's belief that forgiveness of sins came solely through faith in Jesus Christ. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the five Old Testament images of Israel that the New Testament applies to the Church? What do these images have in common?

The Bride, the Flock, the Vine, Royal Priesthood, and Temple all are organic and refer to living things or relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What is the mission of the Church, according to Matthew 28:19?

Make disciples of all nations. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four traditional marks of the Church?

<ol> <li>Unity of the Church; 2. Holiness; 3. Universality; 4. Apostolicity.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What three 'marks' did the Reformers add to the four traditional marks of the Church? Which of these was central to the Protestant Reformation?

<ol> <li>Preaching of the word of God; 2. Administration of the sacraments (central to reformers); 3. Church discipline.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What were the basic activities of the early Church in Jerusalem?

<ol> <li>Apostolic preaching; 2. Baptism; 3. Apostolic teaching; 4. Fellowship; 5. Common meals ('breaking of bread'); 6. Prayer.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What were the similarities and differences between the Eastern and Western interpretations of infant baptism from the fifth century onward?

Western view that baptism removed guilt Adam passed on to all humanity, but Easterners didn't believe in original guilt so baptism sanctified and dedicated infants to the Spirit. Signup and view all the answers

How do the Catholic, Lutheran, Anabaptist, and Reformed positions on baptism differ from one another?

Catholic- brings blessing; Lutheran- immersion; Anabaptist- rejection of infant baptism; Reformed- connection between faith and baptism. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation?

Bread and wine change (not outwardly) in substance into the body and blood of Christ. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the organization of the Roman Catholic Church versus Episcopalian, Presbyterian, and Congregational forms.

Catholic: Pope-Bishop-Archbishop-Regional Bishop-Priest; Episcopalian: Bishops-Priests-Deacons; Presbyterian: General Assembly-Presbytery-Session. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of purgatory in Catholic doctrine?

The souls of the just that, in the moment of death, are burdened with venial sins or temporal punishment because of sins, enter Purgatory. Signup and view all the answers

What do Catholics mean by 'limbus patrum' and 'limbus puerorum'?

Limbus Patrum - 'Limbo of the Fathers' where OT saints were detained until Christ set them free; Limbus Puerorum - abode of all unbaptized children. Signup and view all the answers

How does historic premillennialism interpret the thousand-year reign of Christ mentioned in Revelation 20?

Christ will return BEFORE the Millennium and will rule on earth for 1000 years. Signup and view all the answers

How does postmillennialism's view of history differ from both amillennialism and historic premillennialism?

Postmillennialism holds that Christ will return AFTER the Millennium, ruling through his Church. Signup and view all the answers

What are the differences between historic premillennialism and dispensational premillennialism?

Historic: Church inherited Israel's promises; Dispensational: very detailed, separate plans for Church and Israel. Signup and view all the answers

How does the biblical vision of the 'New Jerusalem' coming down out of heaven compare to Neoplatonic dualism?

The Bible says that heaven will come down to us, not that our souls will separate from our bodies and go up to heaven. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Atonement and Substitution

Advocates of general atonement reject penal substitution due to the belief that Christ died for all sins, negating the need for Him to suffer humanity's penalty again.

The "Descent into Hell"

Interpretations of "Christ descended into Hell" vary widely:
- Ignored by some
- Considered as mere burial
- Viewed as a visit to Hades for proclaiming victory
- Thought to involve releasing Old Testament saints
- Metaphor for spiritual suffering
- Seen as a destruction of hell as a possibility for believers

Creation Philosophies

Greek dualism posits that both God and matter are eternal.
Eastern pantheism asserts that all is divine, while Christianity distinctively separates God from non-eternal creation.

Worldviews on Existence

Dialectical Materialism (Marxism) links human history to economic progress.
Atheistic Evolutionism (Darwinism) posits that life emerged by chance from inanimate materials, evolving randomly.

Understanding Angels

Angels are defined as created spiritual beings, capable of appearing physically, serving God's people, existing hierarchically, possessing limited powers, and having free moral agency.

Image of God

Karl Barth describes the Image of God as rooted in relational existence among people rather than in individual capabilities.

Human Soul Origins

Traducianism posits that both body and soul develop from parents during gestation.
Creationism asserts that God individually creates and instills a soul into each human before birth.

Historical Account of the Fall

The genealogies linking Genesis 2 and 3 to subsequent chapters demonstrate the historicity of the biblical Fall rather than a mythical interpretation.

Nature of Sin

The tree of knowledge of good and evil symbolizes the loss of moral autonomy, meaning humans can no longer make independent moral decisions.

Original Sin and Guilt

Eastern church views original sin but not guilt, while Western theology includes both.

Synergism vs. Monergism

Synergism, associated with Eastern thought, emphasizes human cooperation with divine will for salvation.
Monergism, linked to Western thought, emphasizes God's solo action in salvation.

Free Will Perspectives

Indeterminism (Eastern view) posits a free will that is not inclined towards good or evil.
Self-determinism (Western view) suggests a will constantly in a decision-making state.

Common Beliefs on Sin and Free Will

Both Arminians and Calvinists acknowledge a sinful human nature, contrasting with Pelagius' belief in humanity's ability to achieve perfection and self-salvation.

Threats to Faith: Cerinthianism and Docetism

Both beliefs undermine the dual nature of Christ; Cerinthianism regards Jesus as fully human but only divinely chosen, while Docetism claims Christ was purely spirit, appearing human.

Kenosis Christology Interpretations

Kenosis suggests various understandings:
- The Son may relinquish some divine attributes.
- He could delegate His divine duties to the Father.
- He might choose not to utilize His divine powers.

Sinlessness of Christ

Two key perspectives include Christ as "able to not sin" and "not able to sin."

Afterlife Views

Greeks viewed death as a release of the soul into immortality, while Jews believed in the resurrection of the whole person — body and soul.

Historical Perspectives on the Messiah

Jews expect the Messiah's arrival to bring final judgment together, while Christians believe the Messiah has already come, awaiting the final judgment.

Resurrection Significance

Oscar Cullmann likens Christ's resurrection to D-Day, marking the turning point in the battle against sin and death, with victory assured though the final conflict continues until the Second Coming.

Evidence of Resurrection

Three principal evidences include:
- An empty tomb three days post-burial.
- Eyewitness accounts of the resurrected Jesus.
- The transformation of terrified disciples into bold witnesses.

Christ's Ascension

Defined as Christ's visible upward journey, the ascension has two implications:
- It affirms Christ's human nature.
- It proclaims that the incarnation continues post-ascension.

Accomplishments of Ascension

Christ's ascension confirms:
- His Lordship.
- The initiation of His high priestly ministry.
- The coming of the Holy Spirit.
- Preparation of a place for believers.
- Assurance of His visible return.

Nicene Creed Differences

The Eastern version omits "Filioque" ("and the Son") to maintain the Father's supremacy, which western interpretations include, impacting theological views on the Holy Spirit.

Pentacostalism and Cessationism

Pentacostalism emphasizes God's ongoing miraculous interventions.
Cessationism claims certain spiritual gifts have ceased in contemporary times.

Theosis in Eastern Orthodoxy

Theosis means deification and full restoration to God's likeness at Christ’s return, contrasting with Western salvation perspectives focused on legal terms like justification.

Doctrine of Election

"Particular election" is termed "unconditional election" as it emphasizes God’s exclusive decision in electing individuals, independent of human merit.

Roman Catholic "Ordo Salutis"

Five steps include:
- Baptism to remove original sin.
- Confirmation for spiritual strength and community affirmation.
- Eucharist as a means of grace.
- Penance for ongoing sin resolution.
- Extreme Unction for spiritual and physical healing.

Martin Luther's Justification View

Luther framed justification as forgiveness of sins and divine declaration of righteousness apart from works, contrasting with Catholic teachings requiring good deeds.

John Wesley's Contributions

Wesley advanced Arminian theology through:
- Emphasis on divine/prevenient grace.
- Clarification on justification.
- Insights into sanctification.

Indulgences and Lutheran Opposition

Indulgences, paid acts of penance, conflicted with Luther's tenet that forgiveness comes solely through faith in Jesus.

Old Testament Images of Israel

The Church is represented as the Bride, Flock, Vine, Royal Priesthood, and Temple, highlighting organic relationships rather than merely organizational structures.

Church's Mission According to Matthew

The Church is tasked to "make disciples of all nations."

Marks of the Church

Four traditional marks are unity, holiness, universality, and apostolicity.

Reformation Marks of the Church

Reformers added preaching of the Word, sacraments administration (central to reformers), and church discipline to the traditional marks.

Early Church Activities

Early Jerusalem Church engaged in:
- Apostolic preaching.
- Baptism.
- Teaching.
- Fellowship.
- Common meals.
- Prayer.

Infant Baptism Interpretations

Western views link baptism to removal of inherited guilt, while Eastern perspectives focus on its role in sanctification and dedication, ignoring guilt concepts.

Baptism Positions Comparison

Catholic teachings view baptism as conferring grace.
Lutheran beliefs emphasize immersion symbolizing death to sin.
Anabaptists reject infant baptism.
Reformed theology connects faith to the sacramental sign of the New Covenant.

Transubstantiation Doctrine

In Catholicism, bread and wine transform into the body and blood of Christ while retaining their outward appearance.

Church Organization Structures

Roman Catholic hierarchy is Pope, bishops, archbishops, regional bishops, and priests.
Episcopalian structure includes bishops, priests, and deacons.
Presbyterian organization involves a General Assembly, presbytery, and session.

Function of Purgatory

In Catholic doctrine, Purgatory serves as a purification for souls burdened with minor sins at death before entering heaven.

Limbo Concepts in Catholicism

Limbus Patrum refers to the holding place for OT saints until Christ’s resurrection.
Limbus Puerorum is for unbaptized children, who neither face punishment nor receive heaven's blessings.

Historic Premillennialism

Interprets Christ's return as occurring before the Millennium, ruling on earth for 1000 years and allowing the Church to inherit Israel's promises.

Postmillennialism Perspective

Foresees Christ's return after the Millennium, governed through the Church, unlike amillennialism’s symbolic view or historic premillennialism's pre-Millennial return.

Historic vs. Dispensational Premillennialism

Historic premillennialism sees Church as inheriting Israel's promises post-tribulation, while dispensationalism maintains separate plans for Israel and the Church with a pre-tribulation rapture.

New Jerusalem vs. Neoplatonism

The biblical vision of the New Jerusalem emphasizes God's descent to dwell with humanity, opposing Plato’s idea of souls separating from bodies and ascending to heaven.

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Test your understanding of key concepts from the Dorman chapter with these flashcards. Engage with pivotal questions about general atonement and interpretations of scripture to deepen your theological knowledge. Perfect for study sessions before a final assessment.