The Rule of Faith: Week 1 - Introduction (multiple choice)

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Questions and Answers

What is the classic definition of theology?

Faith seeking understanding (correct)

A means of evangelization

Understanding God through catechesis

A defense of religious doctrines

What does the term 'Rule of Faith' signify?

A set of laws governing religious practice

A doctrine promoting freedom of belief

A standard of authentic apostolic teaching (correct)

The principles of catechesis

Who was Irenaeus and what was his significance in relation to the Rule of Faith?

A heretic challenging the standard teachings of Christianity

A philosopher advocating theological skepticism

An early Church father connecting teachings from Polycarp and the apostles (correct)

A Roman bishop who formulated the Nicene Creed

Which creed was finalized at the second ecumenical council in Constantinople?

Nicene Creed Signup and view all the answers

What point did Tertullian make regarding the Rule of Faith?

It is universally accepted without error among Christian churches Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'profound truths of the Christian faith' imply?

The complex and deeply ingrained beliefs in Christian tradition Signup and view all the answers

Why is the first theology class at AI referred to as a 'rule of faith'?

It provides a foundation for understanding God's revelations Signup and view all the answers

What historical significance does 1 Corinthians 15 hold in the context of tradition?

It establishes a core standard of teaching received from the apostles Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason that the author believes is necessary for writing in a Theology Master's program?

To enhance understanding of complex topics Signup and view all the answers

According to Hart, what is NOT a prerequisite for concluding that God exists?

Personal revelation Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) emphasized in the theological structure presented?

It provides a comprehensive presentation of the faith Signup and view all the answers

What does Hart suggest is a viable method to engage atheists about the desire of God?

Appealing to feelings of wonder Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects St. Thomas Aquinas' approach as mentioned in the content?

Reason can independently validate faith. Signup and view all the answers

The CCC is described as a synthesis of Christian faith; what is a notable feature of its content?

It incorporates various quotes from tradition and scripture. Signup and view all the answers

In engaging with atheists, which method of leading them to God is highlighted?

Fostering personal encounters with Christ Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental shift does the content imply regarding the relationship between faith and reason?

Both faith and reason should work in conjunction. Signup and view all the answers

What does Kant believe should remain as the core of religion?

Pure reason and moral duty Signup and view all the answers

How does Kant view the commandment to love God?

As an obligation towards moral duty Signup and view all the answers

What concept does Rationalism refer to in Kant's philosophy?

Interpreting revealed religion through rational principles Signup and view all the answers

What does Newman imply about different creeds in his speech?

One creed is necessarily superior Signup and view all the answers

What does Scheeben emphasize about theology compared to Kant?

Understanding mysteries rather than simplifying them Signup and view all the answers

Kant's view of revealed religion can best be described as what?

A vehicle to universal rational truths Signup and view all the answers

What does the Rule of Faith represent in the context of Scheeben’s theology?

An entryway into deeper understanding of mysteries Signup and view all the answers

What does Kant propose regarding the nature of God's love?

It should be understood as an obligation of moral duty Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, how does the approach to theology differ between Kant and Scheeben?

Scheeben encourages a movement from reason to revealed truths Signup and view all the answers

What critique does Newman place on liberal interpretation of creeds?

It promotes excessive autonomy in belief systems Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the relationship between reason and revelation according to Scheeben?

Reason serves as a guide to understanding revelation Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'moralistic therapeutic theism' refer to in Smith's article?

A common religious disposition among teens Signup and view all the answers

How is the nature of 'mystery' described in relation to God's revelations?

It invites deeper exploration and understanding Signup and view all the answers

In which way does Kant view monastic prayer?

As an irrational act needing reinterpretation Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of MTD (moralistic therapeutic deism)?

It asks nothing of its followers. Signup and view all the answers

How does the understanding of God as love evolve according to the content?

It develops from a simplistic interpretation to a deeper communion. Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as lacking in a narrow view of the mysteries of Christian faith?

The complexity and depth of God's love. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is the initial goal of the Catholic apologist?

To make the implicit desire for God explicit. Signup and view all the answers

How is the desire for God described in relation to instinct and aptitude?

It is an unsatisfied longing that requires reflection. Signup and view all the answers

What does David Bentley Hart argue regarding the longing for God?

It reflects a profound wonder about existence itself. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents a misconception about God, as highlighted in the content?

God is a finite and observable entity. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of existence prompts the highest level of wonder according to the content?

The simple fact of existence itself. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of understanding the mysteries of faith, as suggested in the material?

It leads to a deeper love for God. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, the role of the Church is described as:

A permanent expression of the love demonstrated on the cross. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'the unknown god' refer to in Acts 17?

The desire for God written on human hearts. Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental question does David Bentley Hart explore about existence?

Why there is something rather than nothing. Signup and view all the answers

What common assumption does Hart challenge regarding intelligence and belief in God?

That intelligence inevitably leads to disbelief. Signup and view all the answers

What best encapsulates the overarching aim of the course as outlined in the content?

To elucidate the Christian faith as an invitation to deeper love. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'contingent' refer to in relation to things in the universe?

Things that can either exist or not exist Signup and view all the answers

What is the main implication of the universe's possibility of non-existence?

It points to the need for an explanation beyond contingent beings Signup and view all the answers

Which concept explains the need for a being that cannot not exist?

Necessary being Signup and view all the answers

How do the arguments presented oppose the notion that the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts?

The whole remains contingent despite its parts Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinction between Hart's ontological question and a scientific inquiry?

Ontology is concerned with existence's reason, while science addresses how things came to be Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'pure actuality' imply about a necessary being?

It exists without any potentiality to not exist Signup and view all the answers

Why do the concepts of mathematics and formulas matter in this context?

They indicate an underlying order to the universe Signup and view all the answers

What would be the consequence of considering an answer to existence as 'they just are'?

It avoids deeper inquiry into the nature of existence Signup and view all the answers

What is Hart's ultimate assertion about human reason in relation to God?

Human reason can reach knowledge of God despite obstacles Signup and view all the answers

In what way is nature described in relation to understanding the supernatural?

Nature hints at but cannot fully encapsulate the supernatural Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best summarizes Hart's challenge regarding perception of God?

God is beyond comprehension and cannot be conceptualized Signup and view all the answers

What does human restlessness signify in the context of existence?

A search for deeper meaning behind existence Signup and view all the answers

How is Hart's view on God's existence characterized compared to common beliefs?

It is rooted in reason and the experience of wonder Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'necessary being' convey about God in this framework?

God is essential for the existence of all contingent beings Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of existence does Hart argue is often overlooked by atheistic explanations?

The inability of science to address why there is something instead of nothing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Theology Course Overview

Theology is a course of study, not catechesis or evangelization, focused on understanding God's revelation.
It involves "faith seeking understanding," exploring Christian truths comprehensively as revealed by God.
The course delves into the central mysteries of the Christian faith, drawing on established theological tradition.
It examines core teachings like the Rule of Faith, tracing its development from the apostles to modern times.

Rule of Faith

The Rule of Faith emerged in the second century to distinguish authentic apostolic teaching from inaccuracies.
Key figures like Irenaeus (taught by Polycarp, who knew John) emphasized the continuity of apostolic tradition, emphasizing a consistent historical transmission of truth.
Tertullian also recognized a universal rule of faith present across all Christian churches.
Creeds, like the Nicene (325/381) and Apostle's (Church of Rome), evolved from these early confessions.

Rationalism and Theology

Immanuel Kant's theology emphasized a rational core within revealed religion (Christianity).
Kant interpreted Christian tenets through a rational framework, focusing on the moral duty to love.
This approach impacted the understanding of religious practices.
19th-century German theologian, Scheeben, countered by emphasizing the importance of divine mysteries.

Mystery and Theology

Scheeben saw theology as an exploration of divine mysteries, not solely as a rationalization of revelation.
Mysteries are unknowable completely but essential for deeper understanding and growth in faith.
Understanding mysteries isn't about finding a comprehensive answer but seeking to discover more about God and Christian belief.
This diverges from Kant's rational approach.

Natural Desire for God

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) highlights an inherent human desire for God within all humans.
This desire, though often obscured, is not an instinct or aptitude alone but rather an enduring, unfulfilled longing.
Examples like Paul's encounter in Acts 17 ( "to the unknown God") suggest human capacity to discern divine truth.

Defining God

The understanding of God should focus on His necessity for existence, not on immanence.
David Bentley Hart argues that humans can recognize God through profound wonder at the existence of the universe.
Contending with Atheistic Perspectives:
- The question "Why is there something rather than nothing?" is ontological, not scientific.
- Atheistic explanations (scientific or philosophical) lack ontological justification.

Conclusion

The goal of the course is to understand the Rule of Faith, exploring and understanding the Christian mysteries.
This understanding, driven by reason and faith, leads to a deeper understanding of the divine, enhancing the love for God.
The course utilizes the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) alongside other texts, to provide broader context and understanding of the Catholic faith.

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of theology as a course of study, focusing on understanding God's revelation. This quiz delves into the Rule of Faith and its historical significance in distinguishing authentic teachings in Christianity.