Theology Final Exam Review

Introduction to Theology

• Theology final exam review questions and answers in study note format

Quarrelling

• Quarrelling is an attempt to prove the other person wrong.

Mere Christianity

• Originally presented as a series of radio talks.

Law of Human Nature

• Also known as the Law of Nature, Morality, the Moral Law, Decent Conduct, and the Law of Right and Wrong.
• Believed by many as common knowledge, not needing to be taught.

Evidence of the Law of Human Nature

• People often make excuses for behaving badly, implying a sense of what constitutes good conduct.
• Moral teachings from ancient societies share striking similarities regarding right and wrong.

Book 1, Chapter 1 of Mere Christianity

• Establishes the existence of the Law of Human Nature.
• Recognizes a pattern of human beings deviating from this Law.

Inscription of the Moral Law

• God inscribed the Moral Law onto human hearts.

Herd Instinct

• A powerful desire for self-protection and helping one's own kind.

Instinct vs. Moral Law

• Instincts are neither good nor bad in themselves.
• The moral Law represents an independent standard distinct from instinctive desires.

The Law of Human Nature's Role

• The Law of Human Nature provides a framework for resolving conflicts between competing impulses.

Social Conventions

• Learned and man-made rules, distinct from the inherent Moral Law.

Basis of the Moral Law

• The Moral Law is rooted in what people ought to do, though often fail to.

Human Nature's Contradictory Nature

• Humans possess an innate understanding of how to behave but often fail to uphold this standard.

Law of Nature vs. Law of Human Nature

• The Law of Nature describes what things do.
• The Law of Human Nature describes what people ought to do.

Meaning of the Moral Law

• The Moral Law embodies the concept of decent conduct.

Views on the Universe's Origin

• Materialist View: Attributes the universe's existence to pure chance and matter alone.
• Religious View: Believes in a purposeful origin, influenced by a higher power.

Evidence from the Universe and Moral Law

• The existence of the universe and the Moral Law suggest a higher power behind these phenomena.
• The universe implies a creator with design and preferences.
• The Moral Law suggests a creator interested in right conduct.

God's Revelation

• A higher power may reveal itself through internal influence or command.

Purpose of the Moral Law

• The purpose of the Moral Law guides towards goodness and virtuous behavior.

"Going Back" as the Quickest Way Forward

• Acknowledging mistakes and returning to the correct path leads to progress.

Understanding Christianity

• Christianity requires acknowledging a powerful force behind the Moral Law and the consequences of violating it.

Aspects of Morality

• Harmony with oneself.
• Harmony with other people.
• Harmony with God (or a higher power).

Mortal vs. Venial Sin

• Mortal sins destroy charity; venial sins diminish it.

Terms Related to Morality

• Fair play – Harmony between individuals.
• General purpose of life – Harmony between humanity and the divine power.

Principle Passions

• Love, hatred, anger, joy, desire, fear, and sadness are fundamental human emotions.

Cardo

• Means "hinge" or "pivotal."

Theological Virtues

• Faith, hope, and charity (love).

Self-Love

• Wishing one's own good.

Cardinal Virtues

• Fortitude, prudence, temperance, and justice.

Fortitude

• Courage.

Prudence

• Sound judgment or common sense.

Temperance

• Self-discipline.

The Golden Rule

• Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Church's Meaning

• Misunderstanding: Usually refers to the clergy.
• Proper Meaning: Encompasses all practicing Christians.

Christian Community Characteristics

• Obedience, courtesy, and avoiding passengers/parasites (those who take without contributing).

Charity (Giving)

• Give more than you can spare.

Tithing

• Giving 10% of one's income to charity.

Obstacle to Giving

• Fear of insecurity.

Human Progression

• Individuals progressively become heavenly or hellish creatures through their choices.

Sexual Appetite

• The normal desire for sex is often misguided and destructive.

Body Appreciation in Christianity

• Christianity is nearly unique in approving of the body.

Christian Marriage Justice

• Faithful adherence to marital vows.

Appetites and Indulgence

• Indulging appetites increases their strength and dominance.

Christian Marriage Basis

• Christian marriage is based on Christ's teachings.

Essence of Marriage

• Marriage is built upon quiet and deep love.

Sex Outside Marriage

• Sex outside marriage isolates and separates from other important aspects of human connection.

Being in Love as a Basis for Marriage

• "Being in love" is a feeling, not a solid foundation for marriage longevity.

Forgiveness and Eternal Life

• Forgiveness for others is essential to receive forgiveness from a higher power.

Unpopular Virtue

• Forgiveness is often less popular than chastity.

Beginning Forgiveness

• Begin by forgiving small offenses or perceived offenses.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

• Wisdom, knowledge, understanding, wonder and awe, courage, right judgment, and reverence.

Loving God

• Wishing God's good.

Greatest Sin

• Pride is the greatest sin.

Deadly Sins

• Pride, gluttony, greed (avarice), lust, envy, anger, and sloth.

Lively Virtues

• Humility, asceticism, generosity, chastity, admiration, forgiveness, and zeal for the mission.

Counteracting Deadly Sins

• Virtues opposed to certain deadly sins.

Pride as Root Cause

• Pride is often the root cause of other sins.

Presence of God

• Being in God's presence leads to self-forgetfulness.

Humility First Step

• Realizing pride is the first step to achieving humility.

Charity's Meaning

• True charity is about wanting the best for others.

Techniques for Improvement

• Morality and psychoanalysis can help to improve one's life.

Moral Choices

• Moral choices involve both actions and sentiments.

Grave Matter Specification

• The Ten Commandments outline grave matter.

Morality's Focus

• Morality focuses on acts of choice.

Judging Others

• Humans often judge others based on outward conduct.

Becoming Heavenly/Hellish

• Each choice contributes to becoming either a heavenly or hellish creature.

Celibacy

• Complete abstinence from sexual activity.

Action Steps for Loving Neighbor

• Acting loving towards others, even if difficult.

Everyday Decisions

• Small decisions impact lives greatly.

Virtue of Hope

• Continual anticipation and focus on eternal life.

The Fool's Way

• Dissatisfaction, boredom, and restlessness stemming from seeking transient gratification.