Theology of Divine Revelation and Creation

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Questions and Answers

Both John 1 and Genesis 1 start exactly the same with 'in the beginning'.

True

Only Genesis 1 uses 'light & dark'.

False

Genesis 1- _____________________

creation

Genesis 1:26+27:_________________

God makes men Signup and view all the answers

John 1:1- In the beginning was the ___ and the was with _ and the ______ was God.

word, word, God, word Signup and view all the answers

What does being/essence equal?

God Signup and view all the answers

Who is the word?

Jesus Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of Wind, Breath, spirit?

Ruah Signup and view all the answers

Wisdom as ' ___' sounds like a person co-existing with God.

Lady wisdom Signup and view all the answers

What was the 1st was in John 1 referencing?

Israelite Theology of Creation Signup and view all the answers

What was the 2nd was in John 1 referencing?

Israelite Theology Eternal relationship with God Signup and view all the answers

What was the 3rd was in John 1 referencing?

Philosophy of Esse/Being Signup and view all the answers

In John 1, the 1st was meant that the word is where?

at creation Signup and view all the answers

In John 1, the 2nd was meant that the word existed _ _____-

before creation Signup and view all the answers

In John 1, the 3rd was meant that the word created __________.

everything Signup and view all the answers

Gen 1: everything made is by god speaking = _ ______.

the word Signup and view all the answers

Who is the inner light of conscience?

God Signup and view all the answers

In 1:14, the word becomes what?

flesh Signup and view all the answers

_ ____ wanted to prove that miracles can't happen.

David Hume Signup and view all the answers

David Hume's theory goes against ___________.

science Signup and view all the answers

What was David Hume's definition of science?

A miracle is an act of God that violates nature Signup and view all the answers

David Hume said that if a miracle contradicts God's law of nature, and God can't do that, therefore miracles don't exist.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the church's definition of a miracle?

A miracle perfects nature back to its original form Signup and view all the answers

Book of Isaiah was written in _________ b.c.

750 Signup and view all the answers

'Exalted on High'=

cross Signup and view all the answers

'marred beyond recognition'=

scourging Signup and view all the answers

'infirmities he bore'=

our sins Signup and view all the answers

'Pierced'=

nailed to the cross Signup and view all the answers

What is Revelation and what does the word mean?

How God made himself known to us. Revelation is the act of making yourself known Signup and view all the answers

How does Divine Revelation differ from natural Revelation in both form and content?

Natural he makes himself known to humanity through works in creation. Divine is by speaking to all mankind or chosen individuals equal to supernatural Signup and view all the answers

The prologue of the Gospel of St. John says, 'The Word become Flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth' (Jn 1:14). What does this imply about Jesus Christ and his role in Revelation?

God's role in revelation is shown through grace Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between Natural and Supernatural truths?

Natural truth you can physically see and supernatural truth you cannot Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of supernatural truths?

Jesus is human and divine Signup and view all the answers

Divine Revelation is received both directly and mediately. What is the difference? Give an example of each.

Directly is from God himself example Jesus. Mediately through another person example church Signup and view all the answers

What does Divine Revelation reveal about God's loving nature?

God loves us so much that he is trying to make himself known to us Signup and view all the answers

When the Father reveals Himself, he makes known the mystery of his will. What is the Father's will?

By which through Christ, the Word made flesh, man might in the Holy Spirit have access to the Father and come to share in the divine nature Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of God's grace in Divine Revelation?

Revelation is God making himself known to us. We must have faith in him that he is there and with us through grace Signup and view all the answers

God reveals spiritual truth through people and specifically through the Church herself. What does this indicate about God's plan for salvation?

God's salvation is ongoing and he wants us to believe in him through the church Signup and view all the answers

What makes the Church an especially trustworthy mediator of God's Revelation?

The Church holds all the answers of God Signup and view all the answers

What are the four main motives of credibility?

Miracles, prophecies, the life of Christ, and the life of the Church Signup and view all the answers

Choose 2 of the 4 kinds of external signs of God's Revelation (miracles, prophecies, the life of Christ, and the life of the Church), and describe one example of each from Scripture, the lives of the saints, or the history of the Church.

Miracles: walking on water. If we were to deny the existence of God, we would also have to deny the possibility of miracles. Prophecies: Isaiah. Verification of its own truthfulness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the miracles performed by Jesus, and the miracles performed by the Apostles?

The apostles performed miracles by Christ's authority and Christ performs by his authority Signup and view all the answers

For a Marian Apparition, how does an investigation consider the probability of a supernatural occurrence?

It only happens to one person and it mainly is a personal situation which makes the apparition appear to that one person Signup and view all the answers

Give a brief description of the apparition at Lourdes.

Bernadette Soubirous was 14, uneducated and poor. She was the first of 18 people to see Mary. Mary was dressed in complete white attire. She tried telling the pastor but he did not believe her. The lady wanted Bernadette to build a chapel in the lady's honor. The pastor told her to ask for the lady's name and she went and did just that. She went back and asked for her name the lady said 'I am the immaculate conception.' Bernadette didn't know what that meant but she went and told the pastor. The pastor finally believed her and built a church in the grotto in her honor. Signup and view all the answers

Give a brief description of the apparition at Fatima.

In May 1917 there were three children in Fatima, Portugal. The children were Jacinta, Lucia, and Francisco their ages were 9, 10, and 7. They have been waiting and preparing for Mary ever since an angel told them that she was coming to them soon. When she came, she was dressed in white, and brighter than the sun. Mary told the children that she came from heaven and that she should visit them in Fatima. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'the fulfillment of our desires and humanity'?

Union with God is the very purpose for which we were made and thus represents the ultimate fulfillment of our desires and humanity Signup and view all the answers

What does 'the Truth revealed by Christ lead a person toward'?

Sincere and faultless love, and fulfills our quest to understand the meaning of our existence Signup and view all the answers

'From the dawn of Christianity, the Church spread rapidly and won converts around the known world.' Why is this surprising?

Despite a hostile environment, opposing ideas and customs, and disciples who had very little social or intellectual influence Signup and view all the answers

Explain how a person is free to accept or reject Divine Revelation.

Human or intellect encounters and presents these truths, but then it is up to the individual's free will to admit or reject that they have come from God Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to say faith is an act?

Because we choose to have faith in God Signup and view all the answers

How can it be said the act of faith is supernatural?

That it requires the help of grace from the very beginning Signup and view all the answers

What are the two reasons that the act of faith is most certain?

Because it comes on the authority of God, the source of revelation Signup and view all the answers

The gradual Revelation throughout the Old Testament culminates in the ultimate Revelation in Jesus Christ. Using one of the stories used in the previous question, explain how the Person of Jesus Christ perfects the message of God contained in the Old Testament.

Before the plagues, Moses told the Pharaoh that if he doesn't free his people, he will punish him with the 7 plagues. Signup and view all the answers

God does not reveal himself all at once but gradually over time. Each story in the Old Testament shows how God led believers to him through the gradual Revelation of His identity and message. Choose two stories from the Old Testament, and explain how they help characterize the way God chooses to reveal himself to the world.

The 7 plagues in Exodus show how God helped Moses with telling the Pharaoh of Egypt that there is only one God and to let his people go out of slavery. Just like when Moses parts the Red Sea, an angel sent from heaven told Joshua to walk around Jericho for 6 days. Joshua was confused by the angel and wanted to know how God would help. The angel said that if God gave Moses the ability to part the Red Sea, God would give Joshua the ability to part rock. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between these phrases: 'I believe in God' and 'I believe God'?

If you say you believe in God, you are his follower. If you say you believe God, you are saying you trust in his revelation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Concepts of Divine Revelation and Theology

Both John 1 and Genesis 1 begin with "In the beginning," highlighting a shared theological foundation.
Light and dark are referenced in both texts, emphasizing a common theme in creation narratives.
John 1 describes all things coming into existence through the Word, correlating with the Genesis concept of creation.
In Genesis 1:26-27, God is depicted as creating humanity, paralleling the notion of being children of God in John 1:12.

Nature of the Word and Jesus Christ

The Word represents Jesus, indicating His co-existence with God and divine nature.
Ruah symbolizes wind, breath, or spirit, linking to the overarching concept of God's essence.
Lady Wisdom in Proverbs presents a personified concept of wisdom, co-existing with God, further enriching theological discussions.

Theology of Creation

The first 'was' in John 1 relates to Israelite Theology of Creation, emphasizing God's foundational role in existence.
The second 'was' signifies the Eternal relationship between God and the Word, asserting the Word's pre-creation existence.
The third 'was' reflects the Philosophy of Esse/Being, affirming the Word's creative power.

Nature of Miracles and David Hume's Philosophy

Miracles are acts of divine intervention that David Hume critiques, positing that they contradict natural law and therefore cannot exist.
The Church's definition of a miracle emphasizes restoration to an original, perfect state, contrasting Hume's perspective.
David Hume defines science as occurrences that adhere to natural laws, challenging the validity of miracles as divine acts.

Divine and Natural Revelation

Divine Revelation occurs directly (e.g., through Jesus) and mediately (e.g., via the Church), illustrating how God communicates with humanity.
Natural Revelation involves God revealing Himself through creation, while supernatural truths concern concepts beyond physical observation, such as Jesus' dual nature.
Faith is seen as an act of choice, underscoring personal agency in accepting or rejecting God's Revelation.

Significance of Mary Apparitions

Apparitions such as those at Lourdes and Fatima signify personal encounters with the divine, reflecting individual experiences of faith.
At Lourdes, Bernadette Soubirous saw Mary, leading to the establishment of a significant sanctuary; at Fatima, three children experienced a profound encounter with Mary, affirming her role in divine messages.

Role of the Church in Salvation

The Church serves as a trustworthy mediator of God's Revelation, guiding believers through its teachings and traditions.
The four main motives of credibility include miracles, prophecies, the life of Christ, and the life of the Church, supporting the authenticity of divine messages.
God's grace is vital in understanding and accessing divine truths, emphasizing the importance of faith in the divine relationship.

Gradual Revelation and the Old Testament

The gradual nature of God’s Revelation in the Old Testament highlights His method of leading believers through historical events.
Stories such as the plagues of Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea illustrate God’s direct intervention and reveal His identity as the one true God.
The narratives reflect God's desire to guide His people, showing the evolving understanding of His nature across biblical history.

Faith as Trust in Revelation

The distinction between "I believe in God" and "I believe God" emphasizes the depth of trust in divine revelation versus mere acknowledgment of God's existence.
The gradual unfolding of Revelation unfolds a richer understanding of God's intention for union with humanity, representing the ultimate fulfillment of desires through faith and communion.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of divine revelation as presented in John 1 and Genesis 1. This quiz delves into the nature of the Word, the theological implications of creation, and the interplay between light and darkness in these foundational texts. Understand how these ideas shape the understanding of Jesus Christ and God's essence.