THEO 104: Introduction to Christian Thought

Study Guide

Week 1: Introduction to Theology

Textbook Readings:

Towns: Introduction & Ch. 1

1. What year was Jesus born? 4BC in Bethleham, South Palestine to an unknown family 2. When was Christianity made Rome’s National Religion? 313 AD 3. What is the Incarnation? God becoming man and taking on flesh 4. Does the Bible states that Jesus was the creator of the world. Yes (John 1:3; Col. 1:16) 5. Did Jesus claim to have supernatural origins. Yes (John 16:28, 17:5) 6. Who Baptized Jesus? John the Baptist 7. Did Jesus allow people to worship him? Yes (Matt. 8:2, 14:33; Mark 5:6)

Etzel & Gutierrez: Introduction & Chs. 1-5

1. Why does the author
1. Bible says 2. Jesus affirms 3. Father recognized 4. God implies 5. Gives life

"Canonicity: The Standard for Including Books in Scripture" - Pg. 79-88

1. What four criteria determine that person is a biblical prophet? 1. Revelation claimed 2. Agree with the word 3. Predictability 4. Must not lead people astray

5. What are the 12 main arguments against adding the Apocrypha to the cannon (the Bible)?
1. Weak
2. Errors.
3. OT in nature, but written in Greek
4. Not quoted by Jesus or NT writers.
5. Salvation nonexistent.
6. Messianic prophecies non existent
7. Inspired not claimed
8. Canon, not included in Hebrew.
9. Philo never referred to it.
10. Jerome did not include it.
11. Spirituality is low.
12. Contradicts scripture.
13. Late addition to the Canon

"Arguments that the Bible is the Word of God" - Pg. 43-48

1. What three arguments are the basis for arguments from revelation? 2. What empirical evidence sets Christianity apart from other belief systems? No other religious book claims that it’s founder rose from the dead, and is based on the belief of the resurrection of Christ 3. Name two sources that establish an early date of scripture. 1. Dead Sea Scrolls 2. Septuagint

"Bibliology" - Pg. 28-42

1. What is Revelation? The act whereby God gives us knowledge about Himself which we could not otherwise know. The act whereby God gives us knowledge