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DOCTRINE: LIVING TRUTH

DOCTRINE: LIVING TRUTH


A introductory course in Christian Theology
Based upon Alister McGrath's Theology; The Basics
THE APOSTLES CREED
This book is based loosely on the Apostles
Creed, which is widely used as a basic
summary of the Christian faith and included
as part of public worship in many places. It
is a simple statement that gives a good
framework for exploring central ideas of
Christian theology. The version below was
written in about the eight century,
Part 1- 5 marks
Part 2 - 15 marks
Part 3 - 10 marks

90%+ correct - 5 marks /15 / 10


70%+ correct - 3 marks / 10 / 7
50%+ correct - 1 mark / 3 / 2
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son,
our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy
Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered
under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died,
and was buried; he descended to the
dead. On the third day he rose again; he
ascended into heaven, he is seated at the
right hand of the Father, and he will
come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy
catholic Church, the communion of
saints, the forgiveness of sins, the
resurrection of the body, and the life
everlasting. Amen.
Assignment:
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy
Memorise the
catholic Church, the communion of
saints, the forgiveness of sins, the

Apostles Creed
resurrection of the body, and the life
everlasting. Amen.

as stated here.
GETTING STARTED
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Christian theology involves talking about God
from a Christian perspective - in a Christian
way.
This is different to the way that other religions
will talk or think about God.
It is the process of looking at the Bible and
bringing together the different themes
contained in it,
and also,
the result of that reflection, the ideas that come
often we call this doctrine (teachings).
Christians also use creeds (brief statements
of the Christian faith) for teaching purposes
many Christian theologians argue that
Christian theology is the exploration of the
basic ideas of these creeds, their basis in
the Bible and their impact on Christian
thinking and living.
Christians also use creeds (brief statements
of the Christian faith) for teaching purposes
many TheChristian
word creed
theologians
comes from
arguethe
that
Christian
Latintheology
credo meaning,
is the exploration
I believe
of the
basic ideas of these creeds, their basis in
the Bible and their impact on Christian
thinking and living.
HOW DO WE STUDY THEOLOGY?

If you had to write a new course on


theology to be taught at your
church how would you go about it,
what resources would you use?
HOW DO WE STUDY THEOLOGY?

1. From Theologians
2. Looking at the History of Christian
Theology
3. By Topic (subject)
1. FROM
THEOLOGIANS
We might read different theologians and
see their approach and how they develop
their ideas,
- how do they deal with different
arguments,
- how do they use the Bible and other
theologians?
McGrath mentions two theologians from
the classic era of Christian theology,
i)______________________________________
_______________________________________
(Latin, the total of theology) which is one of
the most admired works of systematic
theology.
McGrath mentions two theologians from
the classic era of Christian theology,
Thomas Aquinas (ca. 1225-1274),
i)______________________________________
wrote Summa Theologiae
_______________________________________
(Latin, the total of theology) which is one of
the most admired works of systematic
theology.
McGrath mentions two theologians from
the classic era of Christian theology,
Thomas Aquinas (ca. 1225-1274),
i)______________________________________
wrote Summa Theologiae
_______________________________________
(Latin, the total of theology) which is one of
the most admired works of systematic
theology.
ii) ____________________________________
_______________________________________
one of the most important works of
Christian theology.
John Calvin (1509-1564) wrote
ii) ____________________________________
Institutes of the Christian Religion
_______________________________________
one of the most important works of
Christian theology.
In the 20th century two theologians are
often looked at with special interest,
_______________________________________
______________________________________,
thought of as one of the most important
theological works of this period.
In the 20th century two theologians are
often looked at with special interest,
i) Karl Barth (1886-1968), a Protestant,
_______________________________________
who wrote Church Dogmatics
______________________________________,
thought of as one of the most important
theological works of this period.
In the 20th century two theologians are
often looked at with special interest,
i) Karl Barth (1886-1968), a Protestant,
_______________________________________
who wrote Church Dogmatics
______________________________________,
thought of as one of the most important
theological works of this period.
KARL BARTH WAS A SWISS REFORMED
THEOLOGIAN WHO IS OFTEN REGARDED AS
THE GREATEST PROTESTANT THEOLOGIAN
OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY.
WIKIPEDIA
"FAITH IS AWE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE
DIVINE INCOGNITO; IT IS THE LOVE OF
GOD THAT IS AWARE OF THE
QUALITATIVE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOD
AND MAN AND GOD AND THE WORLD."
ii) ____________________________________,
a Catholic, who wrote Theological
Investigations, which reestablished the use
of short theological essays in theological
debate and exploration.
Karl Rahner (1904-84)
ii) ____________________________________,
a Catholic, who wrote Theological
Investigations, which reestablished the use
of short theological essays in theological
debate and exploration.
KARL RAHNER, WAS A GERMAN JESUIT
PRIEST AND THEOLOGIAN WHO IS
CONSIDERED ONE OF THE MOST
INFLUENTIAL CATHOLIC THEOLOGIANS
OF THE 20TH CENTURY.
WIKIPEDIA
THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF ATHEISM IS
CHRISTIANS. THOSE WHO PROCLAIM HIM
WITH THEIR MOUTHS AND DENY HIM WITH
THEIR ACTIONS IS WHAT AN UNBELIEVING
WORLD FINDS UNBELIEVABLE.
What are the strengths
and weaknesses of
studying theologians
in order to decide our
doctrine?
Although there are good points in this
approach it is demanding for students who
would have to read a large amount of
material and know a lot of background
material before being able to properly
understand the subject.
And, as McGrath puts it, Why limit the
study of theology to such a limited number
of figures?
2. HISTORICAL
THEOLOGY
This means looking at the history of
2. HISTORICAL
Christian theology and seeing how
THEOLOGY
it has developed through the ages.
This doesnt focus on individuals and their
efforts but requires much study by students
in looking at how over 2000 years Christian
thinking has evolved.
Each theologian will have their own opinion
on how to divide this period up in order to
make it manageable but McGrath suggests
this structure:
_______________________________________
This term really indicates that it is a period
of time involved or starting with the
apostles, when the New Testament
documents were written. Christianity
expanded across the Mediterranean with
Paul, with the events of the book of Acts
being pivotal.
1.The Apostolic Period - the first
100 years
_______________________________________
This term really indicates that it is a period
of time involved or starting with the
apostles, when the New Testament
documents were written. Christianity
expanded across the Mediterranean with
Paul, with the events of the book of Acts
being pivotal.
1.The Apostolic Period - the first
100 years
_______________________________________
This term really indicates that it is a period
of time involved or starting with the
apostles, when the New Testament
documents were written. Christianity
expanded across the Mediterranean with
Paul, with the events of the book of Acts
being pivotal.
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Patristic comes from the Greek patres,
meaning fathersa term used to refer to
the writers of this period.
2. The Patristic Period
_______________________________________
From approximately 100 to 451 (The
_______________________________________
Council of Chalcedon).
_______________________________________
Patristic comes from the Greek patres,
meaning fathersa term used to refer to
the writers of this period.
The Council of Chalcedon was a landmark
in clarifying thinking about some issues but
especially Jesus Christ. During this period
the church, Jesus Christ, the Trinity, and the
relationship of grace and freewill were
heavily explored.
The Council of Chalcedon was a landmark
in clarifying thinking about some issues but
especially Jesus Christ. During this period
the church, Jesus Christ, the Trinity, and the
relationship of grace and freewill were
heavily explored.
The Council of Chalcedon, A.D. 451
Summoned by the emperor Marcian, at the
instance of the Roman bishop Leo
Composed of 520 (some say 630) bishops.
Among these were 3 delegates of the
bishop of Rome, 2 bishops of Africa, and
the rest all Greeks and Orientals.
Fixed the orthodox doctrine of the person
of Christ in opposition to Eutychianism and
Nestorianism. (Schaff, History of the Church)
RESTART
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
(Medieval means a middle age, or
intervening period). Theologically this time
produced some very influential writerswe
mentioned Thomas Aquinas Summa
Theologiae, but could also include the
writings of Duns Scotus (1266-1308) and
William of Ockham (1280-1349).
3. The Medieval Period
_______________________________________
From the Council of Chalcedon until
_______________________________________
about 1500.
_______________________________________
(Medieval means a middle age, or
intervening period). Theologically this time
produced some very influential writerswe
mentioned Thomas Aquinas Summa
Theologiae, but could also include the
writings of Duns Scotus (1266-1308) and
William of Ockham (1280-1349).
Major issues developed in this period
include, the relation between faith and
reason, the theology of the sacraments,
as well as continued exploration of issues
discussed in the patristic period including
grace and free will as well as the identity
of Christ.
Major issues developed in this period
include, the relation between faith and
reason, the theology of the sacraments,
as well as continued exploration of issues
discussed in the patristic period including
grace and free will as well as the identity
of Christ.
Major issues developed in this period
include, the relation between faith and
reason, the theology of the sacraments,
as well as continued exploration of issues
discussed in the patristic period including
grace and free will as well as the identity
of Christ.
_______________________________________
The 16th century was a time of rapid
change in the Western church. From this
period of reformation the Protestant
tradition developed.
_______________________________________
a great theological debate was started with
special interest given to issues like the
Bible, the church and what it is necessary to
do in order to be saved.
4.The Reformation
_______________________________________
The 16th century was a time of rapid
change in the Western church. From this
period of reformation the Protestant
tradition developed.
_______________________________________
a great theological debate was started with
special interest given to issues like the
Bible, the church and what it is necessary to
do in order to be saved.
4.The Reformation
_______________________________________
The 16th century was a time of rapid
change in the Western church. From this
period of reformation the Protestant
tradition developed.
Headed by Martin Luther and John
_______________________________________ Calvin
a great theological debate was started with
special interest given to issues like the
Bible, the church and what it is necessary to
do in order to be saved.
4.The Reformation
_______________________________________
The 16th century was a time of rapid
change in the Western church. From this
period of reformation the Protestant
tradition developed.
Headed by Martin Luther and John
_______________________________________ Calvin
a great theological debate was started with
special interest given to issues like the
Bible, the church and what it is necessary to
do in order to be saved.
The Catholic church also had a time of
reformation with the Council of Trent
(1544-63) establishing a Catholic position on
many important issues.
Many scholars also include the seventeenth
century (the 1600s) as part of this time of
great reformation saying that in this time
the changes which started in the previous
century were consolidated.
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Many scholars also include the seventeenth
century (the 1600s) as part of this time of
great reformation saying that in this time
the changes which started in the previous
century were consolidated.
Also in this period Christians first
_______________________________________
emigrated to North America and started
_______________________________________
to establish that region as an important
_______________________________________
theological centre.
Many scholars also include the seventeenth
century (the 1600s) as part of this time of
great reformation saying that in this time
the changes which started in the previous
century were consolidated.
Also in this period Christians first
_______________________________________
emigrated to North America and started
_______________________________________
to establish that region as an important
_______________________________________
theological centre.
______________________________________
This is thought of as the time since the 18th
century. In Western Europe there was a
great deal of difficulty following the French
revolution of 1789 and in Eastern Europe
the rise of Marxism had a powerful effect in
the 20th century.
5. The Modern Period
______________________________________
This is thought of as the time since the 18th
century. In Western Europe there was a
great deal of difficulty following the French
revolution of 1789 and in Eastern Europe
the rise of Marxism had a powerful effect in
the 20th century.
It was also a period of great theological
creativity in Europe and North America.
Also there was an increase in Christian
presence in Asia and Africa with a result of
new local theological ideas coming from
these regions.
HISTORICAL THEOLOGY IS CRUCIAL
BECAUSE OF WHAT IT SHOWS US
CONCERNING THE EMERGENCE,
DEVELOPMENT, REFINEMENT, AND
ULTIMATE IMPACT OF CHRISTIAN BELIEF.
SAM STORMS
What are the strengths
and weaknesses of
studying Historical
theology in order to
decide our doctrine?
We can see from the brief survey here that
historical theology is a complex and
demanding study. McGrath suggests that
his book is not suitable for such a study, it
would simply not be possible to do it
properly in the space of this introductory
book. For this reason he says he has
adopted the topical approach to studying
theology.
3. TOPICAL
THEOLOGY
Topical theological study involves looking at
different areas (topics / subjects) of Christian

3. TOPICAL
thought and exploring what theologians have
said about them and how these ideas have
THEOLOGY
developed. This will help in developing our
own thinking about issues, not simply learning
what great theologians have concluded.
Christian theology has always appealed to

3. TOPICAL
three basic resources: the Bible, tradition, and
reason. In view of their importance, we shall
THEOLOGY
examine each of them in a little detail, before
moving on to our first topic.
A FEW IDEAS THAT WILL
INFLUENCE YOUR
APPROACH TO THEOLOGY...
INTRODUCING THE
BIBLE
The word Bible comes from the Greek,
biblia, meaning books.
Christians see the bible having authority in
matters of thought and life.
What parts of the Bible do you fully obey
and what parts do you choose not to
why?
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
It is divided into the Old and New
Testaments.
The Old Testament is made up of the
sacred Jewish scriptures.
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
It is divided into the Old and New
Testaments.
The Old Testament is made up of the
sacred Jewish scriptures.
_______________________________________
Christians see this section as setting
_______________________________________
the scene for the coming of Jesus,
_______________________________________
who would bring its themes and
laws to fulfilment.
In theological terms testament means
covenant or dispensation. The idea being
that the same God who entered into a
covenant with the people of Israel has now
entered into a new covenant with all of
humanity , leading to the emergence of the
Christian church. This means that,
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________.
This is a new covenant or new
dispensation.
1.God called both the people of Israel
_______________________________________
and the Christian churchthey are both
_______________________________________
chosen people in biblical terms
_______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________.
This is a new covenant or new
dispensation.
1.God called both the people of Israel
_______________________________________
and the Christian churchthey are both
_______________________________________
chosen people in biblical terms
_______________________________________
2. A new phase of God dealing with
______________________________________
humanity came about in Christ
______________________________________.
This is a new covenant or new
dispensation.
These ideas change the way Christians read
the OT:
We see the OT as anticipating the coming
of Christ, and this is often seen in the NT
e.g. Matt 1-2 where we see the idea of
Christ fulfilling the OT scriptures is seen.
Why would it be important for
Matthew that Jesus Christ is seen as
fulfilling OT prophecy?
Christians think the Bible is important in
terms of theological authority / debate
and personal devotion.
Historic confessions of faith see it as central
to thinking and living and the Second
Vatican Council (1962-65) reaffirmed its
centrality for Catholic theology and
preaching.
We speak of the Bible being inspired by
God, passing on Gods words (theologically
we speak of its inspiration), e.g. The Gallic
Confession of Faith (1559),
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
We speak of the Bible being inspired by
God, passing on Gods words (theologically
we speak of its inspiration), e.g. The Gallic
Confession of Faith (1559),
_______________________________________
We believe that the Word contained in
_______________________________________
these books has proceeded from God,
_______________________________________
and receives its authority from him
_______________________________________
alone, and not from human beings.
The French Confession of Faith (1559)
Also known as the Gallic Confession
Traces its origin to a statement of faith sent
to John Calvin from Reformed churches in
France during a period of persecution in
1557. Calvin drew this statement into a
confession for them, probably with the help
of Theodore Beza and Pierre Viret.
When persecution subsided in 1559, 20
delegates representing 72 churches met
secretly in Paris to expand upon Calvin's
confession, and annex to it a Constitution of
Ecclesiastical Discipline. In 1560 The French
Confession of Faith was presented to Louis
II with a preface requesting that persecution
cease.
Outline - included: The Two Natures of Christ
The Officers of the Church
God The Death of Christ
Equality Among Pastors
Revelation Our Reconciliation
Callings
Holy Scriptures Our Free Forgiveness
Union Between Churches
Scriptures, Rule of Faith Prayer
Ecclesiastical Laws and
The Authority of Scriptures Justification by Faith
Regulations
The Trinity The Gift of Faith
The Sacraments in General
Creation Our Regeneration
Baptism
The Providence of God The Use of the Law and the
The Lords Supper
Original Purity and Fall of Man Prophets
The Efficacy of the Sacraments
Heredity of Sin Rejection of False Doctrines
The Necessity of the
The Condemnation of Sin The Ministry of Preaching and
Sacraments
Our Election in Christ of the Sacraments
The Necessity of Governments
Our Salvation is in Christ The Union of the Church
Obedience Owed to
The Divinity and the Humanity The True Church
Authorities
of Jesus Christ Counterfeit Churches
Some Christians disagree about what is
included in the Bible.
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
These books date from OT times but were
not originally written in Hebrew and so not
included in the Jewish or Hebrew bibles.
Some Christians disagree about what is
included in the Bible.
Most important here is The Apocrypha,
_______________________________________
(from the Greek for hidden), also known
_______________________________________
as Deuterocanonical works.
_______________________________________
These books date from OT times but were
not originally written in Hebrew and so not
included in the Jewish or Hebrew bibles.
Protestants tend to think of these books as
interesting but carrying no authority in
doctrine. Catholics and Orthodox Christians
tend to include them as part of the Bible.
Some Bibles include them in a third section
titled the Apocrypha, in Catholic bibles (e.g.
Jerusalem Bible) they are included in the
OT section.
Protestants tend to think of these books as
interesting but carrying no authority in
doctrine. Catholics and Orthodox Christians
tend to include them as part of the Bible.
Some Bibles include them in a third section
titled the Apocrypha, in Catholic bibles (e.g.
Jerusalem Bible) they are included in the
OT section.
RESTART
TRADITION
How important is tradition in your life, in

TRADITION
your church?
How do you justify what you do?
In the early church there were a series of
controversies all of which led people to see
the importance of tradition.
Tradition comes from a Latin word and
means
_______________________________________
This idea is found in the Bible, 1 Cor 15:1-4
In the early church there were a series of
controversies all of which led people to see
the importance of tradition.
Tradition comes from a Latin word and
means
handing over, down or on
_______________________________________
This idea is found in the Bible, 1 Cor 15:1-4
Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind
you of the gospel I preached to you, which
you received and on which you have taken
your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if
you hold firmly to the word I preached to
you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
3 For what I received I passed on to you as of
first importance[a]: that Christ died for our
sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he
was buried, that he was raised on the third
day according to the Scriptures...
In the church tradition means a number of
things,
The passing on of teachingsa process
_____________________________________
in this mannera body of teaching
______________________________________
______________________________________
Jesus criticised certain activities within
Judaism of his day, Matt 15:1-6, Mark 7:13
In the church tradition means a number of
things,
The passing on of teachingsa process
The content of teachings passed on
_____________________________________
in this mannera body of teaching
______________________________________
______________________________________
Jesus criticised certain activities within
Judaism of his day, Matt 15:1-6, Mark 7:13
In the church tradition means a number of
things,
The passing on of teachingsa process
The content of teachings passed on
_____________________________________
in this mannera body of teaching
Human ideas and practices that are not
______________________________________
divinely authorised
______________________________________
Jesus criticised certain activities within
Judaism of his day, Matt 15:1-6, Mark 7:13
The Pastoral Epistles contain a great deal of
information about church structure and
teachingyet they also command in 2 Tim
1:14,
Guard the good deposit that was
entrusted to youguard it with the help
of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
The importance of tradition was shown in
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
controversy of the second century. This
focussed on certain questions including
how salvation could be achieved.
- It suggested that certain secret ideas had
to be known in order to be saved.
The importance of tradition was shown in
the Gnostic (Greek word gnosis =
_______________________________________
knowledge)
_______________________________________
controversy of the second century. This
focussed on certain questions including
how salvation could be achieved.
- It suggested that certain secret ideas had
to be known in order to be saved.
- Within this some unusual and creative
interpretations of the Bible were usedhow
should they be dealt with?
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
- Within this some unusual and creative
interpretations of the Bible were usedhow
should they be dealt with?
_______________________________________
If the Bible was authoritative,
_______________________________________
was every interpretation of
equal value?
______________________________________,
a great thinker in church history, didn't think
so. He asked how the Bible was to be
interpretedhe suggested
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
whilst orthodox believers interpreted the
Bible in ways that the apostles would have
approved of.
Irenaeus of Lyons (ca. 130-200)
______________________________________,
a great thinker in church history, didn't think
so. He asked how the Bible was to be
interpretedhe suggested
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
whilst orthodox believers interpreted the
Bible in ways that the apostles would have
approved of.
Irenaeus of Lyons (ca. 130-200)
______________________________________,
a great thinker in church history, didn't think
so. He asked how the Bible was to be
interpretedhe suggested
heretics interpreted the Bible
_______________________________________
according to what they wanted
_______________________________________
whilst orthodox believers interpreted the
Bible in ways that the apostles would have
approved of.
In other words the apostles didnt just give
us writings but they also gave a certain way
of reading and understanding those
writings,
Everyone who wishes to perceive the truth
should consider the apostolic tradition,
which has been made known to every
church in the entire world. We are able to
number those who are bishops appointed
by the apostles, and their successors in the
churches to the present day, who taught
and knew nothing of such things as these
people imagine.
Irenaeus is saying that there is a stream of
teaching from the apostles to his own day
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Irenaeus is saying that there is a stream of
teaching from the apostles to his own day
_______________________________________
the church can see people who have
_______________________________________
maintained the standard creeds and
_______________________________________
beliefs of Christianity.
Tradition is thus the guarantor of
faithfulness to the original apostolic
teaching, a safeguard against the
innovations and misrepresentations of
biblical texts on the part of the
Gnostics.
This was important as it underlined the
emergence of creeds
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
______________________________________,
but avoid unorthodox or unusual
interpretations of biblical material.
This was important as it underlined the
emergence of creeds
which are public, authoritative
_______________________________________
statements of the basic points of the
_______________________________________
Christian faith, which are based upon
_______________________________________
the Bible
______________________________________,
but avoid unorthodox or unusual
interpretations of biblical material.
This was emphasised again by Vincent of
Lerins (died before 450) who was concerned
that new / unusual doctrines were being
introduced without good reason. He saw a
need for public standards by which to judge
such matters, a safeguard against error. He
saw tradition as offering this, suggesting it
was,
This was emphasised again by Vincent of
Lerins (died before 450) who was concerned
that new / unusual doctrines were being
introduced without good reason. He saw a
need for public standards by which to judge
suchamatters,
rule forathe
safeguard
interpretation
against error.
of theHe
saw
apostles
tradition
andasprophets
offering this,
in such
suggesting
a way that
it
was,
is directed by the rule of the universal
church
Tradition is the form of divine revelation
often associated with the Roman Catholic
Church:
Jesus taught his apostles, who orally taught
their successors, who were the bishops of
the early churchand onto present day
Papal succession. Its a kind of literal
passing of Jesus words from successive
generations of church leaders.
Two examples.
In 1854 Pope Pius IX declared the
immaculate conception of Mary. He stated
that when Mary was conceived in the
womb, she bore no guilt from Adam and
had no corruption in her nature. She was
born without sin and lived her entire life
without sin.
In 1950 Pope Pius XII proclaimed the bodily
assumption of Mary. If Mary was conceived
without sin, bore no sin, and lived her entire
life without sin, then there was no need for
her to undergo decay in the grave. Her
body didnt need to die. Instead, she was
taken up into heaven and remains
embodied there.
Whilst Protestant Christians, think of
tradition being informed by wisdom that
belongs to us from the past, but this kind of
tradition doesnt consider the past as
binding.
The role of tradition is to clarify and discern
Scripture. Scripture still remains the ultimate
authority.
CREEDS
How did creeds come about in their
modern form? Two things were especially
important:
1._____________________________________
which could be used in teaching, and
defence of the Christian faith against
misrepresentations.
How did creeds come about in their
modern form? Two things were especially
important:
The need for public statements of faith
1._____________________________________
which could be used in teaching, and
defence of the Christian faith against
misrepresentations.
2. _____________________________________
_______________________________________
We have discussed #1, but #2 needs
explaining.
- The early church regarded baptism as
very important.
The need for personal confessions of
2. _____________________________________
faith at the time of baptism.
_______________________________________
We have discussed #1, but #2 needs
explaining.
- The early church regarded baptism as
very important.
- In the 3rd and 4th centuries a pattern of
instruction for baptism emerged.
- Instruction in the basics of the faith took
place during Lent.
- Candidates were baptised on Easter Day.
- New members had to show their faith by
agreeing to key statements of Christian
belief.
Hippolytus of Rome (died ca. 236) suggests
three questions were put to the candidates:
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, our Saviour?
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
As time went on the answer to each
question was expanded.
Hippolytus of Rome (died ca. 236) suggests
three questions were put to the candidates:
Do you believe in God, the Father
_______________________________________
Almighty?
_______________________________________
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, our Saviour?
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
As time went on the answer to each
question was expanded.
Hippolytus of Rome (died ca. 236) suggests
three questions were put to the candidates:
Do you believe in God, the Father
_______________________________________
Almighty?
_______________________________________
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, our Saviour?
_______________________________________
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the
_______________________________________
church, the forgiveness of sins?
As time went on the answer to each
question was expanded.
What, if any, extra questions
might you ask today? Are
there cultural issues that are
important to clarify?
The most important baptismal creed was
the Apostles Creed which is usually set out
in 12 statements. Although the Apostles did
not write the creed it is apostolic in
containing the main ideas of the Christian
faith that the church received form the
apostles. The modern form has three
sections which answer, in expanded form,
the three questions of Hippolytus.
The most important baptismal creed was
the Apostles Creed which is usually set out
in 12 statements. Although the Apostles did
not write the creed it is apostolic in
For the book, and this course, it offers a
containing the main ideas of the Christian
good summary of the Christian faith and
faith thatwill
thebe
church received form
used in this course. the
apostles. The modern form has three
sections which answer, in expanded form,
the three questions of Hippolytus.
RESTART
REASON
Reason is important in Christian theology.
Traditionally in theological thinking reason
is thought to be subservient to revelation.
Thomas Aquinas argued that supernatural
truths had to be revealed to us (by God)
human reason on its own could not come to
God or know / understand him.
But the human mind could reflect or think
about things once they had been revealed,
although this must be done
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
But the human mind could reflect or think
about things once they had been revealed,
although this must be done
_______________________________________
critically (thoroughly / carefully /
_______________________________________
deliberately, in order to judge what the
_______________________________________
good and bad aspects of something
are).
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
(a very influential writer in the Latin west).
He said that human reason and
philosophies had much to offer theology as
long as they were used critically. He used
Israel leaving Egypt to explain his point:
Being critical yet positive was the
_______________________________________
attitude of Augustine of Hippo
_______________________________________
(a very influential writer in the Latin west).
He said that human reason and
philosophies had much to offer theology as
long as they were used critically. He used
Israel leaving Egypt to explain his point:
When Israel left Egypt they took many
treasures of Egypt with them. Augustine
says that in the same way we can take out
all that is good in philosophy and use it in
preaching the gospel.
Moreover, if those who are called philosophers,
and especially the Platonists, have said aught
that is true and in harmony with our faith, we
are not only not to shrink from it, but to claim it
for our own use... For, as the Egyptians had not
only the idols and heavy burdens which the
people of Israel hated and fled from, but also
vessels and ornaments of gold and silver, and
garments, which the same people when going
out of Egypt appropriated to themselves,
designing them for a better use...
These, therefore, the Christian, when he
separates himself in spirit from the
miserable fellowship of these men, ought to
take away from them, and to devote to their
proper use in preaching the gospel. Their
garments, also,that is, human institutions
such as are adapted to that intercourse with
men which is indispensable in this life,we
must take and turn to a Christian use.
Much of Christian reasoning followed this
approach until the Age of
Reason (1750-1950). During this time
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
______________________________________.
Reason could deduce anything that needed
to be known about God, there was no need
of diving revelation.
Much of Christian reasoning followed this
approach until the Age of
Reason (1750-1950). During this time
_______________________________________
humanity said that unaided human
_______________________________________
reasoning could explain and master the
______________________________________.
world
Reason could deduce anything that needed
to be known about God, there was no need
of diving revelation.
______________________________________.
It is less influential now as people have seen
that rationalism varies between cultures
reason was not the universal quality that
many thought it to be.
This is called rationalism
______________________________________.
It is less influential now as people have seen
that rationalism varies between cultures
reason was not the universal quality that
many thought it to be.
HELPMATES
ASSISTANTS OR HELPERS
ANCILLA THEOLOGIAE
Ancilla Theologiae
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
In addition to faith and reason coming
together there are other intellectual
resources that Christians have called upon
to support and develop their theological
vision.
Ancilla Theologiae
is Latin and meansa handmaid of
_______________________________________
theology
_______________________________________
In addition to faith and reason coming
together there are other intellectual
resources that Christians have called upon
to support and develop their theological
vision.
For a long time Christians have believed
that philosophies developed by non-
Christian thinkers can be of use in
developing theological thinking as well as
dialogue between Christian thinkers and
their cultural environment.
McGrath suggests that Platonism and
Aristotelianism are the two most important
examples of this.
1. Platonism was the first major worldview
encountered by the church as it spread.
This encounter could be seen as positive or
negativean opportunity for dialogue and
growth, or a threat to the existence of
Christianity.
Early scholars such as Justin Martyr (ca.
100-164) and Clement of Alexandria (ca
15-215) had to make use of the intellectual
good points of Platonism to help
Christianity, whilst not compromising
Christianity itself. There are occasional
similarities in Platonism and Christianity, but
they are not the same.
2. In the 13th century (the golden age of
scholastic theology) Aristotle was
rediscovered by Medieval writers who felt he
offered new resources that helped in
intellectual life including, physics, ethics and
philosophy. Theologians wanted to see what
use they could make of Aristotelian ideas and
methods. Thomas Aquinas Summa
Theologiae was produced at this time
considered one of the greatest works of
theology ever written.
For both of these using another intellectual
discipline as ancilla theologiae brought
opportunities and risk.
_______________________________________
The major opportunities in this approach
are,
What do you think they are?
The major opportunities in this approach
are,
1. It allows for a more rigorous exploration
of ideas. The problems Christian
theologians encounter within their work are
paralleled by others in their work too.
Aquinas made use of Aristotle's idea of an
unmoved mover helpful in arguing for the
existence of God.
2. _____________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
. Justin Martyr believed that Platonists
would be impressed by similarities with
Platonism and Christianity and so consider
converting. Paul in his Areopagus address
used ideas from stoic philosophy to try to
share Christ with the Athenian culture.
2.It_____________________________________
allows theology to engage in dialogue
with another worldviewhelping with
_______________________________________
witness to a secular context
_______________________________________
. Justin Martyr believed that Platonists
would be impressed by similarities with
Platonism and Christianity and so consider
converting. Paul in his Areopagus address
used ideas from stoic philosophy to try to
share Christ with the Athenian culture.
On a negative note the dangers include,
-_____________________________________
_______________________________________
______________________________________.
Martin Luther argued that the uncritical use
of Aristotelian ideas had influenced
medieval theology in a negative way during
the Middle Ages.
On a negative note the dangers include,
ideas that are not distinctly Christian
-_____________________________________
come to play an important role in
_______________________________________
Christian theology
______________________________________.
Martin Luther argued that the uncritical use
of Aristotelian ideas had influenced
medieval theology in a negative way during
the Middle Ages.
- However many still think this use is
positiveGerman theologians of the 19th
century used Hegel and Kant in their work,
Rudolf Bultman (1884-1976) and Paul Tillich
(1886-1965) found engaging existentialism
to be useful.
This section has given a brief background to
Christian theologyand yet it has left much
unsaid or untouched. McGrath suggests he
shall start to fill in these gaps by examining
specific theological topics and using these
to reflect on issues, ideas, personalities and
debates of Christian theology. His
framework for this is to use the Apostles
Creedsomething that most of us are
familiar with.
The need for public statements of faith
To counter the reformers emphasis on Scripture
as the sole basis of revelation and interpretation,
the Catholic Church reaffirmed both its oral and
its written traditions as the basis of faith.
The biblical canon was determined by the
Catholic Church, so the same church must be the
source and norm of true interpretation.
Jeromes Vulgate, including the
deuterocanonical books, was confirmed by the
council as the official Bible of the Catholic
Church.
The Council argued that, in addition to
theology and moral law, the Bible provides
reliable knowledge regarding history and the
world, including cosmology, natural history,
science, and law.
The council also claimed that political
authority is instituted by God, meaning that
every political power is subject to the
authority of the church, a matter that would
be disputed on the battlefield during the
Thirty Years War (16181648).

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