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Lecture notes, lecture Module 1 Study
Guide
Introduction to Christian Thought (D) (Liberty
University)
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STUDY GUIDE
Module/Week 1: Introduction to Theology
Textbook Readings:
Towns: Introduction & Ch. 1
Introduction
1. How did the term “Christian” originate?
Created as sarcastic attack, it was not about doctrine, or the things Christians did. Those
who were called Christians were known for their relationship to Jesus Christ.
2. Who was this book written for?
For those who know something about Christianity but want to know more. For the
curious who want to know what Christianity is all about.
3. Why do some have mistaken ideas about Christianity?
Media Bias, bad testimonies of those who call themselves Christians, evangelist who
seem more interested in healing etc…
Chapter 1
1. What year was Jesus born?
4 B.C.
2. When was Christianity made Rome’s national religion?
AD 313
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3. What is the Incarnation?
The word is used to describe God becoming a man and taking on human flesh.
4. Does the Bible states that Jesus was the creator of the world?
Yes
5. Did Jesus claim to have supernatural origins?
Yes
6. Who baptized Jesus?
John the Baptist
7. Did Jesus allow people to worship him?
Yes he received worship
Etzel & Gutierrez: Introduction & Chs. 1–5
1. Why does the author say that everyone is a theologian?
That everyone is a Theologian because everyone has thoughts about God
2. What areas of our lives are influenced by the way we see God?
The way we treat each other, our stewardship of God’s creation, our understanding of
our vocation as a way to glorify God- All areas of life are changes as our view of God
changes
3. How did Jesus show that he is worthy of our faith?
When he was raised from the dead, promises to remember His followers when He enters
Kingdom
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4. Do Christians need to ignore intellect and reason in order to have faith in Jesus?
No, it is beneficial to use reasoning while trying to understand faith. What is right, what
is wrong. Our job is to use reasoning for Hid glory not our own
5. What does Jesus teach about truth?
Jesus appeals to the Word of God as truth (John 18:38)
Online Excerpts:
“Understanding the Faith”
1. What is more important than the sincerity of your belief?
The object of our faith or correctness
2. What are the six types of faith that describe the believer's relationship to God?
a. Doctrinal Faith (Statement of faith)
b. Saving Faith
c. Justifying Faith
d. Indwelling Faith (or Christ Faith)
e. Daily Faith
f. The Gift of Faith (The Holy Spirit is the “agent of
faith”) “Prolegomena to Theology”—Pg. 18–24
1. What are the four tools for accurately arranging a systematic theology?
a. Collecting data
b. Scientifically arranging and comparing it
c. Exhibiting
d. Defending
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2. What four questions must we ask about faith?
a. Is the system consistent?
b. Does it correspond to reality?
c. What [exactly] is theology?
d. [Should we] defend the Bible?
3. What 5 factors can limit our theology?
a. The test of consistency
b. The test of correspondence (to reality/life)
c. The test of priority of data [prioritizing]
d. The test of cohesiveness
e. The test of thoroughness
“The Names of Christ” – Pg. 160–173
1. What chapter of the New Testament does the author suggest contains the most
names of Jesus?
John 1
2. Which of God’s names do some scholars think that Jesus is claiming with his “I
am” statements?
Jehovah
3. What is the term “only begotten” used to describe about Jesus?
Used to describe the unique relationship between the Father and Jesus
4. Why does the author think that the Gospel of John calls Jesus the “word”?
To refer to the revelation or message of God
5. What would Jews think who heard Christ calling Himself the “Son of Man”?
Messiah
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“The Deity of Christ”—Pg. 155–160
1. T/F Jesus Christ is the second member of the trinity, is equal with the father in
nature and yet submissive in duty. True
2. T/F Christ was a single and undivided personality. True
3. T/F Jesus claimed to be one with the father. True
4. T/F Jesus claimed to have the ability to forgive sins. True
5. T/F Jesus allowed people to worship him. True
6. T/F Jesus claimed to have omnipresence, omniscience and omnipotence. True
7. What does the term “preexistence” mean?
That Christ existed in the Old Testament
8. What does the term “eternality” mean when referring to Christ?
That Jesus Christ is not limited by time, but that he has no beginning or end
9. T/F The fact that Christ allowed people to worship him shows that He thought that
he was divine. True
