APOL 201 - Spring 2024 Mid-Term Exam Study Guide
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Apr 3, 2024
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Spring 2024 APOL 201 Mid-Term Exam Study Guide
Required: Responses should be critical and reflect class discussions. Exam is handwritten (
minimum of 200words response to each question
). Response to each question should be a minimum of 200words (Note: points will be taken off if you do not meet the required word count for each question)
. You must support all responses with at least 3 (three) relevant biblical texts except otherwise stated.
Note: All responses and Scripture references will be from your memory. You will NOT be allowed to use your Bible or notes for this exam.
1.
In your own words, define culture. Explain the possible metaphors the Professor used in class to describe culture. Supporting each with biblical references, what are the 4 (four) virtues necessary for good cultural engagement as discussed in the textbook and in class?
a.
I would define culture as the culmination of beliefs, values, assumptions, influences, and social frameworks that determine our actions and thoughts. i.
It gives us a framework for thinking and believing. b.
Some of the metaphors that were used in class to describe culture was aroma and software. i.
Culture is like an odor in the sense of that we don’t always realize it’s there when you are living in it (house smell), but it is so evident. Culture is
like software in the sense of its complexity and constant changing. This is how culture is; it shapes our influences and sensibilities. c.
The first virtue that is necessary for good cultural engagement is diligence. This virtue is most important and the biblical foundation for the other virtues as said in 2 Peter 1:5-8. Diligence is to apply adequate care or attention to the matters we choose to engage in.
d.
The second virtue is humility which is the opposite of pride. We are to assess ourselves, opening our eyes to see that we are finite humans in relationship with an all-knowing God. We do not know everything, so we are to faithfully pursue the principles of God’s unchanging Word. This is apparent in James 4:6 as God goes against those who are proud but show favor to who is humble. e.
The next virtue is integrity which can be defined as purity or wholeness. Proverbs 11:3 tells us that we should be conducting our lives with honor, honesty, and reliability. f.
The last virtue is wisdom which is the application of God’s wisdom to real life. This can seem the hardest virtue to attain. Although we do need to be wise in our worldly position, there is another type of wisdom that surpasses human wisdom which is godly wisdom. This can only come from God, and it is good and pure according to James 3:17. 2.
In two sentences, briefly explain what is meant by gender dysphoria. Briefly explain the three frameworks offered by Yarhouse and Sadusky for understanding gender identity concerns and critique each framework through the lens of Scripture.
a.
Gender dysphoria is the condition where someone feels that their body’s biological sex does not match their gender identity. There is a distress over the lack of alignment between their identity and their biological sex. b.
The three frameworks offered by Yarhouse and Sadusky for understanding gender
identity concerns are integrity, disability, and diversity. c.
The integrity framework is rooted in the theological understanding that there is an
essential maleness and essential femaleness specifically intended by God in creation. a.
This is very accurate as we are a sexed creation created by God either male or female. It’s important to show emphasis to God’s creational intent: that they are to be complementary. This view provides a point of reference for identity while acknowledging the norms regarding sex and gender. Psalm 139:13-16 comes to mind as it talks about God knowing your inmost being and knitting you in the womb. God is our creator and created you either male or female according to Genesis. Cross-gender identification can threaten the integrity of the this. d.
The disability framework views gender dysphoria as less of a moral issue but as a mental illness because of the realities of living in a fallen world. a.
This view acknowledges the fall and the realities as well as is all about showing love and grace to those struggling with gender dysphoria. I do agree with this because I do think that it is a mental illness because it completely transforms your mindset, however, I do not think that the morality of this issue should be diminished. This topic however should be handled with the compassion and grace that this view focuses on because of Matthew 9:36.
e.
Lastly, the diversity framework views gender dysphoria as a group of people who should be embraced just as they are and celebrated. This, in turn, allows people experiencing gender dysphoria to find community. a.
I do not agree with this view because the Bible is clearly against this way of thinking (
Romans 1:27) and this lens is only confirming it and celebrating it. I think that you can show compassion and love through speaking truth that will ultimately benefit them (
Ephesians 4:15)
3.
Identify and define the two predominant positions within the contemporary church regarding the roles of the sexes. Which view/position do you mostly identify with and why? (You have to argue against the other view and show why you think your own view is right, identify the primary biblical texts each view uses to support their position).
a.
The two predominant positions within the contemporary church regarding the roles of the sexes are complementarian and egalitarian. i.
The complementarian view is that both sexes were created equal in God’s image, but there are role distinctions. The egalitarian view is that both sexes were created equally in God’s image, but there are no role distinctions. With this view, roles in the house and church are determined by giftings instead of gender.
b.
I mostly identify with the complementarian view because it aligns most with God’s original design for creation and order. I think of the verse Genesis 2:18 which is a good biblical foundation for gender roles because it says specifically that God makes a helper for Adam which is Eve. God’s design of biological sex before the fall occurs is to be valued because there are differences shown in Genesis 1 and 2. When it comes to the church, the Bible also has very clear roles for men and women. In Titus 2:11-13, it talks about women are not permitted to teach or to assume authority over a man because Adam was formed first. God is a God of order and does things for a reason. In Genesis, there were role assignments
given to Adam which were provision, protection, and leadership. Eve was then made second as a helper which is not in any way less than but assumes a different role than a man. Egalitarians primarily promote Galatians 3:28 saying that we are all the same. However, that is not the context of this verse. Paul is demonstrating justification in this verse by faith alone and not by works and is saying that we are
one in Christ in context of salvation, not roles in the church and home. 4.
Are Christian couples crossing any ethical and/or Scriptural lines by considering the option of IVF to aid conception? Support your answer with examples and biblical references.
a.
IVF can be a very helpful resource when trying to have children, however I do believe that there can be crossing of ethical lines if done in a reckless manner.
i.
From what I understand from the process, a lot of the times multiple eggs are fertilized meaning multiple children are conceived. IVF shows that it can be difficult to navigate in order to protect the lives conceived in the process. IVF tends to make more fertilized eggs than necessary, or more than the parents want, so a lot of the times those eggs can go unused and be disposed of. That would be the ethical line that is crossed. ii.
As a believer in conception marks the beginning of a person’s life (Psalm 139:13), it is my view that IVF done carelessly is wrong. The Lord makes it clear in Genesis 1:28 that God’s command for us is to “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it.” God sees children as such a blessing; however, we are not owed children. I think that is necessary to be in constant prayer when considering IVF like if there are health concerns involved or anything like that and see what the Lord does during that time. He is sovereign and ultimately opens and closes the womb (1 Samuel 1:5). iii.
Ultimately, IVF done recklessly crosses ethical lines and can disregard the
process of conception if not done in the right way with the right heart posture. If done correctly, this process can be a great help to grow families
and fulfill the mandate to multiply.
5.
Is creation care a biblical issue, a political issue or both? What are the key biblical texts and guiding principles for creation and creature care as discussed by the Professor? Summarize the relevance of each of the biblical text in one sentence each (Note: The
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Professor discussed five (5) biblical texts, you are to identify each text and summarize the
relevance of that text to the topic of creation care).
a.
I think that creation care can be both, but it is primarily a biblical issue because that aspect is neglected most of the time. b.
The first biblical text that was discussed was Genesis 1:26-28 which tells us that humanity was made to rule over the livestock and animals. We were given dominion and stewardship over the earth which includes all of creation; this was God’s perfect design. c.
The next biblical text is Romans 8:19-22 which talks about creation’s freedom from the fall and the curse. This freedom is linked to humanity’s redemption. d.
Proverb’s 12:10 is the next biblical text which says very straightforward that “the righteous care for the needs of their animals.” This is included in a book of wisdom which highlights the importance of taking care of creation and the creatures that God has created. e.
Next is Psalm 8 which talks about mankind being the rulers over God’s works and
how He put everything under our feet. f.
The last biblical truth is Revelation 21:11-22. This shows us a vision of the future in order to be a motivator for our present creation care because God will create a new heaven and a new earth. We should consider the benefits of others like future
generations. g.
Overall, I think that we should be approaching this topic with humility and to take
it personally as rulers over God’s creation. There are ways to wisely balance creation care with our own needs like food, shelter, and jobs.
6.
Using the Inside Out method, respond to these cultural prompts. Make sure to ground your response in Scripture and use all the four (4) diagnostic questions:
a.
Love is love – “I should be able marry whoever I want.”
i.
We live in a culture of confusion, especially when it comes to sexuality and identity. As Christians, it is important to stay rooted in Scripture and remain steadfast in God’s unchanging truth. Starting off with the Inside Out method, the first thing would be to ask what we can affirm and what do we need to challenge. One thing that I would affirm is the importance of love which is common ground between these two different viewpoints. Loving others and accepting others is core in the love is love movement. Love is also core in Christianity as it says God is love in 1 John 4:7-8. However, we challenge what love means and what love looks like because
they look different in this context and in the Bible. The second question to ask is where does it lead? If love in this context is simply accepting everyone’s truth and that romantic love between anyone is valid then where is the line? It leaves love open to interpretation. The Bible tells us specifically what love is and the purpose of marriage lies far deeper than attraction. The next question is where do compelling narratives have to borrow from the Christian story? Since the love is love movement is very adamant on free choice, I would focus on that. Free will is a gift from
God, He does not force us to come to Him. We have freedoms, but the Lord did choose to show us creation in Genesis for a reason which is that He designed a biological man and a biological woman to intentionally complement each other in marriage. The last question is how does Christianity better address our experiences, observations, and history? I would share that not all churches have been the best example of showing biblical love and grace to homosexuality and gender dysphoria, and how the bullying of the church done to these people is very contrary to the teachings of Jesus. b.
My body….my choice
i.
This topic refers to allowing women to choose when it comes to abortion and body of the child inside the womb. What can we affirm and what can we challenge? 7.
Describe the difference between individual and structural racism. Explain clearly how structures might cause or heal racial injustice. Provide relevant examples to support your explanation.
a.
Individual and structural racism are the two manifestations of racism in America today, and both of these forms need to be resolved in order to have hope for racial
unity. Individualists see racism as something that is apparent and done by one individual to another. This produces matters of “thinking, mental categorization, attitude, and discourse” in terms of racism and discrimination according to the book. The way that individualists determine success is individual hard work or lack thereof. They also tend to distance themselves from racism by confining it to extreme cases like the Ku Klux Klan. The individual emphasis of Romans 10:9 is why it is a pillar as for this view as their theological reasoning is that everyone is responsible for their sin. In the structuralists view, racism is harder to define because it is not expressed in discrete actions or words. They affirm thoughts, attitudes, and words, but they see racism in systems and organizations that pick and choose who gets privilege and power. It rests on the idea that humans are affected by the social structures in which they live. This is mainly seen in public transportation. When Hurricane Katrina came through, destinations that were profitable for the city are the ones that got restored. This view can heal racial injustices by providing equal opportunity and making establishments in poorer places, but it can also create injustice when it comes to choosing where to locate and who to serve.