CATHOLIC THEOLOGY STUDY GUIDE
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MIDTERM
MAKING SENSE OF MYSTERY
CHAPTER 1 Encountering Mystery: Knowledge, Belief, and Interpretation
What distinguishes a "problem" from a "mystery"?
A problem has a clear solution that can be found through logical deduction,
while a mystery lacks a clear solution and may require a significant shift in
understanding to solve.
How did René Descartes attempt to make sense of the world?
Descartes employed a method of doubt and skepticism, aiming to find what
he could be certain of. He famously stated, "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think,
therefore I am), emphasizing the certainty of his own existence as a
foundation for knowledge.
Name and describe the two basic modes or approaches by which the
human mind attempts to make sense of the world?
The two basic modes are the analytic mode and the intuitive mode. The
analytic mode involves breaking down complex phenomena into parts and
analyzing them logically. In contrast, the intuitive mode relies on holistic
understanding, gut feelings, and subconscious processing.
Describe how social context shapes knowing and thinking. How does the
social context of knowing affect the interplay of doubt and belief?
Social context significantly influences how individuals perceive, interpret, and
acquire knowledge. Cultural norms, societal structures, and interpersonal
relationships shape one's understanding of the world. The interplay of doubt
and belief is affected by social context; in communities valuing skepticism,
doubt may be encouraged as a pathway to critical thinking, while in
conformity-driven environments, doubt may be discouraged.
Explain the meaning of the term tradition.
Tradition refers to customs, beliefs, practices, and values passed down
through generations within a society or culture. These traditions shape
individuals' perspectives, behaviors, and understanding of the world.
CHAPTER 2
1.
What does revelation mean according to this chapter? God unveils
god-self to humanity
2.
In what three ways does God reveal Godself in the Christian view?
Natural Revelation, Special Revelation, The Incarnation.
3.
What are the two primary sources or expressions of God’s self-revelation
to the world in the Christian view?
4. Do you consider yourself to have faith? If so, how is your faith different
from or similar to beliefs that you hold? In what way does mystery
inform or interact with your faith? Mystery makes our faith stronger
5.
Describe how faith can be larger than one’s religious beliefs. Faith
surpases religious believe because we can never make full sense of
mystery
Chapter 3:
Doing Theology in a Contemporary Context
What is theology in general, and how can ordinary people do
theology?
Theology is the study of the divine, religious beliefs, and worship
practices. Ordinary people engage in theology by reflecting on their
beliefs, questioning faith, discussing spiritual matters, and seeking
understanding through religious texts.
Explain what critical thinking entails.
“Critical thinking highlights rational processes and examines the
experience of faith, beliefs, and a tradition’s interpretations of
revelation through a process of methodical analysis”
Critical thinking in theology involves questioning, evaluating evidence,
considering different viewpoints, and engaging in reasoned dialogue to
deepen understanding of religious beliefs and practices.
What does the full meaning of ecclesial refer to?
Refers to the churches dialogue with theologians that involves
understanding and interpretation so that theology results in beneficial
life, actions, and habits not merely ideas.
Briefly explain the see-judge-act method of theology.
See - process of looking closely at a given real-life problem and intently
observing the totality of the situation by viewing it from multiple
perspectives
Judge - discern the connection between this specific human context
and the beliefs and convictions of the community of faith and its
interpretation of God’s self-revelation
Act - developing practical strategies, plans, resources, and options that
improve the situation and build up the people and communities
adversely affected by the problems that have been identified
Explain the critical process of theological investigation. How might
critical reasoning relate to faith, either positively or negatively?
The critical process involves questioning, evaluating evidence, and
considering alternative viewpoints. Critical reasoning can deepen faith
by promoting understanding but may also lead to skepticism if not
balanced with openness to spiritual truths.
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How does the contextual characteristic of theology inform the
ecclesial characteristic? How does the ecclesial characteristic inform
the contextual characteristic?
Contextual theology emphasizes understanding within cultural,
historical, and social contexts, while ecclesial theology applies insights
within the church's beliefs and practices, shaping engagement with
broader contexts.
How does theology enable revelation and faith to serve a practical
purpose in everyday life?
Theology helps people understand religious teachings, guiding ethical
decisions, finding meaning in beliefs, and advocating for justice and
peace in daily life.
Chapter 4:
Elements of Academic Theology
How does academic theology differ from theology in general?
Academic theology is a specialized study within academic institutions,
applying scholarly methods to theological questions, while theology in
general covers a broader range of reflections within religious
communities.
Explain what Lonergan means by method.
Lonergan defines method as a structured approach to inquiry, involving
observation, reflection, and judgment to gain understanding and
insight into a subject.
Briefly describe two contemporary movements in theology.
Liberation theology focuses on addressing systemic injustices, while
feminist theology critiques patriarchal interpretations of religious texts.
Why is the fifth functional specialty, foundations, so central to
Lonergan’s method?
Foundations is crucial because it examines the underlying assumptions
and principles shaping theological inquiry. It ensures coherence and
relevance in theology by establishing a solid groundwork for
exploration.
What is the practical distinction between doctrines and systems?
Doctrines are specific beliefs within a religion, while systems are
broader frameworks organizing these beliefs into a comprehensive
worldview.
What connections do you notice between the characteristics of
theology described in the previous chapter and contemporary
academic theology?
Contemporary academic theology reflects personal reflection, critical
analysis, engagement with religious communities, awareness of
context, and practical application. These traits enrich theological
discourse and deepen understanding of religious beliefs.
Study Guide: Making Sense of Mystery
Midterm Review
Chapter 1: Encountering Mystery: Knowledge, Belief, and Interpretation
●
Distinguishing Problem from Mystery:
●
Problem: Something we can solve through analysis.
●
Mystery: Something that is so far yet so close we will never be
able to grasp it. EXAMPLE- death/ afterlife, the existence of God
●
Descartes' Approach to Understanding:
●
Method of doubt and skepticism.
●
He used the method of doubt and skepticism. By breaking down
everything from scratch.
●
"Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am).
●
Two Basic Modes of Understanding:
●
Rational: logical thinking
●
Pre-rational: senes/ feelings/ perception
●
Rational thinking makes sense of Pre rational thinking
●
Social Context and Knowing:
●
Influences perception, interpretation, and acquisition of
knowledge.
●
Shapes interplay of doubt and belief.
●
Meaning of Tradition:
●
Customs, beliefs, practices and shared thinking passed down
through generations.
●
Shapes perspectives and understanding.
Chapter 2: Faith, Conversion, and Revelation
Revelation:
●
God unveils god-self to humanity.
●
Three ways God reveals Godself in the Christian view: Natural
Revelation, Special Revelation, The Incarnation.
Primary Sources of God's Self-Revelation:
●
Natural Revelation: Reveals God's existence and attributes through the
natural world.
●
Special Revelation: Divine communication through scripture, prophets,
miracles, etc.
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Faith:
●
Consideration of personal faith.
●
Faith's distinction from religious beliefs and its interaction with mystery.
●
Faith surpasses religious beliefs as mystery strengthens it.
Faith Beyond Religious Beliefs:
●
Faith's capacity to transcend religious doctrines.
●
Inability to fully comprehend mystery enhances faith's depth.
Chapter 3: Doing Theology in a Contemporary Context
1. Theology:
●
Study of religious beliefs and practices.
●
Ordinary people engage through reflection, questioning, and seeking
understanding.
●
Faith seeking understanding
2. Critical Thinking: methodical analysis of faith experience and tradition.
●
Involves questioning, evaluating evidence, and reasoned dialogue.
3. Ecclesial Meaning: Church-theologian dialogue for practical outcomes.
●
Focuses on life, actions, and habits, not just ideas.
4. See-Judge-Act Method:
●
See: Observing problems from different angles.
●
Judge: Connecting human context with beliefs.
●
Act: Developing practical solutions.
5. Critical Process: Questioning, evaluating, considering alternatives.
●
Balances understanding and skepticism in faith.
6. Contextual and Ecclesial Theology:
●
Contextual: Understanding within cultural context.
●
Ecclesial: Applying insights within church beliefs.
7. Practical Purpose:
●
Guides ethical decisions, finds meaning, advocates for justice.
Chapter 4: Elements of Academic Theology
●
Difference between Academic Theology and Theology in General:
●
Specialized study vs. broader reflections within religious
communities.
●
Lonergan's Method:
●
Structured approach involving observation, reflection, judgment.
●
Contemporary Theological Movements:
●
Liberation theology (addressing injustices).
●
Feminist theology (critiquing patriarchal interpretations).
●
Centrality of Foundations in Lonergan's Method:
●
Examines underlying assumptions, ensures coherence.
●
Distinction between Doctrines and Systems:
●
Specific beliefs vs. broader frameworks.
●
Connections between Characteristics of Theology and Contemporary
Academic Theology:
●
Personal reflection, critical analysis, engagement with
communities, contextual awareness, practical application.
Key Points to Remember:
●
Understand the difference between problems and mysteries.
●
Recognize the approaches of influential thinkers like Descartes and
Aquinas.
●
Appreciate the role of social context in shaping knowledge and belief.
●
Grasp the significance of traditions and their impact on understanding.
●
Explore the development of theological thought throughout history.
●
Consider the methodologies and approaches in contemporary
theology.
●
Connect theoretical concepts to practical applications in everyday life.
WHO IS GOD
Chapter 1: God: Scriptural and Cultural Conceptions
1. What is the difference between a contract and a covenant, as the
latter term is used in the Hebrew Scriptures? What does this
distinction imply about the relationship between God and the
Hebrew people?
- Contracts involve agreements with conditions, while covenants
signify deeper commitments. In Hebrew Scriptures, covenants
imply a more intimate and enduring relationship between God
and the Hebrew people.
2. How does the life and teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the
Mount reflect and expand upon the depiction of God in the
Hebrew Scriptures?
- The Sermon on the Mount emphasizes love, forgiveness, and
inner righteousness, reflecting God's compassionate and merciful
nature more deeply than in Hebrew Scriptures.
3. What are the attributes of God revealed by Jesus in the Gospels,
and how are those attributes developed in the Creed?
- Jesus reveals attributes such as love, mercy, and omnipotence
in the Gospels, which are further developed in the Creed, affirming
beliefs in the Trinity and God's role as Creator.
4. What distinguishes the way in which the Epistles reflect on the
revelation of God in Jesus Christ from the way in which it is
reflected in the Gospels?
- Epistles delve into theological reflection on Jesus Christ's
revelation differently from Gospels, focusing more on explaining
the implications of his teachings for Christian life.
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5. What characteristics of Hellenistic culture did Christianity
confront in the second and third centuries?
- Christianity faced aspects of Greek culture like philosophy and
polytheism, challenging traditional beliefs and practices.
6. How did Christian theology both assimilate and critique
Hellenistic culture?
- Christian theology absorbed elements of Hellenistic culture
while also critiquing them, adapting philosophical concepts to
explain Christian beliefs.
7. What is the relationship between heresy and orthodoxy, and
how did they eventually shape the development of the Creed?
- Heresy deviates from orthodox beliefs, shaping the Creed's
development as the Church sought to establish and defend its
core doctrines.
8. What are two approaches to understanding the Christian
doctrine of the Trinity?
- Some understand the Trinity through analogies or explanations,
while others approach it as a mystery beyond human
comprehension.
9. How do the Cappadocians and St. Augustine represent two
different approaches not only to the doctrine of the Trinity but also
to Christian theology as a whole?
- The Cappadocians emphasize relational aspects of the Trinity,
while Augustine focuses on the unity of God and represents
differing theological approaches within Christianity.
Discussion questions
1. If you believe in God, do you tend to think of God in covenantal or
contractual terms? Explain.
- Share whether you perceive God more as a partner in a
covenantal relationship or as a party in a contractual agreement,
and provide reasoning for your perspective.
2. Describe your reaction to the New Testament view of God.
- Reflect on how the portrayal of God in the New Testament
resonates with you personally and share your thoughts and
feelings about it.
3. Describe the relationship between the doctrine of the Trinity
and the New Testament affirmation that God is love?
- Reflect on how the doctrine of the Trinity, which acknowledges
the three persons of God, relates to the New Testament's
affirmation that God is love, and discuss how this understanding
impacts your faith and worldview.
Chapter 2: The Development of Medieval and Modern Views of
God
1. How did the changes in medieval society affect the development
of the scholastic understanding of God?
- Changes in medieval society influenced the development of
scholastic theology, fostering deeper theological exploration.
2. What does Richard of St. Victor's discussion of "person" add to
the theological discussion of God?
- Richard of St. Victor's discussion enriches theological discourse
by offering insights into the nature of God through the concept of
"person."
3. How does Aquinas develop the fundamental Trinitarian formula
as received from St. Augustine? How does Aquinas use the
philosophy of Aristotle to develop his own theology?
- Aquinas builds on Augustine's Trinitarian formula, integrating
Aristotelian philosophy to develop his own theology, which
emphasizes reason and faith.
4. Why does Ockham reject Aquinas's "realism" and what effect
does this have on his understanding of the task of theology?
- Ockham rejects Aquinas's realism due to his emphasis on
divine freedom, leading to a more nominalist approach that
affects his understanding of theology.
5. How is Luther's understanding of God influenced by his
understanding of human reason?
- Luther's theology is influenced by his skepticism toward human
reason, emphasizing faith and God's grace over human intellect.
6. What is "deism" and how does it relate to the scientific emphasis
of the Enlightenment?
- Deism posits a distant, non-intervening God, which aligns with
the scientific emphasis of the Enlightenment, where reason and
empirical observation were prioritized.
7. Compare and contrast the Trinitarian theologies of Karl Barth
and Karl Rahner.
- Karl Barth emphasizes the transcendence of God, while Karl
Rahner focuses on God's immanence and the human experience
of the divine.
8. In what ways is Vatican II the Catholic Church's theological
response to the Enlightenment?
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- Vatican II responds to Enlightenment ideas by engaging with
modernity while affirming traditional beliefs and promoting
ecumenism and social justice.
9. What do the various contemporary theologies discussed above
have in common?
- Despite differences, contemporary theologies often explore
themes of God's transcendence, immanence, and relationality,
addressing modern concerns within theological frameworks.
1. How does Aquinas's use of Aristotle help him make sense of God
as revealed in Scripture? Does Aquinas's approach reflect or
change your understanding of God and Scripture?
- Reflect on how Aquinas's integration of Aristotelian philosophy
informs his understanding of God and Scripture and discuss
whether it impacts your own beliefs.
2. Why is there such an emphasis on the concepts of "person" and
personhood in this discussion of God and particularly the Trinity?
How do elements in contemporary theology affect your
understanding of the Trinity?
- Consider the significance of the concept of "person" in
theological discussions, especially regarding the Trinity, and
discuss how contemporary theology shapes your understanding.
3. Do you find science and the theology of God to be in
fundamental conflict? Why or why not? Given what you have read,
do you find it preferable to think of the doctrine of the Trinity as
three-in-one or one-in-three? Explain your preference.
- Explore whether you perceive a conflict between science and
theology and discuss your preference regarding the doctrine of
the Trinity, providing reasons for your choice.
4. Does your understanding of God help inform your
self-understanding and your understanding of your place in the
world? If so, how?
- Reflect on how your understanding of God influences your
self-understanding and worldview, discussing how it shapes your
sense of purpose and belonging in the world.
Conclusion:
The book explores how the Western Catholic tradition sees God,
emphasizing that God is love and communicates with humanity
through various means, especially Jesus Christ. It traces the
development of theological thought over time, including the
concept of the Trinity. It also discusses challenges to traditional
theology, such as feminism and liberation theology, while
emphasizing the central idea that God's essence is love and
compassion for all people, especially those in need.
-
Christians believe their understanding of God is influenced by both
rational thinking and experiences beyond rational explanation.
-
The Bible, divided into the Old and New Testaments, forms the core of
Christian revelation.
-
- - Bible divided into Old and New Testaments
-
- Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) comprises Torah, Nevi'im, and
Ketuvim
-
- Emphasizes God's relationship with Israelites and faithfulness to the
covenant
-
- New Testament includes Gospels and letters
-
- Gospels narrate Jesus' life and teachings
-
- Letters provide guidance for early Christian communities
-
- Foundation for Christian reflection on God and humanity's
relationship
-
- Scripture foundational for Christian theology
-
- Best interpreted within the community of believers (church)
-
- Church embodies tradition of interpreting Scripture
-
- Helps understand revelation and proclaim Christ's message
-
- Theology crucial for applying Scripture and tradition to contemporary
contexts
-
- Guides Christians in making sense of faith mysteries
-
- Shapes understanding of life's meaning and direction through faith in
God's self-revelation
-
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