Thorsen Guide ch 3 and 4
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Marian University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
101
Subject
Religion
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
3
Uploaded by vpats16
THE 101: Introduction to Christian Theology
The study of theology – Thorsen chapter three and four
Thorsen chapter three: This third chapter presents views of authority that exist and existed among Christians. Each person and religious group must decide for themselves the authorities to which they appeal in determining their
Christian beliefs and practices 1. Define the following.
“true authority”
God’s authority is supreme, yet God also gives us Scripture, minds, and other means for godly living and discernment. Nicene Creed
The first ecumenical summary of Christian Beliefs.
Deposit of faith
The Catholic notion of the sum of revelation and tradition embodying the earliest statements of Christian beliefs, values, and practices, which was passed from the apostles to the succession of bishops and shaped the later creeds. magisterium
The teaching authority of church magistrates or leaders, especially of the Roman Catholic pope, cardinals, and bishops. Apostolic
succession
The uninterrupted transmission of spiritual authority from the Apostles. 2. What is the nature of authority? What role does authority play in people’s lives? What types of authority influence you?
The nature of authority refers to the right and power to command and be obeyed. It plays a significant role in people's lives by providing guidance and establishing rules and expectations for us to follow. In different stages of life we rely on different authorities. As children, we depend on our parents for our survival and well-
being. As we grow older, we encounter various types of authority figures such as teachers, coaches in sports, and professionals with expertise in their fields such as doctors or lawyers. There are many types of authority that influence me, the authority of my professors, my bosses at work, my coaches, and my parents as they help me navigate through these new stages of life. However, God is the ultimate authority in my life. 3. Which view of religious authority presented in this chapter do you consider most persuasive? What are its benefits as well as liabilities?
The view of religious authority I find most persuasive is Deism and the authority of reason. This perspective emphasizes the use of reason and rationality as a means to understand religious truths. According to this view,
individuals can seek knowledge and understanding by engaging in logical thinking, critical analysis, and Page 1 of 3 – Reading guide Thorsen ch. 3-4
▪ authority
pertains to the right and power to command and be obeyed. God ultimately is the source of all authority, though people live with a variety of authorities. Remember…there is a glossary that
begins on page 409.
← As this diagram shows, several branches or areas of
authority with the church
What is authority?
What is authority?
St. Peter and St. Paul
St. Peter and St. Paul
Jesus and authoirity
Jesus and authoirity
Ancient Church
Ancient Church
Medieval Church
Medieval Church
Protes-
tant Reforma
tion
Protes-
tant Reforma
tion
Anglican Church
Anglican Church
conversations with others. The benefits of this is that it encourages individuals to think critically about their beliefs, allowing open-mindedness and inclusivity. As it recognizes that people may have different perspectives based on their own experiences and understanding. The liabilities of this is that it may prioritize human reasoning over divine revelation and Scripture. 4. What is the nature of religious authority? Who or what serve as religious authorities for you? Which authorities do you consider most relevant and reliable? Why? The nature of religious authority is to determine what/who holds ultimate power and guidance in one’s life. This means what/who one sees as being correct and it helps to determine and shape the “rules” of how one lives their life. Personally, God is the source of all authority. A combination of Scripture and my experience and
understanding of God are the authorities I consider most relevant and reliable. Everyone’s individual experience and encounter with God is unique and helps to shape our perception of his plan for us. I believe that sometimes people can stray from God’s course because they put their authority in the wrong people.
5. To what degree do you find postmodernism a helpful way of describing the world today? To what degree do Christians need to address the concerns of postmodernism
Postmodernism is helpful in describing the world today because it recognizes the complexity and diversity of human experiences and perspectives. It recognizes that there are no absolute truths that can be proven rationally and empirically, which aligns with the increasing skepticism and questioning of established norms and institutions in the world today. The degree to which Christians need to address the concerns of postmodernism, depends on their approach to faith and interpretation of the Bible. The Bible remains the theological reference point for Christians today and is the starting point for reflection on God and other religious matters. However, the interpretation of the Bible is subjective and people must decide for themselves what it means to them in terms of revelation of truth. While this aligns with postmodernism, Christians need to address the concerns of postmodernism to the extent that it challenges their faith and interpretations of the Bible.
Thorsen chapter four
: The Bible remains the theological reference point for Christians today – the place to begin reflection upon God as well as other religious matters. Certainly people must decide for themselves what the Bible
means to them in terms of revelation of truth. 1. What Greek word is the Bible derived from?
The Bible is derived from the Greek work biblia
meaning book. 2. Define the word Scripture Simply the word scripture means a writing. However, in a religious context, scripture refers to the sacred writing or books of any religion. 3. Why do we read the Bible?
We read the Bible because it is the word of God. It is how God communicates with us, it holds all of his teachings, beliefs, values and practices, and what he has done to save us. It in a sense is a road map of how we
should live faithful lives. 4. Explain the historical critical method
of interpreting Scripture
Textual
Form
Page 2 of 3 – Reading guide Thorsen ch. 3-4
Attempts to identify the original form of
the biblical text by collecting, ordering,
and evaluating the thousands of
manuscripts of Scripture. Attempts to identify the particular literary form in which biblical texts were
written. Grammatical
Attempts to identify the particular
meanings of words and sentence
structures, using philological and
linguistic studies of the biblical
text. Sociological
Attempts to identify particularly
the social context in which the
biblical text emerged,
emphasizing the social dynamic
in which Scripture originally
functioned. Source
Attempts to identify the literary
development of biblical texts by
trying to discern distinct sources
that make up the composite final
text. Tradition and form
Attempts to identify the formal
patterns that underlie a text,
particularly the way oral
traditions functioned in shaping a
biblical text. Page 3 of 3 – Reading guide Thorsen ch. 3-4
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help