TRS100B Study Guide
This guide was designed to help you focus your study and research on key elements of the course. It relates primarily to topics studied since the midterm exam, but you must demonstrate in your responses an understanding certain concepts discussed in the first part of the course.
The guide is not designed to provide the exact questions or "answers" to memorize. Aim to understand concepts and have a grasp of facts that will allow you to support your opinions. The first part of the exam will consist of definitions and short answer questions drawn from the following topics.
Basic Concepts: Review Chapter 1in Weaver with special attention to pp.21-24. Be sure that you understand the role of the basic sources of Christian Theology (Bible, Tradition, Reason, Experience). Reflect on theological method and what is important to you in studying Theology.
Periods in Christian History (Weaver chapter 4): The Patristic Era through the Modern Era (80-97). This chapter covered some basics of the history of Christianity. Review it and focus on key developments in this timeline: Be sure that you can identify them and show their significance. You do not need to go beyond the text in reviewing this section:
Patristic Period:The Missionary Work of the Apostle Paul, Constantine, Doctrine, Doctrinal Debates (main points about the Councils of Nicaea and Chalcedon), Gnosticism, Donatism
Middle Ages: Charlemagne and the Papacy (Pope Leo III), Monasticism, The Great Schism or split between Roman Catholicism and the Eastern Orthodox Church,
Reformation: Why necessary, Humanism, indulgences , Mainstream Reformation (Luther, Calvin), Catholic Reformation)
Modern Era: Enlightenment, Age of Reason. Be able to identify major movements of change: industrialization, capitalism, Marxism, advances in modern science, Darwin. Note contemporary movements (94)
Christian Doctrines (Weaver Chapter 5). Focus on the sections on God. Be able to explain significant terms (analogy, Nicene Creed's statement on God), major attributes of God. Jesus the Christ: Trinity, Holy Spirit, basic beliefs about Jesus Christ (112-113)
Church (113-114)
Sacraments: Be able to define the term. Note the two sacraments that are recognized as such by many denominations (Baptism, Eucharist)
Salvation, Sin and Grace: 116-121. Review this section carefully so that you can both define these terms
and show their relation to one another.
Diversity in Christianity :Why are there so many Protestant churches? Why are there so many disagreements among them?
Provide good working definitions of spirituality, worship, prayer, mysticism, liturgyEssays:
Prepare one (3 to 5 well-developed paragraphs with that develop a thesis sentence)
1. Distinguish among inclusive, exclusive, and pluralistic approaches to interreligious dialogue and explain the advantages and disadvantages of the one you think may be most fruitful.
2. If you were asked to identify the one religious tradition with which Christians most desperately need to develop a fruitful dialogue, which religion would you pick. Explain your choice.