Summary

• What are the three main perspectives on the authority of the Bible?

  • Conservative
  • Neo-Orthodox
  • Liberal
• What do Evangelical Protestants believe about Scripture?

  It is the literal Word of God.
• How do Catholics view Sacred Scripture?

  As the word of God inspired by the Holy Spirit.
• What does Catholicism guarantee about Scripture?

  It guarantees the truth of all literary forms.
• What is Karl Barth's Neo-Orthodox view of the Bible?

  It is a human work that becomes inspired.
• How do Liberal views differ regarding the Bible?

  They range from partial inspiration to fully human document.
• What does Rudolf Bultmann argue about the Bible?

  It needs to be de-mythologised and aligned with science.
• What is the focus of the Social Gospel Movement?

  Social action over doctrinal issues.
• What do Process theologians believe about God?

  God is not the Creator or omnipotent.
• What do Evangelicals believe about the Bible's nature?

  The Bible is God-breathed.
• How do Roman Catholics view the writing of the Bible?

  The Holy Spirit instructed the apostles to write.
• What is the Liberal view of the Bible's inspiration?

  The Bible inspires when it comes alive in hearts.
• What do Liberals believe about the Bible's errors?

  The Bible contains human errors.
• How do Liberals interpret the Bible's authority?

  The Bible cannot be read literally.
• What did Jesus say about building his church?

  He spoke to Peter about the rock.
• How do Roman Catholics interpret Jesus' reference to the rock?

  Peter is seen as the first Pope.
• What is the Catholic view on the authority of the Bible and the Church?

  They have equal authority linked by the Holy Spirit.
• What does Apostolic Succession mean in Catholicism?

  The Church has authority to interpret Scripture.
• What is Luther's doctrine of Sola Scriptura?

  Authority is focused solely on Scripture.
• What is the role of the Church in Protestantism?

  It must be biblical and subservient to Scripture.
• What is the priesthood of believers in Protestantism?

  All believers are equal before God.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Conservative arguments about the Bible?

  Strengths:

  • Bible is the Word of God
  • The Bible is inerrant
  • Remains faithful to tradition

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Contradictions in God's nature
  • Humans make errors
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Neo-Orthodox arguments about the Bible?

  Strengths:

  • Accepts human errors
  • Faithful to core message of Jesus
  • Supports Christians' closeness to God

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Questions about divine inspiration
  • Potential for selective interpretation
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Liberal arguments about the Bible?

  Strengths:

  • Accepts human limitations
  • Emphasis on social gospel
  • Process theology's view of God

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Core divinity of the Bible
  • Jesus' message includes personal salvation
  • Challenges traditional Church thinking
• What is the significance of faith in interpreting religious beliefs?

  It shapes the attitude of belief in Jesus.
• What do Christians believe about Jesus' divinity?

  Jesus is divine and human.
• What do Christians believe about Jesus' birth?

  He was born of the Virgin Mary.
• What happened at Jesus' baptism?

  He heard God's voice declaring him as Son.
• What do Christians believe about Jesus' miracles?

  They affirm his divine power through miracles.
• What is the significance of Jesus' crucifixion?

  He was crucified for humanity's sins.
• What do Christians believe about Jesus' resurrection?

  He was resurrected from the dead.
• What is Jesus' relationship to the Trinity?

  He is part of the Trinity.
• What is Adoptionism?

  Jesus was human and later adopted by God.
• What is Arianism?

  Jesus was declared not divine by Bishop Arius.
• How do liberal Christians view Jesus' resurrection?

  As a metaphor for accepting Jesus brings new life.
• What do commentators say about Jesus as the Son of God?

  He has an intimate relationship with God.
• What does the term 'Son of Man' imply about Jesus?

  He identifies with human hardships.
• What are the two interpretations of Jesus' teaching on retaliation?

  Conservative view:

  • Christians should not retaliate.
  • Must love their enemies.

  
  

  Liberal view:

  • Interpret in context of Roman occupation.
  • May reject pacifism and love of enemies.
• How do views on Jesus' authority affect his role as a model?

  • If divine, harder to emulate.
  • If human, more relevant as a role model.
  • Importance of attempting to be like Jesus remains.
• What is the Sermon on the Mount about?

  It discusses retaliation and love for enemies.