BTheol Bachelor of Theology Basic Christian Doctrine 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In pneumatology, what distinguishes the 'filioque' controversy between Eastern and Western Christianity?
- Whether the Spirit indwells believers permanently
- Whether the Spirit proceeds from the Father alone or from both Father and Son (Correct answer)
- Whether the Spirit gives gifts in the post-apostolic age
- Whether the Spirit inspired the deuterocanonical books
Correct answer: Whether the Spirit proceeds from the Father alone or from both Father and Son
The filioque ('and the Son') clause, added by Western churches to the Nicene Creed, became a major point of division leading to the Great Schism of 1054.
Question 2: Which eschatological position holds that Christ will return before a literal 1,000-year reign on earth?
- Amillennialism
- Postmillennialism
- Premillennialism (Correct answer)
- Preterism
Correct answer: Premillennialism
Premillennialism teaches that the Second Coming precedes and inaugurates a literal millennium of Christ's reign described in Revelation 20.
Question 3: What does the doctrine of 'justification by faith alone' (sola fide) primarily teach?
- Faith replaces all moral obligation for the believer
- God declares sinners righteous solely on the basis of faith in Christ (Correct answer)
- Justification is a process that continues throughout life
- Only those with sufficient faith can be saved
Correct answer: God declares sinners righteous solely on the basis of faith in Christ
Sola fide, a key Reformation doctrine, holds that God's declaration of righteousness is received through faith in Christ alone, not through works.
Question 4: The term 'perichoresis' describes which aspect of Trinitarian theology?
- The Father's authority over the Son and Spirit
- The mutual indwelling and interpenetration of the three divine persons (Correct answer)
- The eternal procession of the Spirit from the Father
- The distinct missions of the three persons in creation
Correct answer: The mutual indwelling and interpenetration of the three divine persons
Perichoresis (or 'circumincession' in Latin) describes the dynamic, mutual indwelling of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit within the one God.
Question 5: Which view of Scripture holds that the biblical authors were moved by the Spirit while their individual personalities were fully preserved?
- Mechanical dictation theory
- Organic inspiration (Correct answer)
- Neoorthodox inspiration
- Illumination theory
Correct answer: Organic inspiration
Organic inspiration affirms that the Spirit worked through each author's unique background, vocabulary, and style to produce an authoritative text.
Question 6: What is the theological term for God's attribute of being the source of His own existence, needing nothing outside Himself?
- Omnipresence
- Aseity (Correct answer)
- Impassibility
- Simplicity
Correct answer: Aseity
Aseity (from the Latin 'a se,' meaning 'from himself') affirms that God is entirely self-existent and self-sufficient.
Question 7: In ecclesiology, what is meant by the 'marks of the church' as defined at the Reformation?
- The numerical growth and global reach of a congregation
- The presence of true preaching of the Word and right administration of sacraments (Correct answer)
- Apostolic succession through bishops
- A formal creed ratified by church councils
Correct answer: The presence of true preaching of the Word and right administration of sacraments
Reformers identified the true church by the pure preaching of the gospel and the proper administration of baptism and the Lord's Supper.
BTheol Bachelor of Theology Basic Christian Doctrine 3
In pneumatology, what distinguishes the 'filioque' controversy between Eastern and Western Christianity?