Introduction to Christian Theology
Study Guide (due session #11) [S-17]
readings: EG, chapter 8
By the end of your study of this chapter, you should be able to:
1. Clarify the meaning of the terms “election” and “predestination” as defined in this chapter.
2. Differentiate between the three views of election. State which of the three Alan favors and why.
3. Define the four theological word pictures that explain aspects of Christ’s death on the cross.
4. Match the names of three Christian leaders (MacArthur, Ryrie, and Hodges) with their positions on the lordship salvation debate.
5. Explain why Alan does not believe the label, “Simi-Pelagian” is appropriate for his view nor that of Henry Thiessen.
readings: GA, Introduction, chapters 2 & 5
By the end of your study of this book, you should be able to:
6. Distinguish between “SSA” and “being gay” according to Allberry the Introduction.
7. How does Allberry respond when straight believers say, “the gospel must be harder for you than it is for me”?
8. Based on your reading of Chapter 2, what do you think the author would say to those who claim that God’s judgment of Sodom was not even partly because of homosexuality but was strictly due to its other sins (such as inhospitality, oppression, arrogance, etc.)?
9. Based on Allberry, Chapter 2, define what the Bible means when it labels some sexual sins as “unnatural.”
10. According to Allberry, Chapter 2, what are some other sins, in addition to homosexuality, that are trivialized in western society?
11. How does Allberry answer the assertion that same-sex partnerships are OK if they are committed and faithful?
12. Since Jesus never directly spoke about homosexuality during his earthly ministry, how do we know whether or not He would consider it sinful?
13 In a couple of sentences, summarize Allberry’s advice about how we can most effectively share Christ with gay friends, or non-gays who view God as anti-gay (based on your reading of Chapter 5).
LECTURE NOTES (9 & 10):
By the end of your study of these notes, you should be able to:
14. Give the word origins for “anthropology” based on your lecture notes.
15. Match the four views of our origin with their distinguishing characteristics.
16. Explain how the “heroes for racial equality” demonstrated their Christian beliefs, as given in your lecture notes in lesson #9.
17. Name the three wrong (or incomplete) views of human nature. Also, identify the biblical view of humanity’s state at creation and at birth.
18. State what is the key to addressing human-life issues, according to your notes.
19. Recognize the viewpoints of Koop, Scholes, and Smietana, concerning the sanctity of life (as quoted in Session #10).
20. Contrast the view of the APA in 1998, with its view today (as quoted in Session #10).
21. Identify the recent divergence in the LGBT (Q) community.
22. Explain how we as Christians should respond and minister to practicing homosexuals? Why?
23. State one theological basis for having a positive self- image (as stated in Session #10).