Breakthrough International Bible University - Christian Theology Exam

Jesus being baptized by his cousin John is supported by accounts in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. According to these accounts, John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. This event is significant in Christian belief as it marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and is seen as a symbol of his identification with humanity and his submission to God's will.

The correct answer is Catholic because the Catholic Church has developed a system of sacraments. Sacraments are important rituals or ceremonies in the Catholic faith that are believed to convey the grace of God to individuals. The Catholic Church recognizes seven sacraments, including baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, reconciliation, anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony. These sacraments are considered essential for spiritual growth and salvation in the Catholic tradition.

The statement suggests that the gospel of Mark was likely the earliest gospel written after the death of Jesus. This is supported by scholarly consensus, as Mark is believed to have been written around 70 AD, making it the earliest of the four canonical gospels. The other gospels, such as Matthew and Luke, are thought to have been written later and may have used Mark as a source. Therefore, the answer "True" is correct.

Jesus believed that compassion was more important than strictly following the law because he emphasized the importance of love, forgiveness, and understanding. He preached about treating others with kindness and compassion, even if it meant going against certain religious laws or traditions. Jesus demonstrated this belief through his actions, such as healing on the Sabbath and associating with outcasts and sinners. He taught that the essence of the law was to love God and love one's neighbor, and that compassion should guide one's actions and decisions.

The Holy Spirit descended on the followers of Jesus during the Jewish feast of Pentecost, not Passover. Passover is a different Jewish festival that commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt. Pentecost, on the other hand, is a Jewish festival that occurs 50 days after Passover and celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. It was during the feast of Pentecost that the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples, empowering them to spread the message of Jesus.

Baptism is a purifying rite in many religious traditions. It is a sacrament that symbolizes the cleansing of sins and the initiation into the faith community. Through the act of baptism, individuals are believed to be spiritually cleansed and reborn. This ritual is often performed by immersing the person in water or by sprinkling water on them. Baptism is an important milestone in many religious practices and is seen as a necessary step towards salvation or spiritual growth.

The statement is false because Jesus was not born in the year zero. The concept of the Common Era (CE) was developed centuries after Jesus' birth, so it would not have been possible for him to be born at the beginning of it. Additionally, historical evidence suggests that Jesus was likely born between 6 and 4 BCE.

The statement "Jesus relied on working miracles to convince listeners to follow him" is false. While Jesus did perform miracles during his ministry, his primary focus was on teaching and preaching the word of God. He emphasized the importance of faith, repentance, and following God's commandments rather than relying solely on miracles to convince people to follow him. Miracles were often used as signs to authenticate his message and demonstrate his divine authority, but they were not the main method he used to persuade his listeners.

Jesus rarely engaged in theological arguments because he preferred to use common images as a way to teach about God. Rather than getting caught up in complex debates and abstract concepts, Jesus used relatable and accessible language to convey his message. This approach allowed him to connect with a wider audience and make his teachings more understandable and relatable to everyday people. By using common images and stories, Jesus was able to effectively communicate deep theological truths in a way that was easily grasped by his listeners.

The statement suggests that Jesus reinforced the class system and rarely crossed social boundaries in his society. However, this is not true. Jesus challenged the societal norms and often associated with people from different social classes, such as tax collectors and sinners. He preached about equality and love for all, regardless of their social status. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

The statement is false because the stories Jesus told were often filled with layers of meaning. Jesus frequently used parables, which were simple stories with deeper spiritual lessons. These parables were meant to challenge and provoke thought, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own lives and relationship with God. The layers of meaning in Jesus' stories allowed for deeper understanding and application of his teachings.

The word "prodigal" is a suitable answer because it means reckless or lavish, which matches the given description. It refers to someone who spends money or resources in a wasteful or extravagant manner. Therefore, "prodigal" accurately captures the meaning of the phrase "reckless or lavish."

The given correct answer is Protestant because Protestantism is a branch of Christianity that emerged during the Reformation. Protestants emphasize the authority of the Bible and often critique the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions for what they perceive as idolatry, such as the veneration of saints and icons. However, some Protestants themselves can idolize the Bible, placing it on a pedestal and attributing infallibility to it. This can be seen as a form of idolatry, contradicting their initial stance against idol worship.

The correct answer is Protestant because the Protestant Reformation, led by Martin Luther in the 16th century, challenged the Catholic Church's teachings on salvation. Protestants believe that individuals are justified or saved by faith alone, without the need for good works or sacraments. This idea of salvation by faith alone, known as sola fide, is a key doctrine in Protestant theology and distinguishes it from Catholic and Eastern Orthodox beliefs.

The earliest followers of Jesus stood out from their Jewish counterparts because they exhibited characteristics that set them apart. Firstly, they didn't seem to fear death, which was uncommon among the Jewish people at that time. Secondly, they no longer felt guilty because they had sinned, as they believed in the forgiveness and redemption offered by Jesus. Lastly, they were free of their own egos, focusing on serving others rather than seeking personal gain or recognition. Therefore, all of the above statements accurately describe the differences between the earliest followers of Jesus and their Jewish counterparts.

Smith argues that the reason followers of Jesus seemed different was because of the power of love. He believes that they were created in the image of God and therefore capable of love. Additionally, being loved by Jesus allowed them to love each other freely. Hence, all of the above reasons contribute to why the followers of Jesus appeared different.

The combination of "God" and "Word" is a reference to the concept of the "Word of God" in theology. Theology is the study of religious beliefs and practices, and the "Word of God" refers to the divine communication or revelation of God's will and teachings. Therefore, the correct answer is "Theology" as it encompasses the study and understanding of God and his teachings.

A sacrament is a religious ceremony or ritual that is believed to be a visible sign of God's grace or presence. It is an outward expression of an inward spiritual experience or blessing. The word "sacrament" itself implies a sacred or holy act that symbolizes and conveys divine grace to the participants. In this context, the phrase "outward sign of inward grace" perfectly describes a sacrament, as it emphasizes the visible manifestation of a spiritual reality or blessing.

The term "incarnation" refers to the belief that Jesus Christ, according to Christian theology, is both fully human and fully God. This concept is central to the Christian faith and is based on the belief that Jesus, the Son of God, took on human form and became a man while still retaining his divine nature. The idea of incarnation emphasizes the dual nature of Jesus, highlighting his divinity and humanity simultaneously. This belief is significant as it allows for the understanding of Jesus as both a relatable human figure and the divine savior of humanity.

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Theosis refers to the process of becoming one with God and experiencing His glory directly. It is a concept found in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, where believers strive to attain a union with God and participate in His divine nature. Through prayer, worship, and the practice of virtues, individuals seek to transform themselves and be united with God in a deep and intimate way. Theosis is seen as the ultimate goal of the Christian life, where believers can experience the fullness of God's presence and participate in His divine life.

The correct answer is "all of the above". This means that all of the statements mentioned in the question are correct. Communion, or Eucharist, does have its roots in the Jewish Passover meal. It is seen by some Christians as the real presence of Christ, while others view it as a symbolic meal. It was also practiced in the domestic church. Therefore, all of these statements are true.

The correct answer is none of the above. In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus does not specifically praise the Jewish priest for knowing the law. He also does not portray the inn keeper as greedy. Instead, Jesus uses the story to teach about compassion and loving one's neighbor, regardless of their background or beliefs. The story does not mention anything about robbery being always punished.

A parable is a short story or tale that is used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. It often features characters or events that are relatable to the audience and contains symbolic elements that convey deeper meanings. In the context of "defied expectations", a parable can be seen as a narrative that challenges or subverts the reader's assumptions, leading them to a different understanding or perspective. By presenting a familiar or everyday situation in an unexpected way, a parable can provoke thought and reflection, making it a fitting answer for "defied expectations".

The Catholic Church recognized the need for a single authority to decide questions of faith. This is evident in the structure and hierarchy of the Catholic Church, with the Pope as the ultimate authority and the final decision-maker on matters of doctrine and belief. The Catholic Church believes in the concept of papal infallibility, which means that the Pope is protected from error when speaking ex cathedra on matters of faith and morals. This centralized authority ensures unity and consistency in the interpretation and teachings of the Catholic faith.

All have a role in the formation of theology because experience, symbols, and thoughts are all important factors that shape an individual's understanding and interpretation of religious beliefs and concepts. Experience refers to personal encounters and interactions with the divine or religious practices, symbols represent visual or tangible representations of religious ideas, and thoughts encompass intellectual reflections and interpretations of religious teachings. All of these elements contribute to the development of theological perspectives and understanding.

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Atonement refers to the process of making amends or seeking forgiveness for wrongdoing in order to be reconciled or made whole. It involves acknowledging and taking responsibility for one's actions, and making efforts to repair any damage caused. Atonement is often associated with religious or spiritual practices, where individuals seek forgiveness from a higher power. It is a way of seeking redemption and restoring harmony within oneself and with others. Through atonement, individuals strive to make things right and find peace and reconciliation.

The Zealots resorted to violence in an attempt to overthrow the Romans. This means that they engaged in acts of rebellion and armed resistance against the Roman occupation. They believed that the only way to regain Jewish independence and freedom was through forceful action. Their violent tactics often led to clashes with Jesus, who advocated for a different approach to achieving social and political change. Despite their efforts, the Zealots were ultimately unsuccessful in their goal of overthrowing the Romans.

The correct answer is all of the above. The initial understanding that human beings' infinite sin demanded an infinite payment is one way to explain atonement. This understanding suggests that because humans have committed infinite sins, they require an infinite payment to reconcile with God. Additionally, the idea that human beings are in bondage and disconnected from God, and need to be liberated, is also a way to explain atonement. This understanding emphasizes the need for humans to be freed from their sinful state and restored to a relationship with God. Lastly, the implication in the Nicene Creed supports the notion that all of these explanations are valid.

The correct answer is "Withdrew from Jewish society and lived in desert communes." The Essenes were a Jewish sect that chose to separate themselves from mainstream Jewish society and live in isolated communities, often in the desert. They believed in living a strict and disciplined life according to Jewish law. This withdrawal from society allowed them to practice their beliefs without interference and maintain a sense of purity. They sought to distance themselves from Roman influence and did not resort to violence or clash with Jesus.

The statement is false because not all four New Testament gospels take great care to record the circumstances of Jesus' birth. Only two of the gospels, Matthew and Luke, provide detailed accounts of Jesus' birth, while Mark and John do not mention it at all. Therefore, the statement is incorrect.

The Eastern Orthodox Church emphasizes the corporate view of the church, where all believers are seen as cells in the mind of God. This means that each individual believer is an integral part of the larger body of Christ and has a unique role to play in the church's mission. This perspective highlights the interconnectedness and unity of all believers in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.

The Eastern Orthodox Church places a strong emphasis on the mystery surrounding faith in God. This is evident in their liturgical practices, theology, and spirituality. The Eastern Orthodox tradition sees God as transcendent and unknowable, with a deep sense of reverence and awe. They believe that faith in God cannot be fully understood or explained, but rather is a personal and mystical experience. This emphasis on mystery sets the Eastern Orthodox Church apart from other Christian denominations, such as Catholicism and Protestantism, which may have different approaches to understanding and expressing faith in God.

The Sadducees believed in maintaining a peaceful coexistence with the Roman authorities. They chose to lay low and adapt to Roman expectations in order to avoid attracting undue attention and potential conflict. This approach allowed them to maintain their position and influence within Jewish society. They did not resort to violence or seek to overthrow the Romans, unlike other groups such as the Zealots. Their desire for stability and cooperation often put them at odds with Jesus, who challenged the existing power structures and advocated for a different approach.

In the times of Jesus, it was not such an unusual claim for a leader to make an incarnation. This is because during that period, there were several religious leaders who claimed to be divine or have a special connection with a higher power. Therefore, it was not uncommon for leaders to make such claims, and Jesus was one of them.

The Pharisees believed in living life strictly according to Jewish law, which means they followed the religious customs and rituals prescribed by the Torah. They placed great importance on obeying the commandments and adhering to the traditions of their faith. This belief in strict adherence to Jewish law often put them at odds with Jesus, who challenged some of their interpretations and teachings. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and emphasized the importance of love, mercy, and compassion over legalistic observance. This clash of beliefs and teachings led to frequent conflicts between Jesus and the Pharisees.