TH 3000 Christianity II: Essay Questions-1st Exam

1. Explain in chronological fashion the rise of the Papacy's power. What were the three means that the Popes utilized against those who disagreed with them? What four groups were the recipients of such actions?

2. Why was the "vision of a universal papal monarchy" no longer tenable after the late fourteenth century? Discuss the "governance" of the Roman Catholic Church at this period, the various steps taken, and the Councils involved to solve the crisis. What was the final outcome?

3. What impact did the Renaissance have upon European means of thinking and how did these effect Western Christianity? Give concrete examples. In particular, discuss Humanism, Nominalism, and Devotio Moderna.

4. Present a psychological profile of Martin Luther and how this impacted his feelings concerning a) faith, b)Purgatory and indulgences, c) Scripture, and d) the church. Compare several of Luther's thoughts to those of John Calvin.

5. What was the Counter-Reformation's effect in Europe and upon the New World? Discuss the Counter-Reformation's attitudes towards Protestantism, in particular at the Council of Trent.

6. Discuss the historical background to and impact of the Peace of Westphalia upon Christianity in Europe and subsequently in North America. Report upon the development of Christianity in colonial North America. What is the difference between religious toleration and religious liberty?

Christianity II: Essay Questions-2nd Exam

1. Describe the tensions between science and religion from 1600-1800. Was science totally objective? Comment on the rise of the Enlightenment and its response to Christianity.

2. Comment on the role which the Roman Catholic idea of the "economy of grace" had upon the Industrial Revolution. What factors from Protestantism likewise contributed to this "revolution?"

3. Expound on the ideas of Schleiermacher, Hegel, Kierkegaard, and Nietzsche regarding religion. Finally, compare and contrast these perspectives.

4. Comment on the ideas of Strauss and Schweitzer and the response of the Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches to these new theologies and modernism. Give concrete examples.

5. Describe the role of Pope John XXIII in Catholic history. Discuss Vatican II and its importance a) within Catholicism, and regarding b) the Orthodox Church, c) Protestantism, and d) other religions. Comment on the three important documents.

6. Comment on the following "theologies": liberation, black, feminist, ecological. In your opinion, Is traditional "white male European" Christianity still viable? Support your position.

Christianity II: Essay Questions-3rd Exam

1. Comment on the following definition and the Roman Catholic perspective regarding conscience. "Conscience is the locus of personal freedom, the integrative meeting point of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual experiences. It is the foundation of individuality and personality. Thus conscience is the place in which a person becomes him or herself, a conscious moral subject. It is the domain of well-being, integrity and meaningful identity."

2. What are the three types of infallibility in the Roman Catholic Church? Discuss them in detail. Give examples of papal infallibility. List and briefly discuss the various levels of authoritative teaching in the RCC. What is the Roman Catholic required to give to these levels?

3. In doubtful matters, what should the Roman Catholic do? How probable must a position be? Has the RCC always had correct teachings regarding moral matters? Explain and comment. What level of moral teachings exist?

4. According to the 1917 Roman Catholic Code of Canon Law what are the purposes of marriage? Did Vatican II affirm such a definition? Explain why. What does the Latin word sacramentum mean and how does this impact Roman Catholic theology? Compare sacramentum to the Greek term for "sacrament" and explain the Eastern theological perspective and how this impacts their view of marriage. What is the definition of marriage as stated in the 1983 Code?  Compare and contrast the two codes.

5. Explain the background to the Birth Control Commission. What happened during Vatican II regarding the issue of artificial contraception? Who wrote the draft of Humanae Vitae for Pope Paul VI? What is the teaching in Humanae Vitae really based upon? Draw out some of the implications if one were objectively to accept only Natural Law.

6. Discuss the difference between the Roman Catholic ideas regarding a Code of Canon Law and the Eastern Christian (Catholic and Orthodox) conceptions of the Pedalion. Likewise comment on "epieikeia" and "sensus fidelium" and the role they play in the moral life.

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Christianity II: Essay Questions-4th Exam

1. Discuss translation issues as well as the context of the three Gospel passages which refer to "divorce." What did Jesus historically possibly/probably have in mind? Comment on how the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches interpret these texts when it comes to practical application. Instead of "divorce" what does the RCC "allow" and under what circumstances?

2. Give examples and discuss the early and medieval church's attitudes toward divorce and remarriage. What is the teaching of the present Roman Magisterium on the issue? What was Pope John Paul II's attitude toward the eastern tradition of the Church on this matter? What do most Protestants believe about this issue?

3. According to the Catholic and Orthodox Churches when does life begin?  What theological issues does this raise?  Discuss "direct" and "indirect" abortion and the present Roman Catholic teaching regarding abortion. What is the Eastern Orthodox position and how does it differ? What do the majority of Protestants believe about this issue?

4. Discuss the process in the early church by which a man became a bishop. What happened in the West? Discuss the present practice in the Roman Catholic Church. How is a Pope chosen?

5. Explain the investiture controversy and its impact upon western Christianity. Discuss the following ecclesiological models: autocracy, democracy, and collegiality. How does subsidiarity fit into the picture of church governance?