Epistemology
how we know what we know; our foundation for knowing.
Ontology
the branch of metaphysics dealing with the Nature of Being
Prolegomena
How we get to the Truth about God; things spoken before
Theological Loci
The doctrines of study. Theological topics. Places
A Priori knowledge or Pure knowledge
Unlearned, innate (already born with)
A Posteriori knowledge or Empirical knowledge
Knowledge Derived from Experience
Immediate self-consciousness (Schleiermacher)
the basis of religion comes from Feeling. Dr. Whitlock doesn't believe that has any truth, because feelings change.
Revelation
The epistemological axiom (base of truths) for God
General Revelation
from Nature. The disclosure of God to all rational beings accurately reflecting God's character.
Attribute
The character qualities that are essential to God
Transcendence
God is above creation and is not affected by it
Immanence
God is active in the world
Doctrine
the teachings of the Christian faith, a conveyer of truth (direct statement of fact)
Sufficiency of Scripture
The ability of the word of God to address every area of human existence.
Natural Theology
We can build a theology from general or natural revelation
List & define the Four Sources of Doctrine in the Wesleyan Quadrilateral.
1) Scripture - most important - Whitlock's only source
2) Tradition - the ways of
3) Reason - the why of
4) Experience - the events of
List the Four Necessary Elements in the definition of Revelation as given in lecture.
1. God alone reveals
2. God reveals His own nature
3. God reveals Himself to humans
4. God's revelation is for a relationship with Him
List the 3 means by which God has generally Disclosed Himself (means of general revelation).
1. We are made in the Image of God (SEE NOTES #5)
2. God has directed the flow of History
3. Creation - He has left his mark (reflection) in creation
Be able to list the 5 Common Touching Points that believers have with the lost through general revelation.
1. Common religious inclination.
2. Common basis for truth.
3. Common perception of justice.
4. Common basis for morality.
5. Universal sense of fallen-ness.
Be able to discuss briefly and concisely if salvation is possible for a person through general revelation alone. Make certain to include elements from class lecture.
a. No direct communication of God's nature or purpose
b. Offers no relationship with God
c. It will NOT move people toward God
i. The Saving aspect is NOT revealed to us here.
d. Because of our fallen state, we can't become saved through general revelatio
Be able to list AND discuss the three elements of the nature of Special Revelation as given in lecture.
1. Propositional - makes direct Statements about God.
2. Personal - requires a Response, and gives recipient knowledge of God.
3. Anthropic - puts the knowledge in human terms.
Be able to list, define, and discuss the four elements of the biblical understanding of Inspiration of Scripture found in 2 Peter 1:21.
a. Men - human authors
b. Moved - they are compelled to write
c. By the Holy Spirit - does the moving
d. Spoke from God - God's words are written
Be able to list AND discuss the six theories of inspiration provided in the lecture.
1. Natural View - The biblical authors are moved like regular authors are moved; they're creative/talented people
2. Illumination - the author's insight is heightened by God
3. Encounter - inspiration occurs when the reader comes in contact with the text/
Verbal-Plenary View
The Spirit guides the writers so that their words match up to be exactly what the Spirit intends.
Be able to discuss all of the elements of the Definition of Inerrancy as discussed in lecture.
a. When all the facts are known
b. The bible in its original writings. Verbal Plenary. Inspired.
c. When it is properly interpreted in light of culture
d. Is completely true, therefore not false
e. To the degree of precision intended by the author
f. In a
Be able to list AND define the three aspects of the Nature of God found in Genesis 1 according to lecture.
1. God is transcendent - God transcends creation, is not dependent on it, Man is completely dependent of God for the power to sustain life (Hebrews 11:6), the one who rewards the one seeking. He is the uncreated creator.
2. God is imminent - Man is comple
Be able to describe how Genesis chapter 1 presents God as a Trinity as discussed in lecture.
a. In the beginning, GOD (V.1)
b. The Spirit of God moving over the water (V.2)
c. Make man in "our" image (foreshadowing) [V.26-27]
It effects how we approach God, so that no one comes to God unless through Jesus, and no one comes to Jesus unless the Spi
Genesis 1:1-3
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was lig
Psalm 19:1-2
The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
Day to day pours forth speech,
And night to night reveals knowledge.
Psalm 19:7-8
The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Psalm 119:160
The sum of Your word is truth,
And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.
Daniel 2:22
It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
And the light dwells with Him.
Matthew 7:24-25
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it ha
1 Corinthians 2:10
For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
2 Peter 1:20-21
But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
Be able to discuss Scripture as the sole legitimate source for Christian doctrine and theology.
Every bit of our knowledge about God should come from scripture.
The other 3 help us better understand it. 1 Tim. 4, 2 Tim. 3:13-4:4 (See notes).
Where our certainty and knowledge come from.
Inspired by God. Leads to salvation in Christ.
Profitable for te
Be able to briefly discuss the biblical understanding of revelation from Daniel chapter 2 as discussed in lecture.
That we understand that it is God who reveal and that he reveals mysteries. Unless He reveals it, it will remain hidden.
Galah ~ Reveal
Raz ~ Mystery; secret.
Be able to discuss the veracity or truthfulness of God as the central concern in the issue of inerrancy.
What is involved in it? Whether God is telling the truth...? If the words on the page are not truthful, then God is not being truthful.
Be able to discuss thoroughly in ESSAY FORMAT Revelation as an epistemological axiom or Foundation for Knowledge for Christian theology. Include Kant's perspective & Schleiermacher's idea.
Revelation - The bases for Truth for Knowledge of God
Kant - Pure Knowledge (unlearned) & Empirical Knowledge (Experience)
o His critique questions our ability to have an objective, real knowledge about God
Schleiermacher - the basis of religion is "immed