Exploring the Christian Faith
Four Classes on Theology for Parishes
This program is intended to follow on from GIFT – “Growing in Faith Together”. Some people have an interest in exploring how our faith can be better understood through the study of theology. The study of theology is certainly not a necessary part of religious practice and some will not find such an approach attractive. However for those who want to find out more, this series of four classes gives a taster of theological approaches to some major questions.
Some of this material is in the form of notes rather than a full exposition.
God (“Theology Proper”)
- What is theology anyway?
- How can we talk about God?
- Proving the existence of God.
- How does God act in the world?
Jesus the Christ (Christology)
- What is the relationship between God and Jesus?
- How can Jesus be both human and divine?
- Does God suffer?
- How does Christ remain present in the world?
Justice (Social and Liberation Theologies)
- How does God relate to the poor and oppressed?
- Individual and social sin.
- Role distinctions and social distinctions: gender, color, class, creed. Hierarchy and lay participation.
- Christianity and Politics.
Salvation (Soteriology)
- What is salvation?
- How are we saved?
- Who is saved?
- What does being saved mean for us?
Some Questions to think about before the sessions
Session 1:
What do you mean by “God”? How do you think your understanding may differ from other peoples?
Since God is by definition beyond or above human thought, how can we speak or reason at all about God?
Are faith and reason alternatives or complementary?
Does it make sense to suggest that the existence of God can be proved (or disproved)?
How does God act in the world? What does this imply about science?
Session 2:
Do you think of and relate to Jesus primarily in terms of his human or his divine nature? Which is more important or significant to you?
How do you come to terms with the claim that Jesus is both human and divine – isn’t this a contradiction?
Should we consider Jesus’ life as an event in human history or as a divine action outside of (normal) human history?
How does the life of someone who lived 2000 years ago affect us now? How is the effect of Jesus’ life different from anyone else?
Session 3:
The prophets and Jesus himself talked about God’s special care for the poor and downtrodden. Has the Church been faithful to this teaching at all times and in all places?
Is slavery a sin? Has it always been a sin? Who sinned?
How much of our faith is unchanging over time and how much needs to be interpreted anew in each age?
Do our political views affect our religious beliefs? Do our religious beliefs affect our political views? Should they?
Session 4:
Do people these days feel a need to be “saved”? From what?
Has God already decided who will be saved? Do we have the ability to determine whether we are saved or not? How much depends on us and how much on God?
What does it take to be saved?
What is grace?