Exodus 20 contains the Ten Commandments

Exodus 20 contains the Ten Commandments. List the commandments in a concise manner.
They are there to worship one God.
There shall be no idol gods among you.
God's name is holy, and it should be revered.
Keep the Sabbath sacred and observe it.
Respect your parents so that you can live a long life.
Murder is illegal.
Adultery is forbidden.
Theft is forbidden.

You are not responsible for your neighbor's wife, property, servants, or livestock.
What distinguishes the first four commandments from the last six?
The first four commandments deal with God's relationship with the people, while the last six commandments deal with people's relationships with one another. Therefore, the first four are regarded as “vertical” while the last 6 are regarded as “horizontal.”



Read the Beatitudes, the blessings of Jesus in the opening verses of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter 5:1-12. Which one is repeated and emphasized?

In the Beatitudes, the repeated phrases are “blessed are” and “they shall.” The emphasized beatitude is “those who are persecuted for their love of God will inherit the Kingdom of God.”



From the lecture, what two commandments did Jesus say are the greatest?

Jesus greatest commandments involve love. The first requires Christians to love God. The second requires people to love their neighbors.

From the lecture and textbook, write out the short quote that philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche made famous about truth.

Regarding the truth, philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche remarked “truth does not exists, only interpretations.”

From the textbook, describe how Raphael, in his great painting School of Athens, depicted Plato and Aristotle.

In his painting, Raphael depicts Plato and Aristotle in opposing side regarding the truth. Plato is centrally placed and at the center, pointing upward while Aristotle is seen as pointing horizontally. Plato is seen as the proponent of the foundational truth that is applicable universally regardless of the context. He is inclined toward moral thought and the reality from God. On the other hand, Aristotle’s truth is differentiated through sensory experience in the world.

According to the lecture, what kind of absolute truths require the existence of God?

Both moral and spiritual absolute truths require the existence of God. God is the source of all truths.

Briefly define general and special revelation.

While general revelation refers to the way God reveals generally to all through his creation throughout history and natural laws, special revelation refers to the way God reveals to persons and communities who can share what he has made to others through scriptures, Christ and individual encounter with God.



From Chapter 8 of the textbook, define exclusivism and pluralism.

Exclusivism refers to the belief that there is a singular way to God or one way to please God. On the other hand, pluralism holds that there are numerous ways to God and one’s religion is not the only way part forms part of the story. According to pluralism, religion co-exist through tolerance to diversity.

According to Chapter 9 in the textbook, does Job ever find out why he suffered? What is the best explanation from our perspective?

In the story of Job, God does not answer the cause of Job’s suffering. God wanted Job to trust in HIM and not his own understanding. From our perspective, Job’s experience teaches that God is in control of our lives and if we trust in Him, He will reward us.



Read the story of the raising of Lazarus in John 11. What can we learn about Jesus and death from this account of the event?

The resurrection of Lazarus teaches that Jesus has power of death. Additionally, the resurrection indicates that Jesus is the resurrection and life, and those who die believing in him will live on in heaven.

Read the 11 reasons for suffering listed in the lecture. Which reason(s) might provide good cause for a Christian to “count it all joy” as James says to do in James 1:2-4?

Suffering plays a significant role in increasing a Christian’s compassion and help the comfort those who are suffering. Sufferings also strengthen a Christian’s character and draw them close to God. A suffering christian may also learn to humble and depend on Jesus.

Read the section on Theodicy in Chapter 9 of the textbook.

Define theodicy.

Theodicy is the relentless defense of God’s infinite goodness and all power despite the existence of suffering and evil.



What are two explanations Christians might give to explain the problem of evil—how a good and powerful God would allow suffering?



According to Philippians 2:1-11, how are Christians to behave in light of what Jesus endured?



Philippians 2:1-11 teaches Christians to show humility as taught by Christ. Jesus Christ humbled and was exalted greatly. It also teaches Christians to obey and follow God’s will.