Further Study

Review Questions

These questions are designed to help you review important material covered in the lecture.

1. Why can it be hard to define Christian theology?
2. Why should we be satisfied with a working definition that accords with the Apostles’ Creed?
3. What accounts for the unity of the body of Christ? Why it is our responsibility to promote theological unity within the body of Christ?
4. What accounts for the diversity within the body of Christ?
5. As we survey Christian theology, why is it important to maintain a balanced perspective regarding theological unity and diversity?
6. What is tradition?
7. Describe the three tendencies that theological traditions tend to follow.
8. How can self-awareness and awareness of others impact and affect our theological traditions?
9. Give a brief historical sketch of the development of Reformed theology, highlighting significant historical events.
10. What are the theological tendencies of the Reformed tradition?
11. Summarize each of the four distinctives of the Reformed tradition.

Application Questions

Application questions are appropriate for written assignments or as topics for group discussions. For written assignments, it is recommended that answers not exceed one page in length.

1. Should you believe all the doctrines in the Apostles’ Creed? Why or why not?
2. What implications does the theological unity of all believers have for the way you view and interact with other branches of the church?
3. What positive influences has your theological tradition had on your theology? What negative influences has it had?
4. What are the emphases of your tradition? What are the strengths and weaknesses of these emphases? How might you change your emphases to counter these weaknesses without losing the strengths?
5. What are some of the strengths and dangers of Reformed theology? In what ways might your understanding of the tradition behind these lessons help you discern truth from error within them?
6. Reformed theology tends to insist that all life is religious. Do you agree or disagree with this idea? Why or why not?
7. What is the most significant insight you have learned from this study? Explain.

Discussion Video

Additional information concerning the lesson topic is provided in a video presentation of a question and answer session. If you are struggling to understand any portion of the lesson or if you would simply like to deepen your understanding of the subject, this video will be helpful.