RS- Section A
Sources of Wisdom and Authority
The Bible
● Nature and Purpose:
○ Inspiration: Christians believe the Bible is divinely inspired. This
means God guided the human authors in their writing, which gives the
Bible its authority. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness" (2
Timothy 3:16).
○ Interpretation: Different denominations interpret the Bible in various
ways:
■ Literalism/Fundamentalism: Some Christians, especially
Fundamentalists, interpret the Bible literally, believing it is
inerrant.
■ Liberal Theology: Others see the Bible as a document written
in historical and cultural contexts, which should be interpreted
symbolically or metaphorically.
■ Contextual Theology: Some argue for interpretation within the
context of current social issues, emphasising the Bible’s
message over its literal words.
● Structure:
○ Old Testament: Consists of the Law (Torah), Prophets (Nevi’im), and
Writings (Ketuvim). Key books include Genesis (creation narratives),
Exodus (Moses and the Law), and Psalms (poetry and hymns).
○ New Testament: Focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus (Gospels:
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), early church history (Acts), letters
(Epistles, mainly Pauline), and apocalyptic literature (Revelation).
● Authority:
○ Catholic View: The Bible is one part of the deposit of faith, alongside
Sacred Tradition. The Magisterium (teaching authority of the Church)
interprets it.
○ Protestant View: Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) emphasizes the
Bible as the sole infallible source of authority.
○ Orthodox View: The Bible is central, but tradition (including the
Church Fathers) plays a crucial role in its interpretation.
Jesus Christ
● Incarnation:
○ Doctrine: The belief that Jesus is fully God and fully human. "The Word
became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (John 1:14).
Sources of Wisdom and Authority
The Bible
● Nature and Purpose:
○ Inspiration: Christians believe the Bible is divinely inspired. This
means God guided the human authors in their writing, which gives the
Bible its authority. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness" (2
Timothy 3:16).
○ Interpretation: Different denominations interpret the Bible in various
ways:
■ Literalism/Fundamentalism: Some Christians, especially
Fundamentalists, interpret the Bible literally, believing it is
inerrant.
■ Liberal Theology: Others see the Bible as a document written
in historical and cultural contexts, which should be interpreted
symbolically or metaphorically.
■ Contextual Theology: Some argue for interpretation within the
context of current social issues, emphasising the Bible’s
message over its literal words.
● Structure:
○ Old Testament: Consists of the Law (Torah), Prophets (Nevi’im), and
Writings (Ketuvim). Key books include Genesis (creation narratives),
Exodus (Moses and the Law), and Psalms (poetry and hymns).
○ New Testament: Focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus (Gospels:
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), early church history (Acts), letters
(Epistles, mainly Pauline), and apocalyptic literature (Revelation).
● Authority:
○ Catholic View: The Bible is one part of the deposit of faith, alongside
Sacred Tradition. The Magisterium (teaching authority of the Church)
interprets it.
○ Protestant View: Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) emphasizes the
Bible as the sole infallible source of authority.
○ Orthodox View: The Bible is central, but tradition (including the
Church Fathers) plays a crucial role in its interpretation.
Jesus Christ
● Incarnation:
○ Doctrine: The belief that Jesus is fully God and fully human. "The Word
became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (John 1:14).
