Chapter I
THE PERSONS OF THE GODHEAD

 

1.    A says, “The Church should not use illustrations from science in her teaching  because only experts in science can distinguish scientific facts from theories”; B says, “The Church must relate her teaching to that of the scientists, if her message is to be deemed relevant in a scientific age”.  What do you think?

2.     Discuss the statement that “Christ’s place and work in the universe is simply an  extension of His regenerating effect on the faithful soul”.

3.     “There is nothing either in science or theology against viewing the universe as a projection of Divine thought”.  Do you agree?

4.     Can you think of any points on which sound theology and scientific facts are contradictory?

5.     Could the salvation of man have been effected without the Incarnation of the Son of God?

6.     How important is it to believe that Jesus was born of a Virgin?  Could He have shared our nature to the full without such a birth?

7.     “The Divine purpose in Creation is realized in the fellowship of the Church”.  Do you agree?  What can we do to promote God’s purpose today?

8.     Is it important to believe that our Lord descended into Hades?

9.     “The doctrine of a future Judgement implies that until then no man’s future state is irrevocably sealed”.  Discuss the relation between this view and belief in an Intermediate State.

10.   Does “realized eschatology” strengthen or undermine belief in an Intermediate State?

11.   Discuss the points of difference between a resurrection appearance and a disembodied spirit.  Do you think our Lord’s resurrection was really necessary?

12.   Is cremation consistent with Christian beliefs?

13.   How would you convince someone that Jesus rose from the dead?

14.   How can we overcome the limitations of language in attempting to understand the Resurrection and Ascension of our Lord?  Is precise definition desirable or possible on such questions?

15.   Are modern Space Research programmes likely to have any material effect on Christian beliefs and teaching?

16.   Find and discuss some passages in the New Testament which connect the coming of the Holy Spirit with both the Father and the Son.

17.   Is it possible to be a Christian without believing in the Holy Spirit? (e.g., is belief in the Spirit essential for a valid sacrament of Holy Baptism by which we are incorporated “into Christ”?).

Chapter II
THE SCRIPTURES AND CREEDS

18. "The Church is founded on the Bible', - to what extent is that statement true?

19.   The teaching of the Old Testament “is to be understood and applied only in the light of Christian principles”.  Do you agree?

20.   Discuss the value of reading the Old Testament in Public Worship.  Are all parts of it of equal value (e.g., the story of Jael’s slaughter of Sisera, and the Book of Isaiah).