Fundamental Theology Fall 2008. Sept 10

A. Questions for thought

Make some response to every question, maximum 3 pages for all. Due 24 Sept.

1. What kind of category is ‘theology’? Is it a field, a department, an area of human interest, an action, a product, a relationship, or what?

2. What are some qualities and effects of ‘theology’ well done?

3. If ‘theology’ is done in a way displeasing to God, how should it be categorized?

4. What are the necessary and sufficient conditions for a person to produce valid theology?

5. What is it to be a ‘theologian’? Whom would you so categorize, and why? (that is, exemplary individuals, or classes of people) What would the following have said: Adam, Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, the Virgin Mary, St. John the Baptist, Jesus, St. John, St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Thomas Aquinas?

6. What might qualify as a simple, basic, sound foundation for doing theology?  How solid is the concept of apologetics, revelation, philosophy of religion, or anthropology as such a foundation?

7. Do you see a difference between ‘fundamental’ and ‘foundational’ theology?