Types of Christian Theology Trivia Quiz

Answer: Biblical Hermeneutics

From the Greek root meaning "interpreter", hermeneutics is the study of the methodological principles of interpretation. Biblical hermeneutics deals with the different ways of looking at the Bible to figure out what it means. While exegesis involves studying a passage critically and interpreting its meaning, hermeneutics is the study of the principles one would use to interpret that passage.

Answer: Homiletics

In simpler terms, homiletics is the art of public preaching, whether through homilies, sermons, or instruction. The word comes from a Latin form of a Greek word meaning to "converse with". A homily is a short sermon intended for spiritual edification. Preachers use various rhetorical devices to convey their messages.

Answer: Apologetics

In general, apologetics are reasoned arguments in defense of something. In this case, they are specifically in defense of the Christian faith as compared to other world views. Popular modern apologists include C.S. Lewis, author of "Mere Christianity", G.K. Chesterton, author of "Orthodoxy", Ronald Knox, Arnold Lunn, and Francis Schaeffer.

Answer: Ecumenical theology

"Ecumenism" is derived from the Greek words for "the inhabited world" and "house". Ecumenical is taken to mean representing the entire Christian world. Ecumenical theology focuses on the reality of the Church as a whole. The ecumenical movement, spurred in part by the Second Vatican Council, is an effort to restore unity among Christians across various denominations.

Answer: Systematic theology

The goal of systematic theology is to create a methodical account of the varied Christian doctrines by drawing on the sacred texts and traditions of Christianity. Areas of systematic theology may be further broken down into the study of the character of God, the study of angels, the study of the Bible, the study of sin, the study of Jesus, the study of end times, and the study of the church, among other subjects.

Answer: Patrology

Also known as patristics, patrology is a branch of historical theology that concerns itself primarily with the teachings of the fathers of the Christian church. These teachings are contained in letters, devotions, and other reflections. The church fathers might include the apostolic fathers (such as Clement of Rome and Polycarp of Smyrna), the Greek fathers (including Justin Martyr, Origen, and Clement of Alexandria), the Latin fathers (for instance Tertullian and Augustine of Hippo), the Syriac fathers, and the desert fathers.

Answer: Natural theology

Natural theology probes into the existence and attributes of God without appealing to divine revelation such as scripture. It seeks to answer questions without drawing its claims from the Bible. Natural theology has roots in ancient Greek thought and can be found in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions. Natural theology is held by understanding or reason, as opposed to revealed theology, which is held by faith.

However, many Christians emphasize that this type of theology alone is insufficient. Calvin, for example, taught that sensus divinitatis (the sense of the divine) is corrupted by sin and so cannot lead to a clear knowledge of God, and therefore revelation is necessary.

Answer: Practical theology

"Pragmatic theology" is another term for this type of theology. This form of theology attempts to address a perceived disconnect between academic theology and the everyday practice of Christians and the church. Richard Osmer of Princeton Theological Seminary has written an introduction to practical theology in which he attempts to teach congregational leaders the skills necessary to meet and respond to individual situations they may encounter by asking the following four questions: What is going on? Why is this going on? What ought to be going on? How might we respond?

Answer: Theological aesthetics

Theological aesthetics explores the relationship between theology and the arts. It explores such concepts as religious symbols and icons, liturgy, mystical writing, images of God, beauty, creation (both artistic and divine), God as an artist, human imagination, mystical writings, and the interplay between word and image. Well known theologians from Augustine of Hippo and Thomas Aquinas to Søren Kierkegaard and Karl Barth have dealt with the question of aesthetics as it relates to theology.

Answer: Orthopraxy

Christianity emphasizes the importance of faith, and much of Christian theology is concentrated on identifying and maintaining correct beliefs about God. However, orthopraxy balances this with a focus on correct conduct. Orthopraxy is the study of proper ethical and liturgical behavior.

The word comes from the Greek ὀρθοπραξία, which means "right practice".