Master Theological Methodologies: A Comprehensive Guide for MA Theology Students

Question 1

The primary focus of biblical exegesis is:

Accepted Answer

Determining the meaning of Scripture

Answer

Examining historical contexts

Answer

Formulating philosophical arguments

Answer

Assessing social implications

Question 2

A crucial element of historical analysis in theology involves:

Accepted Answer

Scrutinizing historical sources critically

Answer

Developing abstract theories

Answer

Interpreting events subjectively

Answer

Prioritizing the present over the past

Question 3

Philosophical reflection in theology primarily aims to:

Accepted Answer

Provide a logical framework for theological claims

Answer

Establish empirical evidence for religious beliefs

Answer

Interpret Scripture literally

Answer

Focus solely on the practical aspects of religion

Question 4

A key advantage of the historical-critical method in biblical exegesis is:

Accepted Answer

Enhanced understanding of historical contexts

Answer

Emphasis on literal interpretation of Scripture

Answer

Absence of subjective interpretations

Answer

Unveiling the original meaning of Scripture conclusively

Question 5

Hermeneutics in theological inquiry involves:

Accepted Answer

Interpreting both the text and the reader's experiences

Answer

Solely focusing on the literal meaning of texts

Answer

Rejecting any form of subjective interpretation

Answer

Assuming a singular, objective meaning of Scripture

Question 6

A limitation of the philosophical-theological method is its tendency to:

Accepted Answer

Lead to abstract and speculative debates

Answer

Lack empirical evidence for religious beliefs

Answer

Rely excessively on historical sources

Answer

Be accessible only to advanced theologians

Question 7

The interdisciplinary nature of theological inquiry:

Accepted Answer

Enhances theological insights by incorporating perspectives from other fields

Answer

Restricts the scope of theological exploration

Answer

Is a recent development in theological approaches

Answer

Requires theologians to master all relevant disciplines

Question 8

Which of the following factors does NOT influence the selection of an appropriate theological method?

Accepted Answer

The availability of funding

Answer

The nature of the theological question

Answer

The researcher's background and expertise

Answer

The intended audience

Question 9

Critical reflection on theological methodologies involves:

Accepted Answer

Questioning the assumptions and limitations of existing methods

Answer

Accepting all methods uncritically

Answer

Focusing solely on the latest theological trends

Answer

Avoiding self-criticism to maintain objectivity

Question 10

What is the primary focus of biblical exegesis?

Accepted Answer

Religious significance of the text

Answer

Historical context of the text

Answer

Philosophical implications of the text

Answer

Cultural impact of the text

Question 11

What is the role of reason in philosophical reflection in theology?

Accepted Answer

To critically examine theological claims

Answer

To provide absolute proofs for religious beliefs

Answer

To derive theological conclusions from empirical evidence

Answer

To replace faith with rational arguments

Question 12

What is a key advantage of using multiple theological methodologies in theological inquiry?

Accepted Answer

Provides a more comprehensive understanding of theological issues

Answer

Allows for a more personalized approach to theology

Answer

Eliminates the need for critical analysis

Answer

Guarantees the truthfulness of theological conclusions

Question 13

What is a hermeneutical approach in theology primarily concerned with?

Accepted Answer

Interpreting sacred texts

Answer

Philosophical analysis of religious beliefs

Answer

Historical investigation of theological traditions

Answer

Sociological study of religious communities

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for evaluating the effectiveness of theological methodologies?

Accepted Answer

Popularity

Answer

Validity

Answer

Reliability

Answer

Coherence

Question 15

What is the primary goal of theological reflection?

Accepted Answer

To develop a systematic understanding of religious beliefs

Answer

To provide practical guidance for religious life

Answer

To resolve all theological conflicts

Answer

To promote a particular religious agenda

Question 16

Which historical approach to theology prioritizes the use of reason and critical thinking?

Accepted Answer

Historical criticism

Answer

Neo-orthodoxy

Answer

Liberation theology

Answer

Process theology

Question 17

Which theological methodology draws inspiration from concepts in modern science, including physics?

Accepted Answer

Process theology

Answer

Natural theology

Answer

Systematic theology

Answer

Constructive theology

Question 18

How does liberation theology stand out from traditional theological approaches?

Accepted Answer

It prioritizes the experiences and perspectives of marginalized communities.

Answer

It rejects the concept of a transcendent God.

Answer

It relies exclusively on biblical interpretation without considering other sources.

Answer

It emphasizes the importance of individual salvation over collective liberation.

Question 19

Historical analysis in theology primarily focuses on:

Accepted Answer

The evolution of theological concepts throughout history

Answer

The individual experiences of religious figures

Answer

The philosophical implications of religious beliefs

Answer

The literal interpretation of sacred texts

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the inductive method in theology?

Accepted Answer

Deriving general principles from specific observations

Answer

Applying predefined ideas to specific texts

Answer

Relying solely on intuition and personal experience

Question 21

The primary aim of textual criticism in theology is to:

Accepted Answer

Establish the most accurate and reliable versions of religious texts

Answer

Provide commentary on the meaning of religious texts

Answer

Analyze the historical context of religious texts

Question 22

What is a key advantage of using qualitative research methods in theology?

Accepted Answer

Provides rich insights into individuals' experiences and beliefs

Answer

Objective and quantifiable data that is easy to analyze

Answer

Generalizable findings that can be applied to a wider population

Question 23

The feminist approach in theology primarily:

Accepted Answer

Centers the experiences and perspectives of women and marginalized groups

Answer

Rejects the traditional concept of God as a male figure

Answer

Focuses exclusively on the Old Testament

Question 24

Which concept is central to liberation theology?

Accepted Answer

The preferential option for the poor and oppressed

Answer

The inerrancy of Scripture

Answer

The transcendence of God

Question 25

The main purpose of using interdisciplinary approaches in theology is to:

Accepted Answer

Enhance understanding by integrating insights from multiple disciplines

Answer

Avoid bias and ensure objectivity in theological inquiry

Answer

Create a comprehensive and exhaustive theological system