Biblical Studies 101: A Comprehensive Introduction for MDiv Students

Question 1

What is the primary source material for Biblical Studies?

Accepted Answer

The Bible

Answer

Historical documents

Answer

Archaeological artifacts

Answer

Early Christian writings

Question 2

Who is widely regarded as the founder of modern Biblical Studies?

Accepted Answer

Hermann Samuel Reimarus

Answer

Origen

Answer

Jerome

Answer

Augustine

Question 3

What is the term for the study of the origins and transmission of biblical texts?

Accepted Answer

Textual criticism

Answer

Historical exegesis

Answer

Literary criticism

Answer

Source criticism

Question 4

What is the primary focus of Biblical Studies in theological education?

Accepted Answer

The in-depth examination and analysis of the Bible, its origins, and its significance

Answer

The application of biblical principles to contemporary life

Answer

The interpretation of Christian doctrine

Answer

The study of ancient Near Eastern history

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a prominent area of inquiry within Biblical Studies?

Accepted Answer

Systematic theology

Answer

Literary analysis

Answer

Historical criticism

Answer

Cultural-anthropological interpretation

Question 6

The historical-critical method is primarily employed to:

Accepted Answer

Determine the authorship, date of composition, and historical context of biblical texts

Answer

Uncover hidden meanings and symbolism in biblical texts

Answer

Apply biblical teachings to modern ethical dilemmas

Answer

Analyze the literary structure and style of biblical texts

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a major area of inquiry within Biblical Studies?

Accepted Answer

Economic reconstruction

Answer

Textual criticism

Answer

Historical criticism

Answer

Literary criticism

Question 8

What is the main objective of historical criticism in Biblical Studies?

Accepted Answer

To reconstruct the historical context in which the text was written

Answer

To determine the intended meaning of the text by its original audience

Answer

To analyze the literary structure and style of the text

Answer

To identify the theological themes present in the text

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a challenge currently facing Biblical Studies?

Accepted Answer

An abundance of funding for research

Answer

The increasing secularization of society

Answer

Rapid advances in technology

Answer

The need for interdisciplinary collaboration

Question 10

Which literary type is NOT found in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament)?

Accepted Answer

Drama

Answer

Narrative

Answer

Poetry

Answer

Prophecy

Question 11

Which of the following is not a recognized major area of inquiry within the field of Biblical Studies?

Accepted Answer

Scientific Analysis

Answer

Textual Criticism

Answer

Literary Analysis

Answer

Historical Contextualization

Question 12

The study of the social, cultural, and political contexts in which the Bible was written is known as:

Accepted Answer

Contextualization

Answer

Exegesis

Answer

Hermeneutics

Answer

Eisegesis

Question 13

Which of the following individuals is considered a key figure in the development of modern Biblical Studies?

Accepted Answer

Friedrich Schleiermacher

Answer

Origen

Answer

Thomas Aquinas

Answer

Martin Luther

Question 14

The process of interpreting the Bible according to its original meaning and context is known as:

Accepted Answer

Exegesis

Answer

Eisegesis

Answer

Hermeneutics

Answer

Textual Criticism

Question 15

The study of the literary structure, style, and devices used in biblical texts is known as:

Accepted Answer

Literary Analysis

Answer

Textual Criticism

Answer

Hermeneutics

Answer

Historical Contextualization

Question 16

The ultimate purpose of Biblical Studies is to:

Accepted Answer

Gain a deeper understanding of the Bible's teachings

Answer

Prove the historical accuracy of the Bible

Answer

Promote a particular theological agenda

Answer

Reconstruct the exact events of biblical history

Question 17

Who is widely recognized as the 'father' of modern Biblical Studies?

Accepted Answer

Johann Philipp Gabler

Answer

Origen

Answer

Rudolf Bultmann

Answer

Martin Luther

Question 18

Which method of Biblical Studies focuses on the social and cultural context of biblical texts?

Accepted Answer

Socio-rhetorical criticism

Answer

Historical criticism

Answer

Form criticism

Answer

Redaction criticism

Question 19

What is the collective term for the original languages in which the Bible was written?

Accepted Answer

Biblical languages

Answer

Semitic languages

Answer

Classical languages

Answer

Oriental languages

Question 20

Which of the following is a central theme of inquiry within Biblical Theology?

Accepted Answer

The nature of God and divine revelation

Answer

The life and teachings of Jesus

Answer

The history of Israel

Answer

The sacraments and Christian worship

Question 21

What is the central objective of Textual Criticism?

Accepted Answer

To reconstruct the original text of the Bible

Answer

To evaluate the historical accuracy of the Bible

Answer

To determine the authorship of biblical books

Answer

To interpret the theological meaning of the Bible

Question 22

Which factor has not directly contributed to the development of Biblical Studies as a discipline?

Accepted Answer

The rise of psychoanalysis

Answer

The Reformation

Answer

The Enlightenment

Answer

The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls

Question 23

What is the fundamental purpose of Biblical Interpretation?

Accepted Answer

To understand the original intended meaning and significance of biblical texts

Answer

To prove the inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture

Answer

To defend a particular theological tradition

Answer

To apply biblical texts directly to contemporary issues

Question 24

Which of the following is considered a fundamental skill essential for effective Biblical Studies?

Accepted Answer

Critical thinking and analytical reasoning

Answer

Devotional piety and spiritual practices

Answer

Preaching ability and public speaking

Answer

Memorization and scriptural recall

Question 25

How does Biblical Studies contribute to theological education?

Accepted Answer

It provides a critical and foundational basis for theological reflection and pastoral practice

Answer

It fosters personal devotionalism and spiritual formation

Answer

It ensures doctrinal conformity and denominational unity