Master Theological Research Methods: A Guide for MDiv Students

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT an essential aspect of theological research methodology?

Accepted Answer

Reference to personal experience

Answer

Critical examination of sources

Answer

Logical reasoning and analysis

Answer

Awareness of cultural and historical context

Question 2

According to the historical-critical method in biblical studies, which of these is NOT a criterion for evaluating the validity of a biblical text?

Accepted Answer

Assessing its theological compatibility with other biblical texts

Answer

Availability of manuscript evidence

Answer

Examination of the historical and cultural background

Answer

Observing the literary style and structure

Question 3

Which research approach in theology places a high value on personal experience and spiritual insights as sources of theological knowledge?

Accepted Answer

Narrative theology

Answer

Systematic theology

Answer

Liberation theology

Answer

Natural theology

Question 4

What is the primary aim of deductive theological reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Constructing a comprehensive and coherent theological system

Answer

Deriving general principles from specific observations

Answer

Interpreting the Bible within its historical and cultural context

Answer

Exploring the relationship between faith and human existence

Question 5

What is the significance of the hermeneutical circle in biblical interpretation?

Accepted Answer

It allows for a progressive and iterative process of understanding through repeated readings

Answer

It emphasizes the importance of subjective experience in understanding the Bible

Answer

It seeks to establish the historical and cultural background of the Bible as the primary lens for interpretation

Answer

It argues that the Bible is the sole authoritative source for all theological truths

Question 6

Which theological method prioritizes addressing social justice and liberation concerns?

Accepted Answer

Liberation theology

Answer

Feminist theology

Answer

Systematic theology

Answer

Process theology

Question 7

What is the primary objective of systematic theology?

Accepted Answer

Developing a comprehensive and systematic comprehension of Christian doctrine

Answer

Interpreting biblical texts in their historical and cultural contexts

Answer

Applying theological principles to real-world situations

Answer

Investigating the connections between faith and human reason

Question 8

Which of these is a distinguishing feature of inductive theological reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Formulating general conclusions from specific observations

Answer

Constructing a coherent and comprehensive theological system

Answer

Relying on historical evidence to support theological claims

Answer

Analyzing the logical coherence of theological statements

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a commonly used method in theological research?

Accepted Answer

Natural Science Method

Answer

Exegesis

Answer

Historical-critical method

Answer

Systematic theology

Question 10

Which of the following is a key characteristic of the inductive method in theology?

Accepted Answer

It begins with specific observations and moves towards generalizations.

Answer

It assumes the truth of a theological doctrine and seeks to prove it.

Answer

It relies heavily on personal experiences and intuitions.

Answer

It is primarily concerned with the development of new theological concepts.

Question 11

What is the main purpose of theological hermeneutics?

Accepted Answer

To interpret the meaning of theological texts

Answer

To develop new theological doctrines

Answer

To provide a historical account of theological thought

Answer

To critique the presuppositions of theology

Question 12

What is the distinction between apologetics and polemics?

Accepted Answer

Apologetics seeks to defend religious beliefs, while polemics attacks opposing views.

Answer

Polemics defends religious beliefs, while apologetics attacks opposing views.

Answer

Apologetics and polemics are the same thing.

Answer

Polemics is a more academic form of apologetics.

Question 13

What is the role of tradition in theological development?

Accepted Answer

It provides a source of continuity and stability.

Answer

It ensures the accuracy of theological interpretations.

Answer

It limits the freedom of theological inquiry.

Answer

It is irrelevant to the development of new theological ideas.

Question 14

Which of these is NOT a fundamental step in the theological method?

Accepted Answer

Composing a theological thesis or dissertation

Answer

Interpreting Scripture

Answer

Examining historical tradition

Answer

Constructing a theological argument

Question 15

Which of the following is a distinctive feature of theological research?

Accepted Answer

Rigorous analysis and critique of sources

Answer

Reliance on personal experience as the primary source of knowledge

Answer

Blind acceptance of traditional dogma

Answer

Emphasis on emotional and spiritual experiences

Question 16

The Historical-Critical Method primarily analyzes:

Accepted Answer

The social and cultural context of texts

Answer

The doctrines and beliefs contained in texts

Answer

The symbols and metaphors used in texts

Answer

The psychological motivations of the authors

Question 17

Which theological method places a primary emphasis on the experiences of women and marginalized groups?

Accepted Answer

Feminist theology

Answer

Fundamentalist theology

Answer

Natural theology

Answer

Systematic theology

Question 18

The Dialectical Method involves:

Accepted Answer

A dynamic dialogue between opposing ideas

Answer

A logical progression from one point to another

Answer

A reliance on empirical data

Answer

A simple acceptance of majority opinion

Question 19

Clarity in theological writing entails:

Accepted Answer

Using language that is accessible and understandable

Answer

Emphasizing complex and abstruse terms

Answer

Avoiding personal anecdotes and examples

Answer

Focusing solely on technical details

Question 20

Theological research ought to be rooted primarily in:

Accepted Answer

Scholarship, critique, and evidence

Answer

Intuition and personal beliefs

Answer

Unquestioning adherence to tradition

Answer

Revelation alone

Question 21

A potential limitation of the Historical-Critical Method is its tendency to:

Accepted Answer

Neglect the theological and spiritual dimensions of texts

Answer

Overemphasize the role of the author's intent

Answer

Be overly influenced by cultural biases

Answer

Produce overly simplistic interpretations

Question 22

The primary function of theological writing should be to:

Accepted Answer

Inform and engage the reader

Answer

Showcase intellectual superiority

Answer

Proselytize and convert others

Answer

Entertain and amuse

Question 23

Theological ethics seeks to:

Accepted Answer

Provide practical ethical guidance for daily life

Answer

Define absolute moral rules for all situations

Answer

Ignore the complexities of real-world ethical dilemmas

Answer

Promote a particular religious or political ideology