Theology pages 1 - 2

• What is the origin of the word "theology"?

  It comes from the Greek word "theologia".
• What does the term "theology" mean?

  It means "a discourse or a talk, or a study about God".
• What is the non-Christian origin of "theologia"?

  "Theologia" is of non-Christian origin.
• How did the Greeks use the word "theologia"?


  They used it in connection with "myths".
• Who were among the first to give "theologia" a religious connotation?


  The Stoics were among the first group.
• What was Anselm of Canterbury's definition of theology?

  He defined theology as "faith seeking understanding".
• According to Anselm, what is the starting point of reason in understanding?

  Faith is the ground or the starting point of reason.
• How does Anselm describe faith in relation to understanding?

  Faith is the knowledge that finds illumination through reasoned understanding.
• How does Anselm's definition of theology relate to St. Augustine's teachings?

  It is very much in accord with St. Augustine's teaching on "faith".
• What is the Latin word for "faith"?

  The Latin word for "faith" is "fides".
• What is the origin of the word "theology"?

  The word "theology" comes from the Greek word "theologia."
• What does St. Augustine teach about knowing God?


  Man must first turn into himself to discover God within.
• What do the components of the word "theology" mean?

  "Theos" means god and "logos" means discourse/talk/study.
• How does Augustine describe the experience of God within man?

  He describes it as the "Immanence of the Transcendent God".
• What does "theology" mean?

  "Theology" means a discourse or a talk, or a study about God.
• What are the two aspects of "faith" according to the Cassiciacum Dialogues?

  Faith is a "fidelity" and a "trust" or "belief".
• How did the Greeks use the word "theologia"?

  The Greeks used the word "theologia" in connection with myths.
• What does Augustine teach about the sequence of faith and understanding?


  Faith leads towards understanding as its fulfillment.
• Who were among the first to give "theologia" a religious connotation?


  The Stoics in the 3rd Century BC were among the first.
• How did the Stoics define "theologia"?

  The Stoics identified "theologia" as a discourse concerning deities.
• What does the Book of Isaiah 7:9 state?


  "Unless you believe you will not understand".
• What is Anselm of Canterbury's definition of theology?

  Anselm defined theology as "faith seeking understanding."
• How does Augustine explain the text from Isaiah regarding knowledge and belief?

  Knowledge without belief is futile; faith seeks understanding.
• What does Anselm state is the starting point of reason in understanding?

  Anselm states that "faith" is the ground or the starting point of reason.
• What role does Divine Illumination play in belief according to Augustine?

  God illumines the mind so that man may start to believe.
• How does Anselm describe faith in relation to understanding?

  Anselm describes faith as knowledge that finds illumination through reasoned understanding.
• Who is known as the Father of Modern Philosophy?

  Rene Descartes is known as the Father of Modern Philosophy.
• How does Anselm's definition of theology relate to St. Augustine's teachings?


  Anselm's definition is very much in accord with St. Augustine's teaching on "faith."
• What is the Latin word for "faith" according to St. Augustine?

  The Latin word for "faith" is "fides."
• What is Descartes' famous starting point?

  His famous starting point is "cogito ergo sum".
• What does St. Augustine teach about the relationship between faith and belief?

  St. Augustine teaches that "faith" and "to believe" are equivalent in usage.
• What does Descartes teach about certainty and existence?

  One should first establish the certainty of one's conscious experience.
• What must man do to know God, according to St. Augustine?

  Man must first turn into himself and discover himself within.
• Who called Augustine "the first modern man"?

  Adolf Harnack called Augustine "the first modern man".
• How does Augustine describe the experience of discovering God within man?


  Augustine describes this experience as the "Immanence of the Transcendent God."
• What is the significance of Augustine's neo-platonic starting point?

  It emphasizes the discovery of the divine presence within man.
• What does Augustine assert about "faith" in the Cassiciacum Dialogues?

  Augustine asserts that "faith" is a fidelity and a trust in the one who made a promise.
• How does the experience of God within man relate to the community?

  It leads to a theological project that overflows beyond the personal experience.
• How does Augustine relate the two senses of faith?

  He states that the one who keeps faith in the first sense becomes worthy of faith in the second sense.
• What did St. John Paul II state about St. Augustine's relevance today?

  He stated that Augustine continues to be present in today's culture.