REL 212: final exam (see schedule below)

The final exam will be an oral examination covering the entire semester, including terms on the terms list and the questions listed below. You will be permitted to pass on 1 question only. You may be asked to pursue one question in depth and relate it to other issues or texts covered in the course, or we may cover 2 or more questions as time allows.

If you wish, during the exam you may use any books you bring with you (NB: you may not read from prepared answers). Caveat: time will be very precious.

The evaluation of your responses will follow the A–F scale as stipulated in the syllabus.

For a C (satisfactory), you need to demonstrate your general knowledge of the topics covered by the questions (with as much detail as you can remember).

 

For a B (superior), you need to demonstrate 1) your mastery of some relevant terminology and 2) your ability to make connections between the questions and other related topics and readings covered during the semester.

 

For an A (outstanding), you need to demonstrate mastery of details related to the questions (e.g., specific texts, terms).

The more details, examples, and terms you include in your responses, the better.

For review

Midterm exam (NB the R-drive file with answers)

focus texts

highlighted terms on R-drive

Topics you should review (see the R-drive file for more information & tips):

4 principles (main emphases) of worship in Calvin (Leith, Intro)

9 identifiable motifs of the Reformed tradition (Leith, Intro)

Baptism

Bible (authority of scripture)

Calvin’s definition of faith (Institutes 3.2.7)

Christian freedom

Christology

creation

ecclesiology

grace (prevenient)

justification

Lord's Supper

pneumatology

predestination

providence

regeneration

sacraments

sanctification

TULIP

Questions you should be ready to answer (see the R-drive file for more information & tips):

1) Explain Calvin’s understanding of baptism and circumcision. What are the meanings of each? How are they similar? How does Calvin understand the relationship between the old covenant and the new? What is Calvin’s understanding of infant baptism; what issues are at stake?

2) Identify and describe the characteristics of Presbyterian polity. Discuss how the US government reflects Reformed/Presbyterian principles.

3) Define the following concepts and discuss their inter-relationships: baptism, justification, prevenient grace, and sanctification.

4) Identify and describe significant characteristics or emphases of Reformed theology.

5) Identify and describe the characteristics of Reformed liturgy.

6) Show how the Trinitarian emphasis of Reformed theology relates to pietism, the so-called charismatic movements, and “Jesusology” (Leith, Introduction, 98).

7) What is TULIP? Identify and describe what it stands for.

8) List in what ways the Reformed tradition has influenced western culture; describe and discuss each.

9) What is Calvin’s understanding of creation and providence?

10) What is Calvin’s understanding of the function of creation and the Bible?

11) What is Calvin’s view of the law—include the three uses of the law?

Exam schedule

Please be there on time (i.e., slightly before your scheduled time).

8 May 2009 (Friday)

11:30    Armentrout

12:00    Hills

12:30    Hoover

13:00    Magnuson

13:30    Smith