Chapter 2 Study Help

What are reasons why Christians should try to live a moral life?

• To follow the teachings of Jesus

• To gain social acceptance

• To avoid legal consequences

• To achieve personal success

Answer explanation

Christians should try to live a moral life primarily to follow the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized love, compassion, and righteousness. This aligns their actions with their faith and values.

How does God accomplish his reconciliation with man?

• Through divine intervention

• By sending prophets

• Through Jesus Christ

• By granting wisdom

Answer explanation

God accomplishes reconciliation with man primarily through Jesus Christ, who is seen as the mediator and savior, bridging the gap caused by sin and restoring the relationship between humanity and God.

If the incorrect use of free will degrades us and harms others, why would God have given us free will?

• To test our moral integrity

• To ensure we have autonomy

• To allow for personal growth

• To create a diverse world

Answer explanation

God gave us free will to ensure we have autonomy, allowing us to make our own choices. This autonomy is essential for personal responsibility and moral development, even if it sometimes leads to harm.

A person is responsible for his/her actions because:

• They have the ability to make choices.

• They are influenced by external factors.

• They are always guided by others.

• They have no control over their actions.

Answer explanation

A person is responsible for their actions because they have the ability to make choices. This autonomy allows individuals to decide how to act, distinguishing personal responsibility from being solely influenced by external factors or others.

On what standards is moral theology based?

• Divine law

• Natural law

• Human law

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Moral theology is based on divine law, natural law, and human law, as all these standards contribute to understanding moral principles. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above'.

“Those who have the benefit of God’s Divine Revelation given through Jesus Christ are held to a higher moral standard.” This statement implies that:

• They are expected to follow stricter ethical guidelines.

• They have no moral obligations.

• They are exempt from moral standards.

• They are held to the same moral standards as everyone else.

Answer explanation

The statement indicates that those with God's Divine Revelation are expected to adhere to a higher moral standard, meaning they must follow stricter ethical guidelines compared to others.

Our “environment” can have an effect on our freedom in which of the following ways?

• By influencing our choices and opportunities

• By having no impact on our personal decisions

• By determining our genetic makeup

• By controlling our thoughts directly

Answer explanation

Our environment influences our choices and opportunities, shaping the decisions we make and the paths available to us. This impact is significant, unlike the other options which either deny influence or misattribute control.

Why would an all-loving God allow so much human suffering? Where does human evil and suffering come from?

• It is a test of faith.

• It is a result of human free will.

• It is a punishment for sins.

• It is beyond human understanding.

Answer explanation

Human suffering primarily arises from human free will, allowing individuals to make choices that can lead to harm. An all-loving God permits this freedom, which is essential for genuine love and moral responsibility.

What is the relationship between habit and moral choices?

• Habits influence moral choices by shaping behavior.

• Moral choices determine the formation of habits.

• There is no relationship between habit and moral choices.

• Habits and moral choices are unrelated concepts.

Answer explanation

Habits play a crucial role in shaping our behavior, which in turn influences our moral choices. Positive habits can lead to ethical decisions, while negative habits may result in poor moral judgments.

What is the error of moral relativism?

• It denies objective moral truths.

• It promotes cultural superiority.

• It supports universal ethics.

• It encourages moral absolutism.

Answer explanation

The error of moral relativism is that it denies objective moral truths, suggesting that moral values are subjective and vary between cultures, which undermines the existence of universal moral standards.