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Sacrament Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Sacraments: Comparative Theological Perspectives

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Sacraments: Comparative Theological Perspectives Study Guide

Origins and Early Christian Understanding

The English word 'sacrament' is derived from the Greek term 'mysterion,' signifying a sacred mystery.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is factually inaccurate. The English word 'sacrament' derives from the Latin 'sacramentum,' not the Greek 'mysterion.' The Latin term originally denoted a soldier's oath of allegiance.

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In ancient Rome, the term 'sacramentum' initially denoted a soldier's oath of allegiance.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Latin term 'sacramentum' originally referred to a soldier's oath of allegiance in ancient Rome, signifying a solemn pledge and commitment.

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Tertullian proposed that the Christian sacraments mirrored the Roman soldier's oath by marking the beginning of a new life dedicated to service.

Answer: True

Explanation: Early Christian writer Tertullian drew a parallel between the soldier's oath of allegiance and Christian initiation rites, suggesting that both marked the commencement of a new life dedicated to service.

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Augustine of Hippo formulated a definition of a sacrament as an outward sign of an inward grace, a definition subsequently adopted by numerous Christian traditions, including Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, and Baptist.

Answer: True

Explanation: Augustine of Hippo's definition of a sacrament as an outward sign of an inward grace, instituted by Christ, has been widely influential and is followed by many Christian denominations, including the Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, and Baptist traditions.

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What was the original meaning of the Latin term 'sacramentum' in ancient Rome?

Answer: A soldier's oath of allegiance

Explanation: In ancient Rome, the term 'sacramentum' originally signified a soldier's oath of allegiance, representing a solemn pledge and commitment.

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Which early Christian writer drew a parallel between the Roman soldier's oath and Christian initiation rites like baptism?

Answer: Tertullian

Explanation: Tertullian, an early Christian writer, drew a parallel between the Roman soldier's oath and Christian initiation rites, suggesting that both marked the beginning of a new life dedicated to service.

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According to Augustine of Hippo, what is the essential nature of a sacrament?

Answer: An outward sign of an inward grace, instituted by Christ

Explanation: Augustine of Hippo defined a sacrament as an outward sign of an inward grace, instituted by Christ, a definition that has profoundly influenced Christian sacramental theology.

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Which of the following denominations is NOT explicitly listed as adhering to Augustine's definition of a sacrament in the source?

Answer: Eastern Orthodox Church

Explanation: While Augustine's definition is widely adopted, the provided source material lists Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, and Baptist traditions as following it, but does not explicitly include the Eastern Orthodox Church in that list.

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Catholic Sacramental Doctrine

The Catholic Church, Hussite Church, and Old Catholic Church are stated to recognize precisely five sacraments.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The Catholic Church, Hussite Church, and Old Catholic Church officially recognize seven sacraments, not five.

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The Council of Trent reaffirmed the list of seven sacraments and declared them unnecessary for salvation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Council of Trent reaffirmed the seven sacraments and declared them necessary for salvation, although not every sacrament is required for every individual.

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The Catholic doctrine of 'ex opere operato' means sacraments are effective based on the personal holiness of the minister.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Catholic doctrine of 'ex opere operato' asserts that sacraments derive their efficacy from the very fact of their correct administration, stemming from Christ's action, rather than from the minister's personal holiness.

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The Catholic sacraments are categorized into Sacraments of Initiation, Healing, and Vocation.

Answer: True

Explanation: In Catholic theology, the seven sacraments are systematically classified into three groups: Sacraments of Initiation, Sacraments of Healing, and Sacraments of Vocation.

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Catholic teaching asserts that the inherent efficacy of sacraments is nullified if the recipient lacks faith or proper disposition.

Answer: False

Explanation: Catholic teaching posits that while sacraments are efficacious 'ex opere operato,' their benefit to an individual is influenced by the recipient's faith and disposition, which can affect the degree of grace received.

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How many sacraments are formally recognized by the Catholic Church, Hussite Church, and Old Catholic Church?

Answer: Seven

Explanation: The Catholic Church, the Hussite Church, and the Old Catholic Church formally recognize seven sacraments.

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The Council of Trent declared that the seven sacraments are necessary for what?

Answer: Salvation

Explanation: The Council of Trent affirmed that the seven sacraments are necessary for salvation, though it clarified that not every sacrament is required for every individual.

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The Catholic doctrine of 'ex opere operato' emphasizes that sacraments derive their efficacy from:

Answer: The very fact of their correct administration

Explanation: The doctrine of 'ex opere operato' signifies that sacraments are effective by the very fact of their correct administration, deriving power from Christ's action, not from the minister's personal merit.

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Which category includes Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation in the Catholic Church's classification of sacraments?

Answer: Sacraments of Initiation

Explanation: Baptism, Communion (Eucharist), and Confirmation are classified as the Sacraments of Initiation within the Catholic tradition.

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According to Catholic teaching, while sacraments are efficacious 'ex opere operato,' their benefit to an individual is influenced by:

Answer: The recipient's faith and disposition

Explanation: Catholic teaching holds that while sacraments are effective 'ex opere operato,' their benefit to an individual is significantly influenced by the recipient's faith and disposition.

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What does the phrase 'ex opere operato' imply about the administration of sacraments in Catholic theology?

Answer: The sacrament is effective by the very fact of its correct administration, deriving power from Christ.

Explanation: The phrase 'ex opere operato' implies that a sacrament is effective by the very fact of its correct administration, with its power originating from Christ's work, not the minister's.

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Reformed and Lutheran Sacramental Theology

Many Protestant denominations, including those in the Reformed tradition, recognize only Baptism and the Eucharist as sacraments instituted by Christ.

Answer: True

Explanation: Numerous Protestant denominations, particularly within the Reformed tradition, adhere to recognizing only Baptism and the Eucharist as sacraments explicitly instituted by Christ.

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Lutherans exclusively recognize Baptism and the Eucharist as sacraments, excluding Confession and Absolution.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Lutherans typically recognize Baptism and the Eucharist, some Lutherans also include Confession and Absolution as a third sacrament, contrary to the assertion of exclusive recognition.

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John Calvin defined a sacrament as an earthly sign associated with a promise from God, accepting only Confirmation and Holy Orders as valid under the New Covenant.

Answer: False

Explanation: John Calvin defined a sacrament as an earthly sign associated with a promise from God, but he accepted only Baptism and the Lord's Supper as valid sacraments under the New Covenant.

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The Westminster Confession of Faith defines sacraments as 'signs and seals of the covenant of grace' and recognizes three sacraments.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Westminster Confession of Faith defines sacraments as 'signs and seals of the covenant of grace' but recognizes only two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

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Melanchthon's Apology of the Augsburg Confession defined sacraments as outward signs lacking any divine promise of grace.

Answer: False

Explanation: Melanchthon's Apology of the Augsburg Confession defined sacraments as outward signs accompanied by a divine promise of grace, not as lacking such a promise.

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Reformed theology views Christ as carnally present in the elements of the Lord's Supper, similar to Lutheran views.

Answer: False

Explanation: Reformed theology posits a spiritual presence of Christ in the Lord's Supper, differing from the Lutheran doctrine of 'sacramental union' which affirms a presence 'in, with, and under' the elements.

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In Lutheran theology, sacraments are considered 'Means of Grace' alongside the Word of God.

Answer: True

Explanation: Lutheran theology posits that sacraments function as 'Means of Grace,' serving as instruments through which God conveys divine favor, alongside the proclamation of the Word.

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Many Protestant denominations, particularly in the Reformed tradition, limit the number of sacraments to those explicitly instituted by Christ. How many do they typically recognize?

Answer: Two

Explanation: Many Protestant denominations within the Reformed tradition typically recognize two sacraments instituted by Christ: Baptism and the Eucharist (or Holy Communion).

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While Lutherans generally recognize Baptism and the Eucharist, which other rite is sometimes included as a third sacrament by some Lutherans?

Answer: Confession and Absolution

Explanation: Some Lutherans consider Confession and Absolution as a third sacrament, in addition to Baptism and the Eucharist, although this is not universally held.

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John Calvin defined a sacrament primarily as:

Answer: An outward sign associated with a promise from God

Explanation: John Calvin defined a sacrament as an earthly sign that is associated with a promise from God, signifying divine realities.

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The Westminster Confession of Faith defines sacraments as signs and seals related to what?

Answer: The covenant of grace

Explanation: The Westminster Confession of Faith defines sacraments as 'signs and seals of the covenant of grace,' emphasizing their role in confirming God's promises to believers.

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According to the source, Melanchthon's interpretation of the Augsburg Confession led to a narrower view of sacraments, primarily including Baptism, the Eucharist, and which other rite?

Answer: Holy Absolution

Explanation: Melanchthon's interpretation of the Augsburg Confession led to a narrower view of sacraments, primarily including Baptism, the Eucharist, and Holy Absolution.

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In Lutheran theology, sacraments are viewed as 'Means of Grace.' What does this imply?

Answer: They are instruments through which God bestows forgiveness and strengthens faith.

Explanation: Viewing sacraments as 'Means of Grace' implies they are instruments through which God actively bestows forgiveness, salvation, and strengthens faith in the recipients.

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How does the concept of 'sacramental union' in Lutheran theology differ from the Reformed view regarding the Eucharist?

Answer: Lutheranism posits a 'sacramental union' where Christ is present 'in, with, and under' the elements, while Reformed theology affirms a spiritual presence but rejects this specific mode of union.

Explanation: Lutheran theology posits a 'sacramental union' wherein Christ's body and blood are present 'in, with, and under' the Eucharistic elements. Reformed theology affirms Christ's spiritual presence but rejects this specific mode of union.

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Anglican, Methodist, and Baptist Perspectives

The Thirty-Nine Articles of Anglicanism state that there are only two Sacraments ordained by Christ: Baptism and the Supper of the Lord.

Answer: True

Explanation: Article XXV of the Thirty-Nine Articles of Anglicanism explicitly states that there are only two Sacraments ordained by Christ in the Gospel: Baptism and the Supper of the Lord.

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Baptists sometimes prefer the term 'ordinance' for Baptism and the Lord's Supper to emphasize Christ's ordaining authority and avoid sacerdotalism.

Answer: To emphasize Christ's ordaining authority and avoid sacerdotalism

Explanation: Some Baptists prefer the term 'ordinance' to underscore Christ's authority in instituting these practices and to distinguish them from concepts of sacerdotalism.

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Anglican and Methodist sacramental theology emphasizes sacraments as means of grace, reflecting a Catholic heritage, while also stressing the importance of 'lively faith'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Anglican and Methodist sacramental theology integrates elements from Catholic tradition, viewing sacraments as means of grace, while also incorporating Reformed emphasis on 'lively faith' for reception.

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The term 'ordinance' is preferred by some Protestant groups to avoid sacerdotal connotations and emphasize Christ's command.

Answer: True

Explanation: The preference for the term 'ordinance' among certain Protestant denominations stems from a desire to eschew perceived sacerdotalism and to highlight the authoritative command of Christ underlying these practices.

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According to Article XXV of the Thirty-Nine Articles of Anglicanism, how many sacraments are ordained by Christ in the Gospel, distinct from other rites?

Answer: Two

Explanation: Article XXV of the Thirty-Nine Articles of Anglicanism specifies that there are only two Sacraments ordained by Christ in the Gospel: Baptism and the Supper of the Lord.

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What is the primary theological reason some denominations prefer the term 'ordinance' over 'sacrament'?

Answer: To avoid perceived sacerdotalism and highlight Christ's command.

Explanation: The principal theological rationale for preferring 'ordinance' is to avoid perceived sacerdotal connotations and to emphasize that these practices are instituted by Christ's command.

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Eastern Orthodox and Other Traditions

Eastern Orthodox churches use the term 'sacred mysteries' for their rites and believe the exact number and effect of these are fully comprehensible to humans.

Answer: False

Explanation: Eastern Orthodox churches employ the term 'sacred mysteries' and posit that their exact number and effect are ultimately unknowable to humans, known only to God.

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In Eastern Orthodox theology, the Eucharist, or Synaxis, is considered the most profound of the Sacred Mysteries, though the mechanism of divine transformation is accepted as unknowable.

Answer: True

Explanation: Within Eastern Orthodox theology, the Eucharist (Synaxis) is regarded as the most profound of the Sacred Mysteries, with the precise nature of its divine transformation acknowledged as unknowable.

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Irvingian denominations, like the New Apostolic Church, recognize only Baptism and Holy Communion as sacraments.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Irvingian denominations, such as the New Apostolic Church, recognize three sacraments: Baptism, Holy Communion, and Holy Sealing.

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Latter-day Saints primarily use the term 'sacrament' for all their sacred ordinances, viewing them as essential for salvation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Latter-day Saints predominantly use the term 'ordinance' for their sacred rites, reserving 'sacrament' specifically for the Lord's Supper. These ordinances are viewed as essential for salvation and exaltation.

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Theologians like Edward Schillebeeckx use 'sacrament' in a generic sense to mean anything signifying a divine reality, including Christ himself.

Answer: True

Explanation: In a broader, generic sense, 'sacrament' can denote anything that signifies or makes present a divine reality. Theologians such as Edward Schillebeeckx have employed this usage, referring to Christ as the sacrament of encountering God.

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Eastern Orthodox churches formally define seven sacraments and believe their effects are fully comprehensible.

Answer: False

Explanation: Eastern Orthodox churches utilize the term 'Sacred Mysteries' more broadly and do not formally define a fixed number of sacraments, viewing their exact nature and effects as unknowable divine mysteries.

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The Salvation Army practices formal sacraments, believing them to be essential outward signs of inward grace.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Salvation Army does not practice formal sacraments, focusing instead on the spiritual reality behind symbolic actions and emphasizing inward transformation.

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Quakers, or the Religious Society of Friends, practice formal sacraments, viewing outward rituals as central to spiritual life.

Answer: False

Explanation: Quakers, or the Religious Society of Friends, do not practice formal sacraments, emphasizing inward spiritual experience over outward ritualistic observance.

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Eastern Orthodox churches often refer to sacraments using which term, derived from Greek, and apply it more broadly than just the seven major sacraments?

Answer: Sacred Mysteries (Mysterion)

Explanation: Eastern Orthodox churches frequently use the term 'sacred mysteries,' derived from the Greek 'mysterion,' to refer to their rites, applying it broadly beyond the traditional seven major sacraments.

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Which of the following is considered the most profound of the Sacred Mysteries in Eastern Orthodox theology?

Answer: The Eucharist (Synaxis)

Explanation: In Eastern Orthodox theology, the Eucharist, also known as the Synaxis, is regarded as the most profound of the Sacred Mysteries.

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Which of the following is identified as one of the three sacraments recognized by Irvingian denominations, such as the New Apostolic Church?

Answer: Holy Sealing

Explanation: Irvingian denominations, including the New Apostolic Church, recognize three sacraments: Baptism, Holy Communion, and Holy Sealing. Therefore, Holy Sealing is one of the three.

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In Latter-day Saint theology, what is the general term used for sacred rites that confer saving grace, although 'sacrament' is often used specifically for the Lord's Supper?

Answer: Ordinances

Explanation: Latter-day Saints commonly use the term 'ordinance' to refer to sacred rites that confer saving grace, with 'sacrament' typically reserved for the Lord's Supper.

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Theologians like Edward Schillebeeckx use 'sacrament' in a generic sense to describe Christ as the sacrament of what?

Answer: Encountering God

Explanation: Theologians such as Edward Schillebeeckx have employed a generic definition of 'sacrament' to describe Christ as the sacrament of encountering God.

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How does the Eastern Orthodox view on the exact number and nature of sacraments differ fundamentally from the Catholic view?

Answer: Orthodoxy sees them as unknowable divine mysteries, while Catholicism defines seven instituted by Christ.

Explanation: Eastern Orthodoxy views sacraments as 'Sacred Mysteries' whose exact nature is unknowable, whereas Catholicism formally defines seven sacraments instituted by Christ.

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Which two denominations are mentioned as not practicing formal sacraments, focusing instead on inward transformation or the reality behind symbols?

Answer: Quakers (Religious Society of Friends) and the Salvation Army

Explanation: The Salvation Army and the Quakers (Religious Society of Friends) are noted as denominations that do not practice formal sacraments, emphasizing inward spiritual experience over outward ritual.

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Key Theological Concepts and Debates

The doctrine of the 'priesthood of all believers' implies that the efficacy of sacraments is contingent solely upon the authority of a distinct priestly class.

Answer: False

Explanation: This assertion is false. The doctrine of the 'priesthood of all believers' suggests that the efficacy of sacraments or ordinances is not solely dependent on a distinct priestly class but also on the faith and participation of the individual believer.

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The Gorham Case in Anglican history centered on the doctrine of Baptismal Regeneration.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Gorham Case, a significant event in 19th-century Anglican history, involved a theological dispute concerning the doctrine of Baptismal Regeneration.

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Which theological concept, emphasized in some Protestant traditions, suggests that the efficacy of sacraments is not solely dependent on ordained clergy?

Answer: Priesthood of all believers

Explanation: The doctrine of the 'priesthood of all believers' implies that the efficacy of sacraments or ordinances is not solely dependent on ordained clergy but also involves the faith and participation of the individual believer.

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The Gorham Case, a significant event in Anglican history, involved a dispute over the theological understanding of:

Answer: Baptismal Regeneration

Explanation: The Gorham Case, a pivotal event in Anglican history, centered on a theological debate concerning the doctrine of Baptismal Regeneration.

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