BUILDING YOUR THEOLOGY
STUDY GUIDE 3.3
Lesson 3: Relying on Revelation
Section 3: Developing Confidence
(Video Parts 8-10)

OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES

III. Developing Confidence

A. Analog Quality

B. Process of Deference

C. Appropriate Alignment

Summary


REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What does it mean to say that for some people theological conclusions are "binary"?

2. What does Dr. Pratt mean when he speaks of the "analog" view of the levels of confidence in theological convictions?

3. What are the ordinary ways the Holy Spirit leads us to confidence in theological convictions?

4. What is exegesis?

5. Explain Dr. Pratt's concept of the "cone of certainty" regarding theological concepts.

6. How can we assign proper levels of confidence to our various beliefs? What questions should we ask?

7. What does the Westminster Confession of Faith teach about how God uses means?

8. According to Dr. Pratt, how does Christian living affect our theological convictions?


APPLICATION QUESTIONS

1. Why is it necessary to approach the confidence that we have in theological positions analogically? Describe a situation in which a binary approach to confidence might cause problems in the church.

2. What impact have exegesis, community and Christian living had on your own beliefs? Which of these influences has been most important to you? Why?

3. What beliefs do you hold with the most confidence? What beliefs do you hold with very little confidence? Why do you assign these levels of confidence to these particular beliefs?

4. What is the most significant insight you have learned from this lesson? Why?