Theology 120: Neighbors
Churches in America: Chapter 3
Name: ____________________________ Class: ______ Date: _______
Grade: _____/35
Drawing from the official Roman Catholic (http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM),
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in America (http://www.goarch.org/) websites and the textbook
answer the following questions:
1.
Go to: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__PJ.HTM. Be sure to click “Next.”
How does Rome describe the source of its teachings?
Go to: http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith7062. How do the Orthodox describe the
source of their teachings?
2.
Respond to the textbook’s claim that it’s better to have Scripture alone be the foundation
for our doctrine, rather than Scripture plus the oral tradition of the disciples.
3.
Compare the textbook’s view of the church to each churches’ official description:
 Roman Catholicism: (http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P26.HTM) Be
sure to click “Next.”

Neighbors
Eastern Orthodoxy: (http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith7063)
Chapter 3 Questions.1
4. What is the papacy and what claims do the Catholics make toward it? Respond to those
claims (2 parts).
5. How does the Eastern Orthodox Church say a person obtains salvation? Respond (2 parts).
6. List and explain two problems with teaching that sinners must atone for their own sins.
7. Contrast the Lutheran and the Roman Catholic definition of grace (you may have to check
chapter 2).
 Lutheran:

Roman Catholic:
8. List the seven sacraments according to Roman Catholics & Greek Orthodox and explain how
they are viewed in connection with salvation.
Roman Catholic
Greek Orthodox
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
4.
4.
5.
5.
6.
6.
7.
7.
Neighbors
Chapter 3 Questions.2
9. How do these churches view praying to saints? What theological difficulties might arise
from this practice? (2 parts)
10. Contrast Lutheran and Roman Catholic teachings about the Lord’s Supper (you may have to
check chapter 2).
 Lutheran:

Roman Catholic: (http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P3W.HTM) “Be sure to
click “Next.”
11. What is “pluralism” and why does the Roman Catholic Church allow it?
12. What is “anonymous Christianity”? What do you think about this concept? (2 parts).
Neighbors
Chapter 3 Questions.3