‘Jesus’ Role As A Political Revolutionary Was The Most Important Thing About Him’ Flashcards
Intro DC
This essay will argue that Jesus’ role as a political revolutionary was the most important thing about him as it was the aspect of his life that inspired most change and doesn’t require belief in divinity
PE 1
First reason to support view that title is that it is the aspect of his life that has inspired most positive change in society
Taught us about standing up to authority (throughout life disregarded political and religious norms) e.g Matthew 23 J condemns political leaders “they don’t practice what they preach”. This attitude lead to liberation theology (movement within Christianity which attempts to tackle poverty + social injustice in the world) - believe can’t read j words (“i did not come to bring peace, but a sword”) and not involve themselves in political action.
Also inspired other pr (mlk who believed should follow example of J + stand up for what is right)
A 1
This is convincing as there is evidence of positive change coming from Jesus’ overarching messages like forgiveness + standing up for what’s right (mlk + civil rights movement) and is something everyone can follow and implement in their life - unlike j being divine (relatable)
C 2
This argument can be refuted by the argument that J’s status as god incarnate is more important as it is what gives him authority
Without being god incarnate his messages and teachings hold little to no weight - e.g in s + g talking about who will go to heaven (“I was hungry you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink…”) - if not god incarnate then teachings about who will enter heaven or he’ll hold no weight as won’t actually know.
If j is god, god is infallible (can’t be wrong) so gives him ultimate status as if j says it g says it
E 2
This argument fails however as there is no evidence or proof to suggest J was God incarnate so his status as god incarnate can’t be most important as it’s the aspect of him no one knows whether it is true or not.
If is true is also not most important as it removes relatability and understanding of J, whereas as a political revolutionary we are able to separate him form god incarnate and understand him and his actions far more easily
PE 2
The second reason * title* is it is an aspect of his life anyone can relate to, it doesn’t require belief in divinity
Even if not Christian are able to see importance of political messages he teaches (e.g story of Good Samaritan has message old should show everyone love despite race, religion etc) which is a universal belief mostly today. We are able to see the importance of his words today and appreciate his bravery as his views were radical in his time which causes people to respect him
A 2
Convincing as able to see the good when implement his teachings into life and makes Jesus more relatable and accessible - don’t view him as god incarnate but as someone who stands up for what is right. For non Christian’s also allows them to appreciate messages of Jesus without having to accept his divinity at any point
C 2
This argument could be refuted by the argument that his status as a teacher of moral wisdom is more important as Jesus remains relatable and he taught us valuable things - e.g forgiveness in adulterous woman “whichever one of you has committed no sin may throw the first stone at her” “I do not condemn you” + things that resonate with people regardless of religion, period of history and beliefs. Another example is Good Samaritan which has message to show everyone love and kindness regardless of race, religion etc. And like the political aspect of j doesn’t require any belief in divinity
E 2
This counter argument fails however as the fact he was a moral teacher didn’t inspire any change in the world whereas the politcal aspect of him did. Also the teaching jesus gave are not those which a human would’ve given - e.g how and who can enter heaven making him un relatable in this aspect of him as well as being son of god - political aspect is most important
