Jesus was only a teacher of wisdom Flashcards
What is the intro ?
Jesus presented many moral truths in the form of teachings, parables and sayings.
What scholars will u mention ?
What is ur view ?
Wasnt just a teacher of wisdom, he was also divine
What is the point in para 1 ?
Throughout his life he presented the ‘good news’ as being centred around the repenting and forgiving of sin. Jesus attracted crowds as see in the gospels
There are many signs that he is divine throughout his life – for example the resurrection shows that he was not just a teacher of wisdom but someone who was truly unique.
Also had a divine birth -‘ She was found with child of the holy ghost ‘
‘I am’ sayings – ‘I am the bread of life’ – shows that Jesus nourishes people spiritually and that those who trust him shall not be hungry.
what is the counterargument in para 1 ?
For example- the parable and sermons that he taught had an influence on what the western world sees as right and wrong.
The parable of the lost son calls for radical forgiveness and it goes against strict justice. Main message is that we should forgive rather than seek our own rewards.
Also – many believe that the incarnation and resurrection did not happen and there is no historical evidence to prove this. They are actually symbolic stories and metaphors.
how will u counteract the counterargument para 1 ?
The resurrection did happen because seven women testified that they saw him alive.
Also Jesus authority came more from his teaching – and that he is more than just a moral teacher.
what is the point in para 2 ?
If Jesus was just a moral teacher then the incarnation is false. – If so there can be no salvation.
BONHOEFFER – Salvation depends on incarnation, and without it, a connection is lots with the idea of encountering God in our human lives.
He would not have the same authority were he simply a wisdom teacher.
His teachings also went very far because he was transformed into a worldwide religion.
C.S. Lewis – Jesus claimed to forgive sins done to others. Only God has the right to do that – so either a lunatic or a LORD. And if he was a lunatic then why would his message spread this far.
what is the counterargument in para 2 ?
Hick – when Jesus died on the cross he didn’t actually save our sins , he was more like a role model for change.
Hick is also a pluralist meaning that Jesus cant have been the only way, truth and life – ‘I am the way , the truth and the life’
He also sees him as more of a guru.
Development theory (whos is this)- the idea that Jesus was divine developed over tiem to make Christianity more compelling
how will you counteract the counterargument in para 2 ?
The puyrpose of jesus life was to sacrifice to safve our sins – a mere human would not have the ability to do that.
Jesus therefore must have been fully God and Fully human.
Also – God states that Jesus is the SOG on at least 3 occasions – for example at the baptism , the heavens opened and voice said’ this is my son, whom I love’
