Major Themes Flashcards
1
Q
Characteristics of Belief and Unbelief as a Theme
A
- fundamental choice - faith or unbelief.
- unbelief = judgment of condemnation
- Belief = possessing eternal life.
- Believers: light; unbelievers: darkness.
2
Q
Characteristics of Signs
A
- seven signs
- signs reveal Jesus as the Messiah.
- do not take the place of faith
- presuppose faith
- Signs in St John’s Gospel:
- 2:1-11 (wedding at Cana)
- 4:46-54 (healing of the official’s son)
- 5:1-15 (healing of the paralyzed man)
- 6:1-15 (feeding of the multitude)
- 6:16-21 (walking on water)
- 9:1-41 (healing of the man born blind)
- 11:1-44 (raising of Lazarus)
3
Q
Characteristics of Revelation and Witness
A
- Jesus reveals the Father and the way to him.
- Sign pointing to the Father – words and actions are manifestations of Father’s will.
- courtroom language of witness and testimony.
- Jesus is on trial in the Gospel, accused and judged by the world, and all who are hostile towards God.
- The witness of Jesus and his works are rejected by those who are hostile towards him.
- time of martyrdom amongst believers. Gospel is giving encouragement to persecuted Christians.
4
Q
Characteristics of Logos
A
- logos not tied to Greek philosophy, but to Hebrew thought.
- The Hebrew equivalent for logos is d ab ar.
- In Hebrew thought, spoken word = dynamic and effective, a living reality. blessings, curses, promises, etc., were dynamic and active
- Once a word is spoken it had a power and life of its own, to effect what was said.
5
Q
Characteristics of Realized Eschatology
A
- John’s Gospel, not negating these future events (judgement, second coming) as realities, but also an emphasis that they have already begun.
- In that sense, John has a realized eschatology.
- faith makes eternal life a present reality in this world
6
Q
Characteristics of the Hour
A
- Hour encompasses his passion, death, resurrection, and ascension as a single moment.
- not separate realities, but a single salvific event which accomplishes the redemption of the world.
