POJ: ISSUES Flashcards
Give two reasons why Jesus was only a teacher of wisdom.
- Message of his parables were sometimes shocking/ radical – eg the Good Samaritan.
- He called for a change in attitude towards the marginalised e.g. Lost son.
How useful are Jesus’ teachings?
The Golden rule of Christianity – still used today and valued by ethical philosophers eg Kant, JS Mill – for its universal application.
Give a reason why Jesus is seen as a political liberator.
1) He was attempting to liberate the ordinary Jewish people from the burden of the form of Judaism imposed on them by the Jewish leaders.
Why else can Jesus be seen as a political liberator?
1) He wanted to change the structure of society – to stop the alienation of the marginalised.
How can Jesus be seen as Son of God instead of a political liberator?
Son of God - religious figure – with a unique message and unique power. A man with a unique relationship with God.
Why can Jesus’ teachings not be seen as unique?
1) Could be seen as a development of the teachings of Moses.
2) Hick recognised that if Jesus was only aware of God’s will he is no different to others such as Moses.
Give two reasons why Jesus can be seen as divine.
1) Baptism/Transfiguration.
2) Claimed he could forgive sins - e.g. paralysed man.
Give two reasons Jesus cannot be seen as divine.
1) He displays human emotion.
2) He went for John’s baptism - needed forgiveness?
What does Jesus cry out on the cross? What is this an example of?
“My God, my God. Why have you abandoned me?” - Jesus thought he was divine.
What could also be said about what Jesus stated on the Cross?
He displayed human emotions, he felt abandoned.
What was Rahner’s solution to whether Jesus thought he was divine or not?
Onions have many layers of skin so maybe Jesus’ human self-awareness was top layers and deeper layers were his Divine consciousness.
