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A Level RE > The Person of Jesus > Flashcards

The Person of Jesus Flashcards

1
Q

What does son of god mean?

A

the term used by Jesus’ followers to describe his special relationship with God

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2
Q

What gave Jesus his authority?

A 
.Miracles, healing and nature
.His parentage, he makes reference to being the ‘Son of God’
.His following and believers
.Caesarea Philippi, ‘who do you say I am?’, Messiah
.The Bible
.His resurrection
.His role as a saviour
.His teachings
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3
Q

Quote from the bible which shows us that Jesus had authority

A

the prophecy of Isiah 9:6 –
‘For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’

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4
Q

Many kings, princes and judges of the time were referred to as sons of God, how was Jesus different?

A

He was THE son of God

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5
Q

Where do many people believe Jesus’ authority comes from?

A

primarily from carrying out Gods will in a special way or acting out on his behalf

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6
Q

Do we know Jesus is the son of God from the bible? Does he tell us?

A

Jesus never referred to himself as the Son of God, but did not correct his followers when they referred to him as such

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7
Q

What is the hypostatic union?

A

the belief that Jesus is 100% human and 100% divine

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8
Q

Quote where Jesus says he is the only way to salvation

A

In the gospel of John it says:

‘I am the way, the truth and the life. No-one comes to the father except through me’

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9
Q

Jesus often uses the statement ‘I am’ to demonstrate his power and authority, where else is similar wording used?

A

This links back to God’s relation to Moses in exodus at the burning bush – ‘I am who I am’

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10
Q

How can the hypostatic tension work?

A

Jesus is unique

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11
Q

Summarise 2 Samuel 7:13-16 (Old Testament)

A

.Jesus will establish the kingdom of God

.He will care for them in the Kingdom but punish them when they do wrong

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12
Q

How does 2 Samuel 7:13-16 (Old Testament) show Jesus as divine?

A

.Shows Jesus special relationship with God

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13
Q

Summarise Nicene Creed (325 AD)?

A

.Jesus is made of substance of the father, part of the trinity
.He is Gods only son
.He was begotten (gifted), not made

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14
Q

How does Nicene Creed (325 AD) show Jesus as divine?

A

.He is Gods son and so he is divine

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15
Q

Summarise St Augustine, The Augustine Catechism

A

.Jesus is all God and all human (hypostatic union)
.Birthed like a human, but God before all worlds (Jesus is eternal)
.Full of grace

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16
Q

How does St Augustine, The Augustine Catechism show Jesus as divine?

A

.Jesus is all God and all human and full of grace

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17
Q

Summarise Luke 1:29-38 The Birth of Jesus Foretold

A

.The Lord was with Mary
.Mary is told she will birth the son of God
.Must be called Jesus, meaning saviour

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18
Q

How does Luke 1:29-38 The Birth of Jesus Foretold show Jesus as divine?

A

.Jesus is the son of the most high

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19
Q

Summarise Mark 1:9-13 The Baptism and Testing of Jesus

A

.Baptised by John
.Holy spirit comes down
.Gods voice is heard

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20
Q

How does Mark 1:9-13 The Baptism and Testing of Jesus show Jesus as divine?

A

.Holy spirit comes down and the voice, God, says ‘you are my son’

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21
Q

Summarise Matthew 16:13-20 Peter Declares Jesus is the Messiah

A

.Jesus asks his disciples who do they think he is
.Peter says he is the Messiah, the son of the living God
.Jesus says he must not tell anyone

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22
Q

How does Matthew 16:13-20 Peter Declares Jesus is the Messiah show Jesus as divine?

A

.He has the keys to the gates of heaven, he has the same power and authority as God

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23
Q

Summarise Mark 9:2-8 The Transfiguration?

A

Jesus was transfigured in front of some of his disciples
.The prophets Moses and Elijah were there
.God appears and speaks, just like in the Baptism

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24
Q

How does Mark 9:2-8 The Transfiguration show Jesus as divine?

A

.Jesus has connections and managed to change his whole appearance for nothing

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25
Q

Summarise Matthew 27:32-56 The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus

A

.Jesus is put on the cross, after refusing alcohol
.He is taunted by the passer byers
.When he died lots of weird things happened (resurrections and important curtains ripping)

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26
Q

How does Matthew 27:32-56 The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus show Jesus as divine?

A

.When he died, the curtain ripped, holy people that were dead were raised, earthquakes hit, rocks split and tombs broke open

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27
Q

Define resurection

A

the belief that Jesus rose from the dead, three days after being crucified on the cross

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28
Q

Why are Jesus’ miracles important?

A

.they are a sign of salvation
.the indicate what it would be like to live in a restored world
.his healing miracles illustrate Isaiah’s vision of a renewed society where seeing, hearing and walking are also symbols of insight, understanding and acting in the world

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29
Q

Blind quote from bible

A

‘Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped’

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30
Q

What happens in John 9: 1-41?

A

Jesus heals a blind man

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31
Q

Why is Jesus’ resurrection important for Christians?

A

.Gives them hope for an afterlife
.How Christianity was started
.Shows Jesus as Divine and his unique relationship with God

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32
Q

Explain the confirmation of divninity

A

Through Adam’s disobedience, humanity ‘died’, but then through Jesus’ sacrifice we have all been saved.

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33
Q

Where is the confirmation of divinity found?

A

1 Corinthians 15:20-22

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34
Q

State the confirmation of divinity?

A

‘But christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in christ all will be made alive’

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35
Q

What is Theo-Kotos?

A

God bearer, a title given to Mary, links to annunciation and nativity

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36
Q

What is the annunciation?

A

Mary getting told he will bear Jesus, Son of God

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37
Q

Name some of Jesus’ key teachings

A

.Parable of the sheep and goats
.Golden rule
.Love thy neighbour – the greatest commandment
.Parable of the talents
.Parable of the good Samaritan
.Parable of the prodigal son/lost son
.The sermon on the mount (turn the other check, beatitudes, lord’s prayer etc)
.Atonement – the temple will be destroyed
.Zacchaeus – tax collector
.Eating with outcasts – ‘it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick’
.Parable of the rich man and Lazarus
.Parable of the unforgiving servant
.’Those who live by the sword die by the sword’

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38
Q

How many times is Jesus called ‘teacher’ in the 4 gospels, broken down

A

In the Synoptic Gospels the title ‘Teacher’ is applied to Jesus 39 times, twelve each in Mark and Matthew, and fifteen in Luke. In the fourth gospel it is used 6 times to designate Jesus. That is 45 times in the four gospels Jesus is called the teacher.

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39
Q

Why is Jesus a great teacher?

A 
.Uses analogies and examples
.Good public speaker
.Holds authority – many start with ‘I tell you’
.Intelligent – thought about where to teach
.Outsmart other religious authorities
.Challenged his followers
.Educated other scholars
.Compassionate to those suffering
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40
Q

3 key themes in Jesus’ teachings

A

.Morality
.Forgiveness
.Inner purity

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41
Q

Summarise the fulfilment of the law story

A

You need to fulfil the laws
.Don’t say the Pharisees are wrong, more often than not they are right
.To fulfil them, Jesus says they must tighten up, not relax

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42
Q

Where is the fulfillment of the law story found?

A

Matthew 5:17-20

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43
Q

What teaching is the fullfillment of the law story?

A

Morality

.Follow the rules

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44
Q

Important quote from the fulfillment of the law story

A

‘For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven’

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45
Q

Summarise the love your enemy story

A

.Forget the old teachings about forgiveness

.Love everyone, pray for everyone

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46
Q

Summarise the parable of the lost son

A

.Son asks for share of estate
.Runs off and wastes all the money
.Comes back and begs for forgiveness
.A party is thrown and the other son is jealous

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47
Q

Summarise the widows coin story

A

.Widow who lives in poverty gives money to the temple when she can’t afford it

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48
Q

Where is the love your enemy story found?

A

Matthew 5:43-48

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49
Q

Where is the parable of the lost son found?

A

Luke 5:11-32

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50
Q

Where is the widows coin story found?

A

Mark 12:41-44

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51
Q

What teaching is the love your enemy story?

A

Morality, forgiveness and inner purity

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52
Q

What teaching is the parable of the lost son?

A

Forgiveness

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53
Q

What teaching is the widows coin story?

A

Inner purity

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54
Q

Important quote from the love your enemy story

A

‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’

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55
Q

Important quote from the parable of the lost son

A

‘This brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found’

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56
Q

Important quote from the widows coin story

A

‘This poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others’

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57
Q

Sermon on the mount context

A

Set early in the mission of Jesus after he has been baptised by John the Baptist, gathered his first disciples, and had returned from a long fast and contemplation in the Judean Desert where he had been tempted by Satan to renounce his spiritual mission and gain worldly riches.

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58
Q

Sermon on the mount, teaching about the law, meaning and quote

A

.You need to fulfil the laws
.Don’t say the Pharisees are wrong, more often than not they are right
.To fulfil them, Jesus says they must tighten up, not relax
.’For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven’

Essentially, christians need to follow the rules

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59
Q

Sermon on the mount, teaching about anger, meaning and quote

A

.Don’t worship in anger
.Don’t be angry
.Resolve with peace, not violence
.’Anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgement’

.Essentially, Christians need to be peaceful

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60
Q

Sermon on the mount, teaching about adultery, meaning and quote

A

.Don’t cheat
.Even thinking lustfully about another women is cheating
.’If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go to hell’

.Essentially, Christians need to not commit adultery

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61
Q

Sermon on the mount, teaching about divorce, meaning and quote

A

.Only men can divorce
.Women are the victim of divorce, unless they have committed adultery
.You can’t marry a divorced women
.’Anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery

.Essentially Christians need to try and not divorce

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62
Q

Sermon on the mount, teaching about prayers, meaning and quote

A

.Pray with the correct intentions
.Pray in private for God, not in public for self-gain
.If you do this you will be rewarded
.’Your Father knows what you need before you ask him’

.He also gave Christians The Lords Prayer

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63
Q

Sermon on the mount, teaching about revenge and enemies, meaning and quote

A

.Don’t follow the beliefs taught earlier in the bible
.Instead of hating your enemies and loving your neighbours, love them both
.Pray for those who persecute you
.’Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly father is perfect’

.Essentially Christians need to love everyone

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64
Q

Who was Leo Tolstoy?

A

.Russian writer considered to be one of the greatest writers of all time
.Experienced a profound moral crisis, followed by what he regarded as an equally profound spiritual awakening

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65
Q

What type of christian was Leo Tolstoy and why?

A

.His literal interpretation if the ethical teachings of Jesus, centring on the Sermon on the Mount, caused him to become a fervent Christian anarchist and pacifist

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66
Q

What was Leo Tolstoys book?

A

The Gospel in Brief

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67
Q

What does The Gospel in Brief do?

A

outlines the significance of Jesus’ life lies in his moral teaching, which can be summarised as:

  • Do not be angry
  • Be at peace with all men
  • Do not seek delight in sexual gratification
  • Do not swear anything to anyone
  • Do not judge
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68
Q

Leo Tolstoy quote

A

‘The true meaning of Christ’s teaching consists in the recognition of love as the supreme law of life, and therefore not admitting any exceptions’

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69
Q

Who was Ludwig Wittgenstein?

A

.Read Gospel in Brief in the trenches
Won over by Tolstoy’s representation of Jesus, Wittgenstein believed that Jesus’ teachings on life were the most significant part of the Gospels, rather than his divinity

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70
Q

What was Wittgenstein impressed by?

A

.Wittgenstein was impressed with Jesus’ commitment to the Truth and his courage to speak out against hypocrisy

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71
Q

For Wittgenstein, who was Jesus?

A

.For Wittgenstein, Jesus was not an abstract idea but the ‘Living World’ the embodiment of the external moral and inner spiritual life

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72
Q

Christian understanding of Jesus as a person -

A

humble and meek, the gentle lamb who goes to slaughter on the cross

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73
Q

Jesus as a person when portrayed in art and literature -

A

meekly and without protest accepting suffering

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74
Q

Recently another side of the Biblical portrayal of Jesus has been emphasised, describe this type of Jesus -

A

Jesus is see as being angry with the political and religious authority of the time, and instead of being passive and accepting suffering, he is seen as active in seeking out confrontation

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75
Q

Biblical example of Jesus being confrontational

A

A Biblical example of this would be found in Mark 3 where Jesus heals a man with the withered hand on the Sabbath

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76
Q

Describe Mark 3 where Jesus heals a man with the withered hand on the Sabbath

A

Jesus had already named himself ‘The Lord of the Sabbath’ in Mark 2, and in Mark 3 he is being closely watched by the Pharisees and Herodian’s, as he makes the man with the withered hand stand in front of everyone as he heals him

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77
Q

The story in Mark 3 where Jesus heals a man with the withered hand on the Sabbath clearly shows Jesus as being what?

A

Confrontational

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78
Q

The idea of a more confrontational, argumentative Jesus was picked up by …

A

a group of Catholic theologians working in the slums of the great cities of South America

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79
Q

What did the theological movement known as Liberation Theology teach?

A

They taught that it was clear from the Bible that Jesus did not just accept the Status Quo, but confronted the religious authority (the Pharisees) and political authority (the Herodian’s).

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80
Q

Leonardo Boff holds the view of Liberation Theology, what does he teach?

A

saying that Christianity does not teach that we meekly accept suffering and wait for heaven, but that we try to confront the political authorities and try to change society so it becomes more fair and just.

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81
Q

Quote from Boff, from Jesus Christ Liberator (1972), about Christ as liberator

A

‘A Christology that proclaims Jesus Christ as the liberator seeks to be committed to the economic, social and political liberation of those groups that are oppressed and dominated. It purports to see the theological reverence of the historic revelation of the vast majority of people in our continent’

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82
Q

Define Christology

A

an understanding of Christ

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83
Q

One of the main principles of this new understanding of Jesus (liberation theology) sees him as

A

giving preference, not to the rich and powerful, but instead to the poor and oppressed.

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84
Q

Where can Jesus helping the poor and oppressed be seen?

A

This can be seen in two stories from the New Testament – The Parable of the Good Samaritan and the story of the Healing Woman with a haemorrhage. In both stories an oppressed group (Samaritans and women) are celebrated.

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85
Q

amaritans were regarded as being ______________, but Jesus teaches of their _________________.

A

Racially impure

Kindness and humanity

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86
Q

What happens in the healing of the woman with a haemorrhage?

A

Jesus reacts favourably to a women who is bleeding vaginally. This kind of bleeding was regarded as unclean and it was seen as an act of great impropriety to touch someone. Instead, Jesus acts kindly towards her.

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87
Q

In the story of the Healing Woman with a haemorrhage, Jesus is again being confrontational, but what to?

A

to the moral, religious and political attitudes towards women.

88
Q

Arguments Suggesting Jesus was a teacher of wisdom/had a special relationship with God?, John Hick

A

.The idea of being God is too exclusive, it implies that Christianity ought to be regarded by Christians as having a unique status
.Hick was in favour of a pluralist approach and saw all the great religions as equally having insight into God
.Therefore he wanted Christianity to have a God centred vision rather than a Christo-centric vision
.Centring the religion on Jesus means the other religions wouldn’t be treated fairly
.Hick did not think of Christianity as special, in fact he titled one of his books ‘The Myth of Christian Uniqueness’

89
Q

A speaker on religious pluralism, Keith E. Johnson, comparison of Hick’s pluralist theology

A

a tale of blind men attempting to describe an elephant. One touching the leg, another the trunk, and the final the side. Each man describes the elephant differently, and although each is accurate, they are all convinced in their own correctness and the mistakenness of the other two.

90
Q

Arguments Suggesting Jesus was a teacher of wisdom/had a special relationship with God? religious pluralism

A

.According to the pluralist understanding, each religion attempts to describe God from its own point of view, and it is a mistake to inform the other religions of how wrong they are
.Hick says that God is beyond full human comprehension, and each religion has part of the truth
.We are all climbing the hill up to ultimate reality, but taking different paths
.We should be more tolerant of the diversity of great religious traditions and see that they are all valid paths towards the divine
.This is called religious pluralism

91
Q

Arguments Suggesting Jesus was a teacher of wisdom/had a special relationship with God? rejection of the supernatural

A

.Another reason for rejection of the supernatural was embarrassment at the supernatural in religion
.Christianity is full of miracles and special divine interaction in the world, many theologians began to think of these as old fashioned and antiquated, they felt science shows these miracles can’t have taken place
.The incarnation is just another miracle, so must be rejected
.Some of these theologians even began to believe that God did not exist at all, but that religion was just a vibrant expression of humanity’s deepest hopes
.One of the most prominent members of this movement, anti-realism, is Don Cupitt
.Both Hick and Cupitt reject the incarnation – Jesus is just man who has insight and great wisdom

92
Q

Hick quote for saying the incarnation just makes no sense

A

‘Neither the intense Christological debates of the centuries leading up to the Council of Chalcedon, nor the renewed Christological debates of the 19th and 20th centuries, have succeeded in squaring the circle by making intelligible the claim that one who was genuinely and ambiguously a man was also genuinely and ambiguously God’ (Myth of God Incarnate)

93
Q

Arguments Suggesting Jesus’ Relationship was truly unique (Son of God)? Natural and special revelation

A

.The Catholic Church argues that God actually exists, and that this can be known naturally without revelation
.We also must accept the testimony of the Bible and the tradition of the Church (special revelation) which clearly teaches that Jesus was more than a prophet
.He is God’s revelation of himself, he is God who takes on flesh in humanity

94
Q

Arguments Suggesting Jesus’ Relationship was truly unique (Son of God)? Karl Rahner

A

.A prominent Catholic theologian
.Argued that faithful Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus are all ‘anonymous Christians’
.They would not speak of themselves as Christians, therefore they are anonymous
.There faith is valuable even though they have not attained the full truth of the Christian Revelation
.Rahner argues that the full truth is found in Christianity because Jesus is the Son of God

95
Q

Arguments Suggesting Jesus’ Relationship was truly unique (Son of God)? Raymond Brown

A

.When the Bible talks about Jesus being ‘Son of God’ (mainly in John, but rarely elsewhere) there is a claim to special divinely inspired authority
.Brown says ‘It is highly likely that Jesus spoke and thought o himself as ‘the son’ implying a very special relationship to God that is part of his identity and status’
.Brown’s argument is supported in Matthew 11:27 when Jesus says ‘All things have been delivered to me by my father; and no one knows the son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the son and any one whom the Son chooses to reveal him’

96
Q

Arguments Suggesting Jesus’ Relationship was truly unique (Son of God)? The Catholic Churches Position

A

.The Nicene Creed shows the churches eventual understanding of Jesus ‘We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God’
.Here the claim is that Jesus is not a son of God but the son of God
.He was not made, so is eternal, and shares his identity with God, the Father, and that Jesus was central in the creation of the universe- ‘through him all things were made’
.So they believe that Jesus is not just a divinely inspired prophet like Moses or Isaiah, but has a much higher status, he is infused with divinity and is God in human form

97
Q

Arguments Suggesting Jesus’ Relationship was truly unique (Son of God)? The Miracles in the Gospel and the teaching of the Catechism

A
  • Healing of the Blind Man
  • Walking on water
    The Catechism of the Catholic Church is clear that Jesus’ miracles are signs of his divinity. They can help to assure people of the truth of Christianity, and especially Jesus’ status as son of God. This is especially true of the miracles reported in the Gospels. They are signs that Jesus is someone special- someone distinctive.
    The Catechism says ‘The signs worked by Jesus attest that the Father has sent him … so miracles strengthen faith in the one who does his Father’s works; they bear witness that he is the son of God’.
98
Q

Arguments Suggesting Jesus’ Relationship was truly unique (Son of God)? Jesus Resurrection and teaching of the Catechism

A

The early Christians would have thought something along the lines of –
. Only God has the power of life after death
. Jesus died then was raised from the dead
. Therefore, God approves of Jesus, in fact more than approval, other great men of faith weren’t risen from the dead, perhaps Jesus is more than a great follower of God, perhaps he is God
The Catholic Church sees the resurrection as so miraculous and full of meaning that they call is a mystery rather than just a miracle. ‘The resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ’ – CCC. The church does not believe that the resurrection was a sign or a symbol – it actually happened in a specific place at a specific time in Palestine. It is not just a great story. The Church testifies that it is historical fact: ‘The mystery of Christ’s resurrection is a real event’.

99
Q

Arguments suggesting Jesus thought of himself as divine Gospel of John

A

In the Gospel of John, Jesus says ‘“Very truly I tell you”, Jesus answered, “Before Abraham was born, I am!”’. Here Jesus uses the divine name ‘I am’. So we might agree with H P Liddon that ‘Jesus unveils consciousness of Eternal Being’. In other words, Jesus is referring to himself as diving.

100
Q

Arguments suggesting Jesus thought of himself as divine Gospel of Mark

A

In Mark 14:62, Jesus is in front of the temple court ‘Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”’

101
Q

Arguments suggesting Jesus thought of himself as divine Miracles

A
  • Healing of the blind man
  • Walking on water
    The Catechism of the Catholic Church is clear that Miracles are signs of Jesus divinity. They can help to assure people of the truth of Christianity, and especially Jesus’ status as son of God. This is especially true of the miracles in the Gospels. They are signs that Jesus is someone special – someone distinctive. If Jesus performed these miracles then he must’ve thought of himself as divine.
102
Q

Arguments suggesting Jesus didn’t think of himself as divine Gospel of John

A

The gospel does not always seem to be a straight forward account of what Jesus said. It seems to be more an interpretation of his words and actions from someone convinced that Jesus was God and knew that he was. In this sense, the words in the gospel more belong to the author than Jesus.

103
Q

Arguments suggesting Jesus didn’t think of himself as divine Garden of Gethsemane

A

All 3 synoptic gospels give detailed accounts of Christ’s agony here. Some interpret this to show how truly human Jesus was. He seemed afraid of death, which goes against this image of him being divine.

104
Q

Arguments suggesting Jesus didn’t think of himself as divine Teacher of Wisdom and Morality

A

Jesus may only have thought of himself as a teacher of wisdom and morality:
- The lost son
- The good Samaritan
- The widows coin
- Teaching on adultery and love of enemies
Jesus may only have thought of himself as a political liberator.

105
Q

.Liberation theology said the church should …

A

base its faith and teachings on the situation of the poor and that bible should be read and experienced from the perspective of the poor. Also the church should be a movement for those who were denied their rights and plunged into such poverty that they were deprived of their status as human beings.

106
Q

Liberation theology says the poor should …

A

take the example of Jesus and use it to bring about a just society

107
Q

.The Liberationists said the Church should act to bring about

A

Social change

108
Q

.The Liberationists said the Church should ally itself with who?

A

The working class

109
Q

.Some radical priests became involved in

A

politics and trade unions; while others even aligned themselves with violent revolutionary movements

110
Q

.A common way in which priests and nuns showed their solidarity with the poor was to …

A

move from religious houses into poverty stricken areas to share in the living conditions

111
Q

.One of the most prominent priests associated with liberation theology was the Archbishop of San Salvador, Oscar Romero. Who was he, what did he do and how did he die?

A

Initially a social conservative, became an advocate for the poor and oppressed as the security situation in El Salvador deteriorated in the late 1970’s. He was assassinated while saying mass in a cancer hospice in San Salvador on 24th March 1980.

112
Q

.The primary architect of liberation theology in the Latin-American and Catholic context is …

A

Gustavo Gutierrez

113
Q

Gutierrez grew up in poverty, who’s ideology did he use as a part of his theological analysis of Christianity?

A

Marx’s

114
Q

What did Gutierrez believe about christianity?

A

Christianity should be used to make people’s lives better here and now rather than simply offer them hope of rewards in heaven.

115
Q

How was Gutierrez’s theology a a big change from how theology has traditionally been done?

A

Gutierrez’s theology is one that places actions first and reflection second

116
Q

.With Gutierrez’s theological system, what two things became the same thing?

A

liberation and salvation became the same thing

117
Q

For Gutierrez, the first step towards salvation is …

A

the transformation of society: the poor must be freed from economic, political and social oppression. This involves struggle and conflict but Gutierrez does not shy away.

118
Q

why Gutierrez’s ideas have not always been warmly received by Catholic leaders in the Vatican

A

Such willingness to countenance violent actions

119
Q

Liberation theologians also use Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:34 to promote the idea that the Church should be involved in activism:

A

‘Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.’

120
Q

Jesus, according to liberation theology, pushed not for stability but for …

A

Social unrest

121
Q

Who does Reza Aslan say Jesus should have been?

A
  1. Aslan says that Jesus should be seen as someone who ‘took on the religious and political powers of his day on behalf of the poor and the dispossessed, the marginalized and the weak’
122
Q

For Reza Aslan, what part of the Gospel was the most important?

A
  1. Aslan claims the most important part of the gospel is when on Palm Sunday Jesus rode into Jerusalem to the cheers of thousands, then drove the money lenders out of the temple – these two acts were meant to spark a revolution
123
Q

What does Reza Aslan believe about after Jesus’ death?

A
  1. Aslan believes that, after Jesus’ death, Jesus’ followers reinvented him as a gentle spiritual teacher who taught love over revolution, in order to help spread Christianity around the world
124
Q

Name the critics to Reza Aslan and what they said

A
  1. Critics to Aslan include:
    .Josh Graves ‘There’s very little evidence that Jesus has radically different teaching than what the early church believed’
    .Stephen Prothero, Aslan’s perspective as a Muslim may have influenced his writing
    .Darrel Gwaltney ‘Even people who were present in the life of Jesus couldn’t make up their minds about who he was’
125
Q

Throughout Jesus’ adult life, who was he in conflict with and why? What did this result in?

A

.Much of Jesus’ adult life, as shown in the gospels, was spent in conflict with Jewish authorities over the application of the law and then finally with the Roman authorities who put him to death on the grounds of rebellion and treason

126
Q

Many scholars agree that Jesus’ teaching on the kingdom of God was not just spiritual preparation for the age to come, but a …

A

… call to change the social structures of society

127
Q

.In S.G.F Brandon’s study of Jesus, Jesus and the Zealots (1967), he argued …

A

… that the historical Jesus was a politically driven freedom fighter but that later representations of him in the gospels toned this down and rewrote passages to make him a pacifist

128
Q

Who can be used to back up Aslan and vice versa?

A

Brandon

129
Q

Outline the Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath story (Mark 2:23-28)

A

23 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. 24 The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”
25 He answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? 26 In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.”
27 Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

130
Q

Analyse the Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath story

A

The Pharisees know that the Sabbath is meant to be a gift not a hassle
Jesus is reinstating his authority as Lord
This recalls the story from 1 Samuel 21:6, in which the Priest gives David the bread to eat,
Jesus believes that this shows the bigger picture, that certain demands of the law are rightly set aside in favour of pursuing greater values or meeting greater needs
The Pharisees strictly adhered to religious law, Exodus 20:8, ‘Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy’, they are concerned that Jesus is not keeping it holy by travelling and neglecting the commandment to observe the Sabbath

131
Q

Outline the Jesus heals on the Sabbath story (Mark 3:1-6)

A

3 Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.”
4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.
5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodian’s how they might kill Jesus.

132
Q

Analyse the Jesus heals on the Sabbath story

A

The Pharisees strictly adhered to religious law, ‘Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy’ Exodus 20:8
The Pharisees know that religious law teaches the example: ‘Do not do anything that endangers your neighbours life’ Leviticus 19:16
The only option to remove the threat of Jesus is to kill him
A healing miracle occurs (seem as a creative act)
Jesus wanted all people to see his act of healing
‘Say to Aaron, ‘For the generations to come, none of your descendants who has a physical defect may approach to offer the food of his God.’’ Leviticus 21:17
The Pharisees saw Jesus as a threat to their religious authority, they had no problem with him healing the man, but took issue on whether he would do it on the Sabbath and wilfully disregard the law of God
‘Saving life overrules the Sabbath’, according to ancient Rabbinic Tradition
The man was not dying, but the effect of fixing his hand ripples and he can now work again, and so can provide for his family again – it was not merely a fixing of something gone wrong but a restoration of his life

133
Q

Outline the politics at the time of Jesus

A

.Jesus was a threat politically
.At the time, Rome occupied Judea and civil unrest was stirring
.Many people were unhappy with paying taxes to Rome and being oppressed in their own land
.The Pharisees wanted to ensure innocent lives were not lost in massacres, since the Romans used force to stop uprisings
.Pharisees disagreed with Roman rule but lived in hopes of seeing the restoration of the Kingdom of David
.The Herodian’s, those faithful to Herod, endured the Roman rule but wanted Herod to remain in power independent of Roman support

134
Q

Outline the story of Jesus coming to Jerusalem as King (Mark 11:1-11)

A

11 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”
4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
“Hosanna![a]”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[b]
10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

135
Q

Analyse the Jesus comes to Jerusalem as King story

A

Bethphage and Bethany are small villages outside of Jerusalem
A colt is a Donkey, a sign of his humility and peace, Zechariah’s prophecy saw the Messiah as the Prince of Peace, so when the disciples saw him doing this it was as if he was fulfilling the prophecy
Jesus’ disciples want to honour him by throwing their cloaks down
David, as in King David, the Messiah is said to be his descendent
Entering into a city on a horse was a sign of victory
Went back to Bethany where he was anointed by a woman
Hosanna means ‘save us’, people believed Jesus was the Messiah
People offered sacrifices to Jesus – show of Divinity
Reinforcing his divine authority by referring to himself as the Lord
‘Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey’ Zechariah 9:9
Palm leaves are a national symbol for Israel, Palm branches, praise, hymns, and songs are associated with the liberation of the Jews in 1 Maccabees 13-51 – ‘and entered into it … with thanksgiving, and branches of palm trees, and with harps, and cymbals, and with viols, and songs.’
Marks story also speaks of Jesus’ sacrifice, as Jesus travelled to Jerusalem via Bethphage, Bethphage is the town where the Passover Lamb would be taken from and delivered to the temple, this indicated that Jesus knows he is going to die for his cause and is prepared to do so

136
Q

Outline the Clearing of the Temple Story (Mark 11:15-18)

A

15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’[a]? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’[b]”
18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.

137
Q

Analyse the clearing of the temple story

A

Use of force by ‘driving out’?
Reinforcing his authority by saying he ‘would not allow’
Isaiah 56:7 ‘Then my house will be known as a house of worship for all nations’
The religious authorities feared Jesus would be too much of an influence on the Jewish nation
‘They feared him’ – the Romans would massacre innocent civilians if they believed there could be an uprising
People were making a great profit and it was loud and not focused on God
The Jewish leaders allowed the court of Gentiles to be used as a market place
Jerusalem was packed with Jews who had travelled for Passover, the number of pilgrims between 300,000 and 400,000
The sellers were disrupting the outer courts of the temple, and therefore a holy place of prayer, as this was the only place that Gentiles could come and pray
Jesus accused the temple authorities of thieving, making pilgrims purchase ‘approved’ goods at an inflated price
Jesus put an embargo on people carrying any merchandise though the temple – a sanction that would have disrupted all trade

138
Q

How does Jesus is the lord of the sabbath show Jesus as being liberator

A

Jesus is defying the usual practice of the Jew’s, but is showing that in doing so he is not committing a bad act through the use of reference to a story

139
Q

How does Jesus heals on the sabbath show Jesus as being liberator

A

Jesus is defying the usual practice of the Jew’s, but is showing that in doing so he is not committing a bad act, through asking the question ‘Which is lawful on the Sabbath … to save life or to kill?’

140
Q

How does Jesus comes to Jerusalem as King show Jesus as being Jerusalem?

A

Jesus is being praised as Messiah, he is being loved by many and people are asking him to save them, to liberate them?

141
Q

How does the clearing of the temple story show Jesus as being Liberator?

A

Jesus protests the workings of the temple in a loud way, a different style to the Prince of Peace we had just seen entering Jerusalem, he is not happy in the way his Father’

142
Q

• Secularists believe that religion and politics should never mix, that is because …

A

… religion can have a negative effect on politics. Traditionally, countries have one religion in the majority, this means that many minority groups and marginalised/discriminated against. Religion should be a focus of private, not public, life

143
Q

• Many people of faith argue it’s too difficult to separate religion and politics, this is because …

A

… A religious conviction will influence you regardless of if you try and limit its impact. An example of someone who has used their Christianity in a positive way is Martin Luther King. It was his faith that enabled him to have the courage and moral reasoning to fight for civil rights in America

144
Q

In terms of religion and politics mixing, what might some more extreme christians argue?

A

• Some Christians may argue that God is the ultimate authority and therefore may regard his teachings as superior to that of the law

145
Q

Who was St Oscar Romero and what did he do?

A

.Bishop of the Catholic Church in El Salvador who served as the fourth Archbishop of San Salvador
.Spoke out against poverty, social injustice, assassinations, and torture amid a growing war between left wing and right wing forces

146
Q

7 facts and a quote - St Oscar Romero

A
  1. Was murdered during mass
  2. His sermons were broadcast nationwide and for some were the only way to access the truth
  3. He condemned the repression and challenged those in power
  4. Was initially put in that position as he was seen as a pair of safe hands
  5. Received death threats
  6. ‘The word of God is like the light of the son, it illuminates beautiful things but also things which we would rather not see.’
  7. After his friend, Rutilio Grande, died he began to speak out
  8. He died for the people
147
Q

How was their injustice in El Salvador?

A
  • Ordinary people did not receive an education, they could not read or write so they could not stand up for their writes – if your illiterate you can’t even read the instructions on a medicine bottle for your child
  • Women were treated as second class citizens, they worked hard but were never consulted about things that affected their lives
  • Most people had no say in who ran El Salvador, they could not elect new leaders as the elections were not run fairly
  • People were put in prison just because they criticized the government
  • The rich were very rich, and the poor had very little money
  • Fourteen powerful families ruled El Salvador
  • The two sides in the civil war were fighting and many innocent people were dying, war was hurting everyone in El Salvador
148
Q

Oscar Romero quote

A

‘We know that every effort to improve society, above all when society is so full of injustice and sin, is an effort that God blesses; that God wants; that God demands of us’

149
Q

What does Liberation theology do?

A

Explores the relationship between Christian theology (especially Catholic) and far-left political activism, especially in relation to economic justice, poverty, and human rights

150
Q

What do Liberation theologians belive?

A

If Jesus was politically motivated, then Christians should surely work in the world to restore political systems today.
Many scholars agree that Jesus’ teaching on the Kingdom of God was not just spiritual preparation for the age to come, but a call to reform political structures of society now. Liberation theologians believe that Jesus’ preference towards the poor sets an example and an agenda for Christians in every historical age.

151
Q

During the time of civil war and exploitation of the poor in South America in the 1970s – 1980s liberation theologians did what?

A

found inspiration in the Zealot-type presentations of Jesus

152
Q

Was Oscar Romero a liberation theologian?

A

Oscar Romero never publically declared he was a liberation theologian and was sceptical of the politics it employed – DO NOT REFER TO HIM AS ONE – he did however, argue it was a Christians duty to live in the example of Christ.

153
Q

How did Liberation Theologians view of Jesus differ from others?

A

For Liberation theologians, Jesus had too long been portrayed as a neutral character who preached spiritual values without wanting to make change to unjust social structures. Liberation theologians saw Jesus’ actions a favour towards the poor and exploited – those who are described as occupying the ‘underside of history’. By thinking of Jesus as Liberator the Church ensures that Christ is fully engaged with the affairs of the world.

154
Q

Who was Gustavo Guitierrez?

A

Peruvian philosopher, theologian, and Dominican priest regarded as one of the founders of liberation theology.

155
Q

What did Gustavo Gutierrez say people needed?

A

Political/social liberation to free them from the laws that entrap them.
Human liberation/emancipation to restore their dignity and release them from the bonds of social sin.
Liberation from selfishness and sin to restore relationships with God and others

156
Q

How would political/social liberation to free them from the laws that entrap them be achieved?

A

This would be liberation from structural sin. This would be achieved through praxis (real political change) and engagement with political/economic issues

157
Q

How would human liberation/emancipation to restore their dignity and release them from the bonds of social sin be achieved?

A

This would be achieved through conscientisation and a preferential option for the poor (putting the needs of the poor first)

158
Q

How would liberation from selfishness and sin to restore relationships with God and others be achieved?

A

This would include a more traditional understanding of freeing people and their own personal sin.

159
Q

Why should Christians work to restore political systems?

A

Christians should work to restore political systems as it is following the work, life of example and Jesus

160
Q

What is the ‘underside of history’?

A

The ‘underside of history’ is those poor and exploited throughout history

161
Q

What do Liberation theologians say Jesus meant by the Kingdom of God?

A

Liberation theologians say that by the Kingdom of God, Jesus meant to call for a reform of the political structures of society now

162
Q

What are the thee types of liberation Gutierrez believed people needed?

A

Political liberation, human liberation and self liberation

163
Q

What was the main concern of liberation theology?

A

The main concern, especially for those who lived in the oppression of communism, was the influence Marxism had on the movement.

164
Q

______________ was very much responsible for the downfall of communism in Western Europe, he lived through 30 years of strict social conditioning and atheist rule

A

Pope John Paul II

165
Q

Briefly outline the life of Karl Marx

A

.Karl Heinrich Marx was born on 5 May 1818 in Trier in Western Germany
.He was a revolutionary communist, collaborating with Friedrich Engels
.After being expelled from Paris he moved to Brussels and co-authored the pamphlet ‘The Communist Manifesto’ which was published in 1848
.’The Communist Manifesto’ asserted that all human history had been based on class struggles, but that these would ultimately disappear with the victory of the proletariat (working class)
.In 1849, Marx moved to London where he spent the remainder of his life
.For a number of years, his family lived in poverty but the wealthier Engels managed to support him
.Gradually, Marx emerged from his political and spiritual isolation and produced his most important body of work ‘Das Kaptial’
.The first volume of this ‘Bible of the Working Class’ was published in his lifetime, while the remaining volumes were edited by Engels after his friends death
.Marx did not live to see his ideas carried out in his own lifetime, but his writings formed the theoretical base for modern international communism

166
Q

Marx’s view on religion

A

.Marx’s opinion is that religion is an illusion that provides reasons and excuses to keep society functioning in a certain way
.He suggested that religion, in the face of real oppression on Earth, offered spiritual blessings in heaven
.People would put up with their suffering now in hope of a spiritual reward – like a drug to ease the pain of their situation
.Religion creates illusory fantasies for the poor
.Economic realities prevent them from finding happiness in this life, so religion tells them this is acceptable because they will find true happiness in the next life
.Religion does not fix the causes of pain and suffering, it helps them forget about the pain and suffering as they look forward to an imaginary future when the pain will cease instead of working to change circumstances now
.Even worse, this ‘drug’ is being administered by the oppressors who are responsible for pain and suffering

167
Q

Marx famously described religion as:

A

‘The sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of the heartless world, and the soul of the soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people. The people cannot really be happy until it has been deprived of illusory happiness by the abolition of religion.’

168
Q

Outline Marx

A

.Communism
.The poor and working class needed to rise up and demand better
.Class struggles needed abolishing, and this would occur with the victory of the proletariat (working class)
.Religion is a drug that blinds people from saving themselves in the present due to hope of an imaginary future that holds no suffering, even worse it is administered by those who oppress and cause the suffering

169
Q

How did the role of Marxism lead to so many in the Church denouncing liberation theology?

A

Because Marx condemned religion as something bad, so by liberation theology taking on the views and influences of Marx, it was taking on the views and influences of someone against religion, so the church denounced it

170
Q

Pope St John Paul II’s view on communism, quote and meaning

A

‘When people think they possess the secret of a perfect social organisation which makes evil impossible, they also think they can use any means, including violence and deceit, in order to bring that organization into being.’
‘Politics then becomes a ‘secular religion’ which operates under the illusion of creating paradise in this world.’
Meaning – when people think they know how to perfect the political system to get rid of evil, they also think that they can do whatever they want to make it happen (including violence and lying). When this happens, politics then becomes a belief system without a God which works under the illusion that they are creating a paradise through what they do

171
Q

Who was Leonadro Boff?

A

.Another founding member of the Liberation Theology movement
.Argues that Christianity, like Marxism, does not teach that we meekly accept suffering and wait for heaven, but that we try and confront the political authority and try to change society, so it becomes fair and just

172
Q

.Boff says that theology must be ______________________________________________ – Jesus Christ Liberator 1972 (Christology = understanding of Christ)

A

‘… A Christology that proclaims Jesus Christ as liberator’

173
Q

What is Boff’s view on Marxism’s influence on Liberation Theology?

A

.Boff is arguing that Christianity should engage with Marxism as it is a good tool or instrument for theology
.Leonardo stressed that liberation theology is not the same as Marxism
.’Marx is a useful ‘companion on the way’, there is only one teacher, Jesus Christ.’
.If the Christian message of Jesus remains the main priority then Marxism should be engaged with

174
Q

Who was Camilo Torres?

A

.Columbian Catholic Priest
.Tried to reconcile Marxism with Christianity
.Argued that liberation theologians needed to engage with Marxism more and said that words without action are empty and if this meant revolution, even violence, then it was a sign of faith to be involved
.Joined the communist guerrilla group ELN in their active resistance against the government
.He was killed in his first combat experience, when the ELN ambushed a Columbian military patrol

175
Q

Camilo Torres joined a guerrilla (revolutionary) movement and is quoted as saying …

A

‘ … the mental process of Marxists appears to be so useful for revolutionary methods’

176
Q

Finish the quote from Pope Francis: ‘Scandal is saying one thing and doing another; it is a double life, a double life. …

A

… A totally double life: “I am very Catholic, I always go to Mass, I belong to this association and that one; but my life is not Christian, I don’t pay my workers a just wage, I exploit people, I am dirty in my business, I launder money …” A double life.’

177
Q

Finish the Pope Francis quote: ‘How many times have we heard – all of us, around the neighbourhood and elsewhere …

A

… – “but to be a Catholic like that, it’s better to be an atheist.”’

178
Q

Finish the Pope Francis quote: ‘You will arrive in heaven and you will knock at the gate: “Here I am, Lord!” – “But don’t you remember? I went to church, I was close to you, I belong to this association, I did this … …

A

… Don’t you remember all the offerings I made?” “Yes, I remember. The offerings, I remember them: All dirty. All stolen from the poor. I don’t know you.” That will be Jesus’ response to these scandalous people who live a double life.’

179
Q

Finish the Pope Francis quote: ‘I believe that the Church not only should apologize to the person who is gay whom it offended, but has to apologize to …

A

… the poor, to exploited women, to children exploited for labour; it has to ask forgiveness for having blessed many weapons’

180
Q

Finish the Pope Francis quote: ‘To live charitably means …

A

… not looking out for our own interests, but carrying the burdens of the weakest and poorest among us’

181
Q

Quote from Resrepo about Jesus as liberator

A

‘If Jesus was alive today, He would be a guerrillero.’

182
Q

.The liberation theology movement was caricatured in the phrase …

A

… If Jesus Christ were on Earth today, he would be a Marxist revolutionary

183
Q

New Testament quotes which support Jesus as Liberator

A

‘So the last will be first, and the first will be last’ Matthew 20:16
‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame’ Luke 14:21
‘Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”’ Matthew 19:21

184
Q

New Testament quotes which suggest Jesus did not seek to liberate people from society

A

‘You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.’ Matthew 5:38-39
‘”Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”’ Matthew 26:52
‘Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ Mark 12:17

185
Q

‘Jesus’ role was just to liberate people from oppression’ FOR

A

The temple, flipping the tables
Here he gets angry in God’s temple, liberation theologians take this as a sign of revolution
Talking about the kingdom of God as a real future state, some scholars believe this is what he meant, which then suggests he was urging the oppressed to fight for freedom from oppression – to bring this kingdom to Earth
Constantly undermining Jewish authority and the rules – for example in the fields on the Sabbath picking food

186
Q

‘Jesus’ role was just to liberate people from oppression’ AGAINST

A

Dying on the cross for our sins
This was his main purpose, and many scholars think this (as well as the majority of Christians)
Set an example of how to live (golden rule etc.) – these rules were not always for liberation from oppression, some were for self-development and help
Taught how to love God and how to enter heaven, for example the sheep and goats story

187
Q

‘Jesus’ role was just to liberate people from oppression’ CONCLUSION

A

To an extent, he taught to live charitably and to help the poor but he did not display any level of revolutionary power that should be taken as an indicator to fight for the oppressed freedom – he taught mainly to help the oppressed not fight the oppressors
‘”Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”’ Matthew 26:52

188
Q

Argument Suggesting Jesus was Divine: H.P. Liddon

A

.Gospel of John: ‘Very truly I tell you,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’
.Here Jesus uses the divine name ‘I am’ from Exodus
.Theologian H.P.Liddon believed that ‘Jesus unveils a consciousness of Eternal Being.’ (Jesus is referring to himself as divine)

189
Q

Argument Suggesting Jesus was Divine: Nicene Creed and Catholic Church

A

.Catholic Church believes that God is real and we must accept the testimony of the Bible and the tradition of the Church which clearly teaches that Jesus is more than a prophet – he is God’s revelation of himself who takes on flesh and humanity
.This understanding developed into the Nicene Creed, ‘We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God.’

190
Q

Argument Suggesting Jesus was Divine: Raymond Brown

A

.Catholic Theologian Raymond Brown argued there is a claim to special divinely inspired authority
.’It is highly likely that Jesus spoke and thought of himself as ‘the Son’ implying a very special relationship to God that is part of his identity and status.’
.Supported by Matthew 11:27, ‘All things have been delivered to me by my Father.’

191
Q

Argument Suggesting Jesus was Divine: Catholic Church and the Resurection

A

.Catholic Church sees the resurrection as so miraculous and full of meaning that they call it a mystery rather than just a miracle
.They believe that it’s not just a symbol but that it really happened
. ‘… the mystery of Christ’s resurrection is a real event.’ (CCC 489)
.How the disciples died demonstrate their faith in the resurrection, they would not have martyred themselves unless this was a unique event

192
Q

Argument Suggesting Jesus was Divine: Prophecies

A

.Fulfilment of many prophecies
.His healing miracles illustrate Isiah’s vision of a renewed society where seeing, hearing and walking are also symbols of new insight, understanding and acting in the world
.’Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.’

193
Q

Argument suggesting Jesus was not Divine: E.P. Sanders

A

.The Gospel of John does not always seem to be a straight forward, historical account of what Jesus said
.Many New Testament Scholars, like E.P. Sanders, would regard the writing within John not to be a historical account, but a theological discussion
.In this sense, the words of the Gospel belong more to John than Jesus

194
Q

Argument suggesting Jesus was not Divine: John Hick

A

.John Hick was in favour of a pluralist approach and saw all the great religions as equally having insight into God
.So he wanted Christianity to have a God centred vision rather than a Christo-centric one
.Hick didn’t believe Christianity was special, one of his books was even titles ‘The Myth of Christian Uniqueness’
.In his book ‘Myth of God Incarnate’ Hick says that the idea of incarnation just makes no sense and refers to the idea of a man being human and divine as like ‘squaring a circle’

195
Q

Argument suggesting Jesus was not Divine: Don Cupitt

A

.Don Cupitt, a philosopher of Religion, argued that God, Christ, and Miracles are all just metaphysical concepts
.He rejects the incarnation, saying that Jesus is just a man with great insight and wisdom
.Cupitt argues that the original Jesus was just an eschatological prophet who preached love
.According to Cupitt, Jesus’ original message was, in Cupitt’s words ‘completely rewritten’ by the early church

196
Q

Argument suggesting Jesus was not Divine: Reza Aslan

A

.Reza Aslan also believes that Jesus’ followers reinvented him as a gentle spiritual teacher who taught love not revolution
.He says most of the biblical accounts are not historically accurate, and were only changed to help spread Christianity
.’His words and his teachings have been stripped of their context and transformed into abstract ethical principles that all people can abide by.’
.Jesus was merely a teacher, not the son of God

197
Q

Argument suggesting Jesus was not Divine: The Synoptic Gospels

A

.All three synoptic gospels use a detailed account of Christ’s agony in the Garden of Gethsemane
.Some interpret this event to show just how truly human Jesus was
.He seemed afraid of death, which goes against the image of him being divine

198
Q

Which S refers to the first three Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke)?

A

Synotpic

199
Q

Which J refers to a Gospel that shows Jesus as divine?

A

John

200
Q

Which HPL refers to a theologian who believes in Jesus’ divinity?

A

H.P. Liddon

201
Q

Which CC refers to a branch of Christianity whose name means ‘universal’?

A

Catholic Church

202
Q

Which NC refers to a creed which details the Catholic Churches beliefs?

A

Nicene Creed

203
Q

Which RB refers to a Catholic theologian who argued there is a claim to special divinely inspired authority?

A

Raymond Brown

204
Q

Which R refers to one of Jesus greatest miracles, which occurred nearer to the end of his life?

A

Resurrection

205
Q

Which I refers to a book in the bible which holds a vision of a renewed society?

A

Isaiah

206
Q

Which EPS refers to a New Testament Scholar who regards Johns Gospel as not historically accurate?

A

E.P. Sanders

207
Q

Which JH refers to a theologian who has a pluralist approach?

A

John Hick

208
Q

Which DC refers to a philosopher of religion who argues that God, Christ and Miracles are all just metaphysical concepts?

A

Don Cupitt

209
Q

Which RA refers to a scholar who believes that Jesus was merely a teacher, not the Son of God?

A

Reza Aslan

210
Q

Which GoG refers to a story in the Bible which shows Jesus humanity?

A

Garden of Gethsemane

211
Q

Which NT refers to the part of the bible where Jesus was present?

A

New Testament

212
Q

Which LT refers to a certain strain of theology where Jesus is believed to be a revolutionary?

A

Liberation Theology

213
Q

Which SA refers to the place where liberation theology grew up?

A

South America

214
Q

What did Wittgenstein believe Jesus’ primary role is?

A

Jesus primary role is Logos – wisdom

Jesus = incarnation of God’s wisdom

215
Q

What did Gerald O’Collins believe?

A
  • Wrote ‘Catholicism’
  • Jesus had a role as liberator
  • Many instances in the gospel
  • Three main areas:
    o Jesus’ concern with human progress
    o Jesus touching the political life of people, both nationally and internationally
    o Jesus leading the way in delivering people from bondage with a religious revolution with obvious social and political implications

A Level RE (29 decks)

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