The person of Jesus Christ

Question 1

Key Principle 1: Jesus as the Son of God

Answer 1

Argument: Jesus’ Resurrection Confirms His Divine Status
1. Jesus rose from the dead (P).
2. If Jesus rose from the dead (P), then His resurrection confirms that He is the Son of God (Q).
3. so, 2

Argument: Jesus Performs Miracles That Demonstrate His Divine Authority
1. Jesus performed miracles (P).
2. if so, then they demonstrate His divine nature as the Son of God (Q).
3. so, 2

Question 2

Key Principle 2: Jesus as a Teacher of Wisdom

Answer 2

Argument: Jesus’ Teachings Provide Ethical and Spiritual Insight
1. Jesus taught principles such as love, forgiveness, and humility (P).
2. If Jesus taught principles such as love, forgiveness, and humility (P), then His teachings provide profound ethical and spiritual insight (Q).
∴ His teachings provide profound ethical and spiritual insight (Q)
.
Argument: Parables Reflect Jesus’ Wisdom
1. Jesus used parables to communicate deep truths (P).
2. If Jesus used parables to communicate deep truths (P), then these parables demonstrate His role as a teacher of wisdom (Q).
∴ These parables demonstrate His role as a teacher of wisdom (Q).

Question 3

Key Principle 3: Jesus as a Liberator

Answer 3

Argument: Jesus Advocates for the Marginalized
1. Jesus advocated for the poor, oppressed, and sinners (P).
2. If Jesus advocated for the poor, oppressed, and sinners (P), then He can be seen as a liberator (Q).
3. so, 2

Argument: Jesus’ Challenges to Authority Show His Liberation Role
1. Jesus challenged the religious and political authorities of His time (P).
2. If Jesus challenged the religious and political authorities of His time (P), then this demonstrates His role as a liberator (Q).
3. so,2

Question 4

Objection 1: Jesus’ Miracles Do Not Prove His Divinity

Answer 4

Objection:
Scholarly Source: David Hume (An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding)

1.Miracles violate natural laws and lack credible evidence (P).
2. If miracles violate natural laws and lack credible evidence (P), then they cannot serve as proof of Jesus’ divinity (Q).
∴ Miracles cannot serve as proof of Jesus’ divinity (Q).

Reply:
Scholarly Source: N.T. Wright (The Resurrection of the Son of God)
N.T. Wright defends the historicity of miracles, particularly the resurrection, arguing that they are well-documented within their historical context and align with the disciples’ dramatic transformation, which points to Jesus’ divinity.

Question 5

Objection 2: Jesus as the Son of God Is a Mythical Claim

Answer 5

Scholarly Source: Rudolf Bultmann (Kerygma and Myth)

1. The claim that Jesus is the Son of God is based on mythological language (P).
2. If the claim that Jesus is the Son of God is based on mythological language (P), then it is a symbolic expression, not literal truth (Q).
3. so,2

Reply:
Scholarly Source: Karl Rahner (Foundations of Christian Faith)
Rahner argues that the incarnation is both literal and existentially meaningful, as Jesus fully participates in human history while remaining divine. The language of Jesus as the “Son of God” reflects His unique relationship with God.

Question 6

Objection 3: Jesus’ Ethical Teachings Are Not Unique

Answer 6

Objection:
Scholarly Source: John Hick (The Myth of God Incarnate)

1. Jesus’ ethical teachings are similar to those found in other religious traditions (P).
2. If Jesus’ ethical teachings are similar to those found in other religious traditions (P), then they do not demonstrate His unique divine authority (Q).
3. so, 2

scholarly Source: C.S. Lewis (Mere Christianity)
Lewis argues that Jesus’ teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount, go beyond general moral guidance by demanding radical love and self-sacrifice, which are tied to His claim to be divine.

Question 7

Objection 4: Jesus as a Liberator Undermines His Universal Role

Answer 7

1. Jesus’ liberation role focuses on the oppressed (P).
2. If Jesus’ liberation role focuses on the oppressed (P), then it risks marginalizing those who do not identify with the oppressed (Q).
3. so, 2

Reply:
Scholarly Source: Leonardo Boff (Jesus Christ Liberator)
Boff counters that Jesus’ liberation is universal, as His advocacy for the oppressed serves as a model for addressing all forms of injustice. His mission transcends social categories, aiming for holistic salvation.

Question 8

Objection 5: Jesus’ Challenge to Authority Was Political, Not Spiritual

Answer 8

Scholarly Source: Reza Aslan (Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth)

1. Jesus’ actions primarily targeted political oppression (P).
2. If Jesus’ actions primarily targeted political oppression (P), then His role as a spiritual savior is secondary (Q).
3. so, 2

Reply: Scholarly Source: Jürgen Moltmann (The Crucified God)
Moltmann argues that Jesus’ challenge to political and religious authorities was inherently spiritual, as it revealed God’s solidarity with the suffering and demonstrated that salvation encompasses all aspects of human life.

Question 9

3. Summary of Scholars Referenced

Answer 9

David Hume (18th Century) – Critiques miracles as violations of natural laws.
N.T. Wright (21st Century) – Defends the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection and miracles.
Rudolf Bultmann (20th Century) – Argues that Jesus’ divine status is mythological.
Karl Rahner (20th Century) – Affirms Jesus’ incarnation as both literal and existential.
John Hick (20th Century) – Claims Jesus’ teachings are not unique among religions.
C.S. Lewis (20th Century) – Emphasizes the radical and divine nature of Jesus’ ethics.
Gustavo Gutiérrez (20th Century) – Frames Jesus’ mission as focused on liberation.
Leonardo Boff (20th Century) – Defends Jesus’ universal role as liberator.
Reza Aslan (21st Century) – Views Jesus primarily as a political revolutionary.
Jürgen Moltmann (20th Century) – Argues that Jesus’ political and spiritual roles are inseparable.