CHRISTOLOGY “ Who is JESUS?” Fundamental QUESTION: GLOSSARY OF TERMS 1 2 3 Jew Member of the tribe of Judah. Later include any Hebrew who returned from Babylonian captivity, then those scattered around the world during 2nd Temple Period. Diaspora A Greek word meaning dispersion. Refers to the Jews who are scattered around the world living outside Israel, their original homeland. Hellenism Influence and adaptation of Greek thought, language, values, customs that began with the conquest of the Eastern Mediterranean world by Alexander the Great. 4 5 6 Polis A system of city-states, which established an alternative political system of organization in Palestine. This system is borrowed by the Romans from the Greeks. Latin Language A medium spread by the Romans that was eventually absorbed by Christianity as its official language, particularly in its writings and official Church documents. Polytheism Religious tradition most commonly practiced by the Greeks and Romans that worships a variety of Gods or multiple Gods. 4 GLOSSARY OF TERMS 7 8 9 Monotheism Belief in one God, primarily by the Jewish people who believed only in YHWH. It is the core teaching to their religion. Runs into conflict with Polytheism by other culture. Maccabean Revolt Named after its leader Judas Maccabeus. Revolt against the Syrian Greeks who sacked Israel and desecrated the Jewish temple by building the image of Zeus in it. Hasmoneans The Maccabean Dynasty that ruled the independent Jewish state that was established after the Jewish people redeemed their temple and independence. 10 11 12 Herodians This group was either religious or political in nature. But scholars generally believe that they were supporters of the political ruler Herod the Great. Prefect a.k.a. Procurator Appointed by Rome to govern Palestine. In command of the auxiliary military units. Had full power of criminal and civil jurisdiction. Responsible for handling taxes. Sanhedrin The highest or supreme Jewish council and tribunal. Headed by a high priest and having religious, civil and criminal jurisdiction. 5 GLOSSARY OF TERMS 13 14 15 Zealots Jewish freedom fighters who revolted against the Roman Empire by force arms. Romans called them ‘sicarii,’ meaning dagger. Also labelled as religious fanatics. Publicans The local (Jewish) tax collectors hired by the Roman Empire whose loyalty is with Rome. This pressed the people to greater poverty. Also imposing forced census. Levites Provides assistance to the priests during worship in the Jewish temple. Also acts as temple tax collectors. 16 17 18 Ketubbah A document recording the financial obligations which the husband undertakes towards his wife in respect of their marriage. This is imposed on him by law. Kerygma From the ancient Greek kerugma in English means proclamation of faith or preaching. In the early Christianity it pertains to the proclamation of salvation through Christ. Basilea Tou Theou Greek words meaning the Kingdom of God. Found 92 times in the Bible. Its coming is central to the teaching and healing ministry of Christ. 6 GLOSSARY OF TERMS 19 20 21 Martyrs Pertains to the Christians who died for their faith. Enduring all the physical torments rather than denounce their faith. Considered as heroes of Christian faith. Apostates Those who unlike the martyrs decided to abandon or denounce their faith in order to spare their lives from persecution or death. Evangelists From the Greek word evangelistes which means “the one who announces the good news.” They began writing the life and message of Jesus Christ. 22 23 24 Autobasiliea The title designated by Scholars to refer to Jesus the Kingdom of God himself through his works and words. Beatitudes Refers to the eight (8) blessings recounted by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew. Each promises salvation, not in this world but in the end. Eschaton, Eschatology Meaning ultimate or final destiny, for the Christians it is in Jesus Christ. This also refers to the end times when everything will be judged accordingly. 7 Introduction to Christology PRELIMINARIES: CHRISTOLOGY & ITS APPROACHES A Definition of Christology B Approaches to Christology C Christology from Below and Above D Biblical Foundation of the Church Conclusion Definition of CHRISTOLOGY ET Y MOLOGI CA LLY , the term Christology is f rom the Greek w ords C h r is tos w hich is the w ord f or Messia h or A nointed One, a nd L o g o s w hich mea ns st udy . NEW AMERICAN BIBLE, defines Christology as the o r dered p r ocess of r ef lection on the nature and meaning of Jesus Christ. WHO REALLY IS JESUS? The same striking question was asked to the apostles by Jesus himself. (Mark 8:27-28) “ Who do people say that I am? and they told him, John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and others one of the prophets.” (Mark 8:29) I t w a s i n s u c h i n c i d e n t t h a t Peter inspired by the Holy Spirit, made the confession of Jesus as the Messiah: “ You ar e t h e Ch r ist.” MISCONCEPTION about the true meaning of MESSIAH But later in that scene (Mark 8:29), Peter was rebuked by Jesus for thinking the way the world understood a Messiah. For them Messiah is a political leader or savior. A person who must not suffer but a powerful one who can lead the Jews against the mighty Roman Empire that oppresses them. Approaches to CHRISTOLOGY HISTORICAL Christology 3 DOGMATIC ONTOLOGICAL Christology 4 Christology 1 2 FUNCTIONAL Christology Etymologically, is derived from the Greek prefix onto which means “being” and logos meaning “study.” This approach focuses on the being and nature of Jesus Christ as fully human and fully divine. It includes the true relation of the two aspects of his person as both human and divine. ONTOLOGICAL Christology 1st Approach to the study of Christology It is the study of the work that Jesus Christ achieved in the plan of salvation. Rather than focusing on who he was as a person. It primarily asks the question: “What is the role of Jesus in salvation? ” FUNCTIONAL Christology 2nd Approach to the study of Christology It investigates the facts and evidences of the historical human Jesus. It includes the words of Jesus (teachings) and the works he performed (miracles). It also inquires on the events that contributes to a holistic view of Jesus as a 1st century Palestinian Jew. HISTORICAL Christology 3rd Approach to the study of Christology It approaches the study on Jesus Christ according to the official teachings of the Catholic Church. That includes the doctrines and dogmas of the Catholic Church that were promulgated. It also revisits past pronouncements and decrees by ecclesiastical authorities and ecumenical councils. DOGMATIC Christology 4th Approach to the study of Christology 5th Approach to the study of Christology Christology from BELOW Has its starting point on the human experience of Jesus Christ that believers can relate with before introducing systematic Christological doctrines and teachings of the Church. The purpose is to guide its believers and prepare them to understand and appreciate his divine person. Also known as ASCENDING Christology. 6th Approach to the study of Christology ABOVE Christology from Begins its study on Jesus’ divinity as it is understood and preach by the Catholic Church. It examines doctrines and pronouncements about Jesus in order to guide and enlighten the faithexperiences of his followers. DESCENDING Christology is the other term for this approach. CONCLUSION The given approaches differentiate the various areas of emphasis on Jesus Christ and yet, they show the need for COMPLEMENTARITY and SUPPORT in order to have a balanced and holistic understanding of Jesus. We are also invited to take this study as an interactive process, a personal encounter with Jesus, as we grow in knowledge and wisdom about him. Hopefully to translate it into commitment and action for love to Jesus.
