For our last class on Christology, knowing full well that we can still entertain christological questions in the next section, I would like to proceed in this manner:
Prayer - John 1 : 35-51
Power Point (brief)
Discussion of the following:
Bonhoeffer's Jesus Christ and the Essence of Christianity"
Johnson's God and the Cross
Jean Vanier's Vision of Jesus
Lastly,
I would like to share with you Richard Rohr's "Cosmic Christ" interview that can be found here:
We will explore the historical and theological movements (as well as advancements in art and architecture) that influence the way we look at Jesus, faith and the Church universal. Prayer : Jesus ans the Samaritan Woman Review (Refer to note packet) Richard Rohr - What Did Jesus Really Teach?
Christianity's Growing Influence in the Middle Ages
Counter-Reformation Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640) Council of Trent (Latin: Concilium Tridentinum), held between 1545 and 1563 to Vatican I - First Vatican Council, 20th ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic Church (1869–70), convoked by Pope Pius IX to deal with contemporary problems. The pope was referring to the rising influence of rationalism, liberalism, and materialism.
A sculpture of Jesus, appearing with Peter, Paul, and a pope, are sculpted into one of the the altars in St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, near Rome, Italy
Greetings! In lieu of our cancelled class, I put together an assignment that would bring us up to date with the readings and course presentations. As far as the course text, you should have read up to chapter 4. As a review and to set the stage to discuss the plurality of the first three centuries of Christianity, I would like for you to view a few sections of the PBS documentary, "From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians." I found YouTube clips that are easier to download etc... The First Section is on the story of the apostolic movement of the first century with a focus on Paul Here is the Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gD2guEX9Jpg
Watch the first two minutes (in order to get a sense of the context of the productions) and then move your cursor to the 54 minute mark. Watch until the end. Key points:
Diversity of early Christianity (Dr. Elaine Pagels)
"Jesus movement" - an understanding that early "Christians" saw themselves as part of Judaism - 106" mark
It is because of diaspora Judaism (Jews living outside of Israel or Judea) that Christianity spreads.
The passing of the first generation of followers of Jesus
The First Jewish revolt to overthrow Rome in 66 C.E. (Common or Christian Era) that led to the siege of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E.
For the Second Section I would like for you to view the very important development of the Gospels and the various "views" of Jesus the early church expressed. This section is 51 minutes and begins with the story of Masada. Christianity was born during an age of renewal and conflict. You can skip the beginning and go to the 5' 08" to being Or watch from beginning....no matter.
Focus on the diversity of early "Christian or Christianities" thought.
Early persecution stories
The Gospels present different ways of interpreting Jesus.
For the Third Section, we will view the following link in class and discuss the various heresies and views of Jesus emerging out of the first three centuries of Christianity. Handouts will be provided along with a power point presentation. I will focus on the all important creeds of the Church in response to various heterodox (heresies) views about Jesus.
For our time this evening , we will explore the Introduction and Chapter 1 of our text along with Chapter 2. Timepermitting we will watch and discuss "The Jesus I Never Knew." We will begin with the journal on "Christ the Center" for our prayer. I would like to discuss Dr. Peter Kreeft's video on
We start and end our course with this Scripture passage.
Mark 8:27-30New International Version (NIV)
27 Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”
28 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”
29 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”
30 Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
The Healing of the Paralytic – the oldest known image of Jesus,[7] from the Syrian city of Dura Europos, dating from about 235
Throughout history people of faith, scholars, theologians and even non-believers have asked the same question. Jesus is the most written about historical figure of all human history. Over time, a distinction has been made between the Jesus of History and the Christ of Faith. In 1998, one of the best PBS documentaries portrayed this distinction in the mini series, From Jesus to Christ: The First Christains. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/jesus/
This blog will serve to highlight aspects of the course, present videos and share links as well as update the syllabus when needed. Please check it frequently.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
