Christology Overview and Historical Perspectives
68 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does ontological Christology primarily focus on?

  • The identity and nature of Christ as the Son of God (correct)
  • The teachings of Jesus regarding salvation
  • The historical context of Jesus' ministry
  • The actions of Jesus in his role as Savior

How do functional Christology and ontological Christology differ?

  • Functional Christology emphasizes actions while ontological focuses on identity (correct)
  • Ontological Christology emphasizes Jesus' mission as Savior
  • Functional Christology is concerned with divine nature
  • Functional Christology disregards Christ's teachings

What belief did the Ebionites hold about Christ?

  • They believed Christ was pre-existent and divine.
  • They claimed Jesus was an illusion and did not exist.
  • They recognized Jesus as the Son of God but not a prophet.
  • They viewed Jesus as merely human and a significant prophet. (correct)

What is a key tenet of Gnostic beliefs regarding salvation?

<p>Salvation is gained by secret knowledge accessible to the enlightened. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Gnostic classification of individuals categorize Hylics?

<p>As those driven mainly by physical desires and concerns. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Docetists teach about the nature of Christ?

<p>Jesus only appeared to be human; his physical body was an illusion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do Pneumatics represent in Gnostic thought?

<p>The spiritually enlightened, capable of attaining salvation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the view of the material body according to Docetists?

<p>The material body is inherently evil and an illusion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which belief is NOT associated with the Ebionites?

<p>They accepted the divinity of Christ. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The idea that only a small number of enlightened individuals can attain salvation reflects which belief system?

<p>Gnosticism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of Arius regarding the nature of the relationship between God the Father and God the Son?

<p>The implication of division in God’s oneness (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Council of Nicaea regarding the nature of Christ?

<p>Establishment of Christ as fully divine and consubstantial (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theological term introduced by the Council of Nicaea means 'of the same substance'?

<p>Homousios (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the central teaching of Apollinarius regarding Jesus' nature?

<p>Jesus possessed a divine nature instead of a human rational soul (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Council of Constantinople in 381 AD regarding Apollinarius' teachings?

<p>It emphasized the necessity of Christ's full humanity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was the principal opponent of Arius, defending the full divinity of the Son?

<p>St. Athanasius (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Monogeneis' emphasize about Jesus Christ?

<p>He is the only begotten Son of the Father (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Nestorius' belief about Jesus encompassed which viewpoint?

<p>Jesus had two separate natures: human and divine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What issue did Arius raise concerning God’s nature when discussing the Son of God?

<p>The compatibility of divinity with human existence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What year was the Council of Nicaea held, marking a significant event in Church history?

<p>325 AD (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the title 'Theotokos' affirm about Mary?

<p>She is the bearer of God. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Nestorius' main contention regarding Mary?

<p>She gave birth to a hybrid entity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which council condemned Nestorianism?

<p>Council of Ephesus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'hypostatic union' refer to?

<p>The union of Christ’s two natures in one person. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What claim did Eutyches of Constantinople make?

<p>Christ only had one divine nature after the Incarnation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Council of Chalcedon affirm?

<p>The doctrine of the hypostatic union. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the term 'Christotokos'?

<p>It affirms her as the mother of Christ's human nature. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Categorical agreement at Chalcedon specify about Christ's natures?

<p>They exist without confusion or separation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was the principal opponent of Nestorius during the theological debates?

<p>St. Cyril of Alexandria (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the core belief represented by Iconoclasm?

<p>Jesus cannot be represented in art. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant outcome of the Second Council of Nicaea?

<p>Legitimation of sacred images in worship. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to St. John of Damascus, how do images serve the faith of worshippers?

<p>They illustrate the reality of God's incarnation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do Catholics view sacred images in relation to worship?

<p>They serve as a focus on the divine. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What central theme did St. Bonaventure emphasize regarding the crucifix?

<p>It is crucial for understanding the significance of Jesus's sacrifice. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significance does the image of the Sacred Heart hold in Catholicism?

<p>It symbolizes his love and compassion, reflecting both natures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Pope Pius XII state about the Sacred Heart?

<p>It serves as a total expression of Catholic teachings. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Christ is emphasized by the title 'Christ the Priest'?

<p>His mediatory function in prayer and worship. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What foundational aspect supports the Christology of Vatican II?

<p>The Sacred Scriptures of both Testaments. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept best illustrates the misunderstanding addressed by proponents of sacred images?

<p>That images are to be worshipped. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Arius argue was compromised if the Son was considered fully divine and equal to the Father?

<p>The oneness of God (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key outcome of the Council of Nicaea in response to Arian claims?

<p>Affirmation of the Son's consubstantiality with the Father (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term introduced by the Council of Nicaea describes Jesus as uniquely begotten of the Father?

<p>Monogeneis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Apollinarius' perspective on Jesus’ human nature?

<p>He lacked a rational soul to preserve his divinity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What belief did Nestorius hold regarding the nature of Jesus that led to controversy?

<p>Jesus existed as two distinct natures without unity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does functional Christology primarily emphasize about Christ?

<p>His actions and mission as Savior (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Ebionites view Jesus in relation to other prophets?

<p>As one of Israel's prophets without divine nature (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which belief is associated with Gnostic thought regarding knowledge and salvation?

<p>Only the enlightened possess the key to salvation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What misconception is held by the Docetists regarding Christ's humanity?

<p>He did not actually possess a physical body (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Gnostic classification, which group is considered spiritually enlightened?

<p>Pneumatics, guided by the divine spirit (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the term 'Theotokos'?

<p>Mother of God (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the hypostatic union refer to?

<p>The union of the divine and human natures in Jesus Christ (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Nestorius classify Jesus' nature?

<p>50% human, 50% divine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which council addressed the concerns regarding Arianism?

<p>Council of Nicaea (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant outcome occurred at the Council of Chalcedon?

<p>Declaration of the hypostatic union (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Karl Barth view as a metaphor for the Incarnation?

<p>An invitation into the far country (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term Iconoclasm mean in the context of Christian doctrine?

<p>Heretical belief against making images of Christ and saints (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principal theme is associated with the Christology of John Paul II?

<p>Mercy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was the saint to whom Jesus appeared as the Sacred Heart?

<p>St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Christ as Prophet?

<p>Mediator and fullness of divine revelation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the central teaching of the Monophysites regarding Christ's nature after the incarnation?

<p>Christ's human nature was absorbed into his divine nature. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theological term signifies the belief in the full divinity and humanity of Christ among early Christians?

<p>Homousios (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did St. Cyril of Alexandria primarily oppose regarding Nestorius' viewpoint?

<p>The title of Theotokos for Mary. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary claim made by Arius concerning the nature of God and the Son?

<p>The Son was created and thus not fully divine. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which belief did the Gnostics hold regarding the nature of salvation?

<p>Dependent on the revelation of secret knowledge. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the stance of the Second Council of Nicaea regarding Iconoclasm?

<p>It supported the use of icons in worship. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Eutyches teach about the nature of Christ that sparked controversy?

<p>Christ's human nature was diminished at the incarnation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the title 'Monogeneis' introduced at the Council of Nicaea?

<p>It indicates Christ as the sole divinely begotten Son. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the view of the Ebionites regarding Jesus’ divinity?

<p>They denied his divinity completely. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ontological Christology

Focuses on who Jesus is, emphasizing his divine nature as the Son of God. It's concerned with Jesus' nature and being, not his actions.

Functional Christology

Focuses on Jesus' mission as savior. It examines what Jesus did—his work of salvation, his roles, and his purpose in God's plan.

Ebionites

They denied Jesus' divinity, believing he was only human and a chosen prophet, not the pre-existent Son of God.

Docetists

Denied Jesus' true humanity. They believed his physical body was an illusion, a 'seeming' humanity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Gnostic Salvation

Achieved through secret knowledge (gnosis), not just faith or law. Only a few, the enlightened, could attain this.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Gnostic Types

Hylics (physical desires), Psychics (intellect), Pneumatics (spiritually enlightened).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Gnostic Influence on Docetism

Gnosticism viewed the material world as evil, reinforcing the Docetist belief that Jesus couldn't have a real human body.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hylics

People primarily driven by physical desires and concerns in Gnostic thought.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Psychics

Individuals guided by the intellect; understand spiritual truths but not fully grasped divine essence.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pneumatics

Spiritually enlightened, guided by the divine spirit, capable of achieving salvation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Arian Controversy

A theological dispute in the early Church about the nature of Jesus Christ's divinity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Consubstantiality

The doctrine that the Son (Jesus) shares the same substance as the Father.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Council of Nicaea

A significant early Church council in 325 AD that addressed Arianism.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Homousios

A theological term meaning 'of the same substance'.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Monogeneis

A theological term meaning 'only begotten'.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Apollinarianism

A Christological heresy where Jesus lacked a human rational soul.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nestorianism

A Christological heresy where Jesus had two separate natures.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Theotokos

"God-bearer", a title for Mary, mother of Jesus.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Arius

A 4th-century Christian theologian who challenged the full divinity of Jesus.

Signup and view all the flashcards

St. Athanasius

A key theologian who defended the full divinity of Jesus.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Monophysitism

Heretical teaching that Christ had only one divine nature after the Incarnation; his human nature was absorbed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hypostatic Union

Theological concept that describes the union of Christ's divine and human natures in one person.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Council of Ephesus

Church council that condemned Nestorianism in 431 AD.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Council of Chalcedon

Church council (451 AD) that established Christological orthodoxy and condemned Monophysitism, affirming the hypostatic union.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Christological Orthodoxy

Correct teaching about the person of Jesus Christ, emphasizing his fully divine and fully human natures.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cristotocos

Mother of Christ. A term opposing Theotokos, limiting Mary's role to mother of Jesus' human nature.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Eutyches

The person who began the Monophysite heresy, claiming that Christ had only one divine nature following the Incarnation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Incarnation

The doctrine that God became man in Jesus Christ.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Iconoclasm

The belief that images of Jesus, saints, and divine figures are forbidden, considered idolatry.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Second Council of Nicaea

Council in 787 AD that condemned Iconoclasm and reaffirmed the legitimacy of sacred images in worship.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Revere sacred images

To show deep respect and honor to images without worshipping them as gods.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Crucifix

A cross with the image of Jesus crucified on it. A vital teaching tool.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sacred Heart of Jesus

A symbol representing Christ's love, compassion, and the union of his divine and human natures.

Signup and view all the flashcards

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

A nun who received visions of the Sacred Heart and shared its devotion.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Christology

The study of Jesus Christ, his nature, and his role in God's plan.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Christ as Prophet

Jesus revealing God's truth and will for salvation through his teachings.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Christ as Priest

Jesus as mediator, showing proper prayer and worship through his sacrifice.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Arianism

A theological belief rejecting Jesus' full divinity, claiming he was a created being, not equal to God the Father.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What does Ontological Christology focus on?

It emphasizes Jesus' divine identity as the Son of God, focusing on his inherent nature and being.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What does Functional Christology focus on?

It focuses on Jesus' mission as a savior, emphasizing his actions and role in God's plan for salvation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Ebionites believed...

Jesus was only a human prophet, rejecting his pre-existence and divinity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What did Arius argue?

If Jesus is equal to God and became human, he underwent change, and God cannot change.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is Homousios?

A theological term meaning 'consubstantial' - the Father and Son share the same divine nature.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is Monogeneis?

A theological term meaning 'only begotten', indicating Jesus' unique relationship to God the Father.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What does Nestorius believe Mary gave birth to?

A hybrid called 'Christ', not God, because he believed Jesus had distinct human and divine natures.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What did Apollinarius teach?

Jesus did not have a human soul, only a divine mind.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is Monophysitism?

The belief that Christ had only one divine nature after the incarnation; his human nature was absorbed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Bonaventure's Book

The crucifix, which Bonaventure described as the 'book that taught him everything,' emphasizes the power of visual and symbolic representation in faith.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sacred Heart Image

The image of the Sacred Heart represents both the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ, symbolizing his love and compassion.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Complete Expression of Catholicism

Pope Pius XII saw the image of the Sacred Heart as embodying the entirety of Catholic teachings and beliefs.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Foundation of Vatican II Christology

The Scriptures, both Old and New Testament, serve as the foundational source for understanding the nature and mission of Jesus Christ.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Christology of John Paul II

John Paul II's focus on mercy as the central theme of Jesus' ministry, emphasizing God's love and forgiveness for humanity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Karl Barth's Original Sin View

Karl Barth viewed original sin as disrupting the covenant between God and humanity, emphasizing the need for restoration.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Incarnation Metaphor (Barth)

The Incarnation is a journey into a distant land, signifying the divine entering into the human realm to bridge the gap.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Docetism Denial

The Docetist heresy denied the human nature of Jesus, believing his body was a mere illusion.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Arian Controversy's Core

Arius believed Jesus was not equal in divinity to God, questioning the relationship between the Father and Son.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Council of Nicaea's Purpose

The Council of Nicaea was convened to address the Arian controversy and define the true nature of Jesus Christ.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Christological Approaches

  • Ontological Christology focuses on the identity of Christ, emphasizing his divine nature as the Son of God, rather than his actions.
  • Functional Christology focuses on Christ's mission as Savior, examining his actions, roles, and purpose in God's plan.

Historical Figures and Groups

  • Ebionites denied Christ's divinity, viewing him as a human prophet chosen by God.
  • Docetists denied Christ's true humanity, believing his physical body was an illusion.
  • Gnostics believed salvation is achieved through secret knowledge (gnosis), emphasizing a separation between the physical and spiritual realms, categorized into hylics (driven by physical desires), psychics (guided by the intellect), and pneumatics (spiritually enlightened). Gnostic beliefs about Jesus influenced the Docetists, seeing the physical body as inherently evil.
  • Arius's primary concern was the relationship between the Father and Son, arguing that if the Son were equal to the Father, this would imply a division in the oneness of God.
  • Nestorius believed Jesus had two separate natures, human and divine, arguing that Mary could not be called Theotokos (Mother of God).
  • Apollinarius: Believed Jesus did not have a human rational soul, with the divine Word substituting the rational soul.
  • Eutyches of Constantinople formulated the Monophysite heresy, claiming that after the Incarnation Christ possessed only one divine nature.
  • St. Athanasius opposed Arius, asserting Christ's full divinity.
  • St. Cyril of Alexandria opposed Nestorius, defending the unity of Christ.

Key Theological Concepts

  • Council of Nicaea (325 AD): Addressed the Arian controversy.
  • Council of Constantinople (381 AD): Condemned Apollinarianism.
  • Council of Ephesus (431 AD): Condemned Nestorianism.
  • Council of Chalcedon (451 AD): Affirmed the hypostatic union, defining the union of two natures in one person.
  • Hypostatic Union: Describes the union of Christ's divine and human natures in one person.
  • Theotokos: "God-bearer," referring to Mary as the mother of Jesus.
  • Homousios: "Of the same substance," emphasizing the equality of the Father and the Son.
  • Monogeneis: "Only begotten," highlighting Jesus' unique relationship with the Father.
  • Iconoclasm: The heretical view that opposes the use of images or icons as objects of veneration or worship. Iconoclasm argued that since God became incarnate in Jesus, images serve to express this reality.

Key Figures Supporting Christian Teachings

  • John of Damascus: Defended the use of sacred images.
  • St. John Paul II: Reaffirmed the importance of images in worship.
  • St. Bonaventure: Highlighted the importance of the crucifix.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Final Exam Review of Christology PDF

Description

Explore the various Christological approaches including Ontological and Functional Christology. Delve into the beliefs of historical figures and groups such as the Ebionites, Docetists, Gnostics, and Arians concerning the nature and identity of Christ.

More Like This

Christology and Soteriology Quiz
20 questions

Christology and Soteriology Quiz

HardyHeliotrope9088 avatar
HardyHeliotrope9088
Understanding Christology
21 questions

Understanding Christology

UserFriendlyMotif avatar
UserFriendlyMotif
Christology in Hebrews: Son of God and High Priest
12 questions

Christology in Hebrews: Son of God and High Priest

IllustriousTurkey avatar
IllustriousTurkey
Christology: The Study of Jesus
29 questions

Christology: The Study of Jesus

SmoothestNirvana4246 avatar
SmoothestNirvana4246
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser