Gospels Overview and Key Themes

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What are the Synoptic Gospels primarily focused on?

The theological implications of Jesus' life

Summarizing Jesus’ earthly life (correct)

Theological controversies in the early Church

Jesus' miracles during His ministry

What is the primary reason for the non-acceptance of the Gospel of Thomas by the Church?

It lacked theological depth

It was written too late to be credible

It contained apostolic inaccuracies (correct)

It contradicted the synoptic accounts

What significant event does the Annunciation in Luke 1:26–38 describe?

The birth of John the Baptist

Joseph's dream about Mary

Mary's visit to Elizabeth

The Angel Gabriel announcing Jesus' conception (correct)

How is the concept of kenosis relevant to the Passion and Cross?

It highlights self-emptying love Signup and view all the answers

In what way did Mary respond to the Angel Gabriel's message during the Annunciation?

With humility and faith Signup and view all the answers

What role does John the Baptist play in relation to Jesus, as per the content?

He prepares the way for Jesus Signup and view all the answers

What does the resurrection narrative primarily testify to?

The historicity of the resurrection Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the Church's understanding of sacrifices during Jesus' time, according to the mentioned content?

An act of self-emptying love Signup and view all the answers

What belief is associated with Nestorianism regarding Jesus' nature?

Jesus' divine and human natures are separate. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the Nicene Creed?

It defines the Trinity and Christ's nature. Signup and view all the answers

How do early theologians like Augustine and Aquinas integrate their ideas?

By using Greek philosophy to support Christian theology. Signup and view all the answers

Which mark of the Church emphasizes that it is set apart for God's purpose?

Holy Signup and view all the answers

What does the communication of idioms refer to in the context of Jesus?

Unity in Jesus where attributes of either nature can apply to Him. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the subjective model of salvation?

Personal faith and acceptance of Christ as Savior. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Holy Spirit play in the sanctification of believers?

It guides believers toward holiness. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Christus Victor' signify in soteriology?

Christ's death and resurrection defeat sin and death. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'Creation Ex Nihilo'?

Creation out of nothing, showcasing God's independence. Signup and view all the answers

Which model of salvation focuses on the personal faith of the believer?

Subjective Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the term 'kenosis' in Christian theology?

It signifies self-emptying love of Christ. Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT one of the four marks of the Church?

Eternal Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates Christian baptism from John’s baptism?

Christian baptism incorporates believers into Christ’s body. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'Communication of Idioms' relate to?

The unity of divine and human natures in Christ. Signup and view all the answers

What belief does Arianism reject?

The divinity of Jesus. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of eschatology, what is taught about the resurrection of the body?

Bodies will be raised as incorruptible. Signup and view all the answers

Which heresy is associated with the belief that God appears in different modes?

Modalistic Monarchianism Signup and view all the answers

What does the Nicene Creed address?

The Trinity and the nature of Christ. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following embodies the teaching of Christ regarding sacrifice?

Self-emptying love (kenosis). Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Holy Spirit play in Christian theology?

Guide to holiness and empowerment of believers. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a key belief of the Christus Victor model of salvation?

Christ’s resurrection defeats the powers of evil. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

I. Gospels

Four Canonical Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke): Summarize Jesus' earthly life, beginning with the nativity and lineage.
John's Gospel: Provides a theological account of Jesus' life, starting with the Logos (Word).
Other Gospels (e.g., Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Mary Magdalene): Not part of the official canon due to theological inaccuracies or lack of apostolic origin.
Luke's Account of the Annunciation and Visitation: The angel Gabriel announces Mary's conception of Jesus; Mary visits Elizabeth, pregnant with John the Baptist.
Connection between Birth of John the Baptist and Jesus: Both births were prophesied by angels; Zechariah doubted but Mary believed. John prepared the way for Jesus.
Dynamics of the Passion/Cross/Resurrection: Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection are not about divine punishment, but about kenosis (self-emptying love), demonstrating power to raise life over taking it. This contrasts with ancient and modern misconceptions of sacrifice as appeasing divine anger.
The Passion/Cross/Resurrection is an act of violence, the litmus test of human pain, self-offering; God did not demand it.

II. Christology

Jesus as a Divine Person with Two Natures: Fully human and fully divine, teaching what it means to be truly human. Humanity was intended for relationship with God and each other.
Jesus as the Divine Logos: Pre-existed creation, not created but begotten, consubstantial, the second person of the Trinity.
Communication of Idioms: How the divine and human natures in Jesus are united in one person.
Events of the Passion: Suffering, death, and resurrection as described in the Gospels.
Sermon on the Mount/Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12): Teachings on humility, mercy, and righteousness as paths to the Kingdom of Heaven.

III. Pneumatology (Study of the Holy Spirit)

The Holy Spirit: Third person of the Trinity, consubstantial with Father and Son, involved in creation, redemption (Jesus' baptism, empowering the Church), and sanctification (guiding believers to holiness).

IV. Creation

Tertullian's Argument for Creation Ex Nihilo: God created the universe from nothing, emphasizing His omnipotence and independence; God is the source of all things.
Necessity of Creation Ex Nihilo: Demonstrates God's power and sovereignty, creation is a distinct act, not an extension of God.

V. Soteriology

Three Models of Salvation:
- Subjective: Personal faith and acceptance of Christ.
- Substitution: Christ's sacrifice satisfies divine justice for humanity.
- Christus Victor: Christ's death and resurrection overcome sin, death, and the devil.
True Meaning of Sacrifice: Kenosis (self-emptying love), dispelling false notions of sacrifice (e.g., appeasing God).
Revelation of God's Truth: Jesus' life and sacrifice reveal who God is; resulting in a proper relationship between humanity and God.

VI. 4 Marks of the Church

One: One Body, One God, One Spirit, One Baptism, One Faith.
Holy: Set apart for God's purpose, holiness from God, expressed through teachings and sacraments.
Catholic: Universal, Christ present in all times and places, consistent doctrines and sacraments, mission for all people.
Apostolic: Founded on Apostles' teachings, continuing their mission through apostolic succession.

VII. Baptism

John's Baptism vs. Christian Baptism: John's baptism was a call to repentance; Christian baptism cleanses sin, imparts grace, and incorporates believers into Christ's Body.
Infant Baptism: A source of theological division, Catholic Church emphasizes God's grace as a gift, not dependent on merit.
Effects of Baptism: Forgiveness of sins, new creation, sanctifying grace, incorporation into the body of Christ, participation in the priesthood of Christ, indelible mark on the soul.

VIII. Eschatology

Resurrection of the Body: Glorified body united with the soul. 1 Corinthians 15:35–49, 2 Corinthians 4:16–5:10
Millennialism: Belief in a 1,000-year reign of Christ; early views included interpretations, no definitive Catholic view point, not a literal thousand years.

IX. Heresies

Arianism: Denied Jesus' divinity.
Dynamic Monarchianism (Adoptionism): Jesus was adopted as God's Son.
Marcionism: Rejected the Old Testament.
Modalistic Monarchianism (Modalism): God appears as one person in different forms.
Nestorianism: Denied Mary as the Mother of God, differentiating Jesus' natures.
Gnosticism: Secret knowledge is the path to salvation, material creation is evil.

X. Creeds

Nicene Creed: Defines the Trinity and Christ's nature, refuting heresies like Arianism and Nestorianism.

XI. Faith, Reason, and Science

Christianity and Greek Philosophy: Early theologians integrated Greek thought with Christian theology (e.g., Augustine, Aquinas).
Church's Stance on Science: Encourages inquiry aligning with faith and morals.
Ordered World and Modern Science: Belief in an ordered creation grounded the scientific method.

Studying That Suits You

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

Description

Explore the four canonical Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, focusing on their distinct accounts and theological implications. This quiz delves into the significance of the Annunciation, the role of John the Baptist, and the passion narrative, while also touching on non-canonical gospels. Test your knowledge of these foundational texts and their meanings in the context of Christianity.