The Incarnation and Christology Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What was the primary reason for God's incarnation according to Aquinas?

  • To bring about miracles
  • To demonstrate his power
  • To create the universe
  • To take away sin (correct)

Aquinas believes that God would have become incarnate even without sin.

False (B)

What does the term 'Incarnation' refer to in Christian theology?

  • The taking on of flesh by the Word of God (correct)
  • The resurrection of Christ
  • The belief in the Trinity
  • The creation of the world

Christology is the study of the events surrounding the resurrection of Christ.

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

What does Aquinas say about the timing of God's incarnation?

<p>God entered our time at a fitting moment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The incarnation was primarily aimed at destroying __________ at its root.

<p>original sin</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Christian faith, who do we first encounter that reveals the Father to us?

<p>Christ</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Incarnation is considered the __________ sign of Christian faith.

<p>distinctive</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which objection questions the fittingness of God becoming flesh?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the kingdom of God considered to be at hand?

<p>Because Christ himself, who is God, is present (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The nature of God is described as simple, while flesh is described as composite.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

<p>CCC 425 = Belief in Christ as the distinctive sign of Christian faith CCC 422 = Christology study reference CCC 463 = Salvation comes through Christ</p> Signup and view all the answers

Aquinas compares the incarnation to a jarring combination of __________ and __________.

<p>the head of a horse, the body of a man</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the objections to their descriptions:

<p>Objection 1 = Questions the timing and nature of God becoming flesh Objection 2 = Compares the incarnation to an unseemly combination Objection 3 = Highlights the infinite distinction between God and human Objection 4 = Asks why God would create anything at all</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Holy Spirit illuminates us to see Christ first and then brings us to the Father.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what order is the Trinity understood in the context of Christian experience?

<p>Father, Son, Holy Spirit</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Gnostic Docetism claim about Christ?

<p>He only appeared to be human. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Nestorianism supports the idea that Jesus is a single person who is both completely human and completely divine.

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

What significant councils affirmed the divinity of Christ?

<p>Council of Nicaea and Council of Constantinople</p> Signup and view all the answers

Christ had a true human body, soul, and a _____ when he was incarnated.

<p>spirit/mind</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes Apollinarianism?

<p>He clothed himself with human flesh but lacked a human soul. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Christ and God are considered two distinct persons according to traditional Christian doctrine.

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

Explain why the statement, 'Jesus is a man perfectly infused with God,' is incorrect.

<p>This is incorrect because Jesus is not merely a man infused with God; he is the Son of God who is fully human and fully divine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the belief with its description:

<p>Gnostic Docetism = Claims Christ only appeared to be human Nestorianism = Human person joined to the divine Apollinarianism = Divine wearing human flesh without a soul Council of Nicaea = Affirmed the divinity of Christ</p> Signup and view all the answers

What heresy claims that Jesus truly did not have a human nature?

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

Gregory of Nazianzus stated that Christ assumes all that it means to be human, including the damaged aspects.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two natures of Christ?

<p>Human and divine</p> Signup and view all the answers

The relationship of Jesus’s two natures is called a __________ relationship.

<p>personal</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following heresies with their definitions:

<p>Docetism = Denies Jesus had a true human nature Nestorianism = Believes the Son of God and human nature are two different persons Apollinarianism = Only acknowledges part of Christ's human nature Trinitarianism = Explains the nature of the three persons in one God</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Christ not considered to be two different persons?

<p>He is one subject with two natures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Holy Spirit has united himself to human nature, just as Jesus did.

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

What does the Incarnation demonstrate about God’s relationship with humanity?

<p>God cares about humanity and desires to transform it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Athanasius, how is the Son related to the Father?

<p>The Son is consubstantial with the Father. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Arius believed that the Son is truly God.

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

What does the term 'self-emptying' refer to in Athanasius's argument?

<p>The act of Jesus giving everything and gaining nothing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Arius, Jesus receives the title 'the Son' by the __________ of God.

<p>grace</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their corresponding views:

<p>Athanasius = Son is consubstantial with the Father Arius = Son is a creature Incarnation = God becoming man Divine condescension = God giving everything to humanity</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the fundamental difference between Arius's and Athanasius's views?

<p>Arius believed Jesus is not God while Athanasius believed he is. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Athanasius's view, Jesus's journey as a man was akin to that of all other creatures.

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

If Arius is correct, then Jesus and humanity would share the same __________ towards God.

<p>goal</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary theme described in the story of Jesus' incarnation?

<p>Self-emptying for the sake of others (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Jesus gained something by becoming man according to traditional Christian teaching.

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

What is indicated by the phrase 'self-giving love' in the context of the incarnation?

<p>The sacrificial nature of Jesus' actions for humanity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The story of the Incarnation is about __________, not self-exaltation.

<p>self-emptying</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Athanasius, what does the exaltation of Jesus refer to?

<p>The exaltation he gives to humanity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following descriptions with their corresponding concepts:

<p>Self-exaltation = Gaining something for oneself Self-emptying = Lifting others up without personal gain Advancement to God = A creature's journey to divine status Divine creation = A gift without gain for the creator</p> Signup and view all the answers

Arius believed that the purpose of Christ's life was to model how humans could advance to God.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain why it does not make sense to say that Jesus improved by becoming man.

<p>Because Jesus is the creator and cannot gain or improve, only provide improvement to others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Incarnation

God becoming human in the person of Jesus Christ.

Christology

The study of Jesus Christ.

Incarnation as Gospel

The good news of Jesus Christ is centered on the Incarnation.

Incarnation as distinctive sign of Christian faith

Belief that God became human is specific to Christianity.

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Order of reality vs discovery of Trinity

Though Trinity is primary, Christ is first understood in Christian experience.

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Salvation through Christ

Only through Jesus Christ can we achieve salvation.

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Catechesis as Relational

Teaching about faith in a way that fosters personal connection.

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Distinctive Sign of Christian faith

God becoming fully human in Jesus Christ

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Incarnation's Purpose

God becoming human to address sin, primarily original sin.

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Fitting God becoming Human

Aquinas's answer to the objection of whether it was fitting for God to become human.

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God's Immutability

God's unchanging nature, distinct from the continuous changes of human flesh.

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Creation and Eternity

The idea that creating something in time might be inconsistent with God's eternity.

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Incarnation Objection (God-Flesh Incompatibility)

The argument that the union of God's perfect simplicity with the material complexity of human flesh is illogical.

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Original Sin

The fundamental sin inherited by all humans, that God aimed to address through the Incarnation.

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Why now?

The question of why God chose this specific time for the Incarnation, and whether a different moment might have been preferable.

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Objections to Incarnation

Challenges raised regarding the fittingness of God becoming human, including issues surrounding change and the juxtaposition of eternity and time.

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Docetism

A heresy that claimed Jesus only appeared to be human, denying his true humanity.

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Nestorianism

A heresy that taught Jesus was two separate persons: a human person joined to the divine person of God's Son.

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Apollinarianism

A heresy that claimed Jesus had a human body but not a human soul, as if God 'clothed' himself in human flesh.

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What is the core belief about Jesus' humanity?

Christians believe Jesus is fully human, with a true human body, soul, and spirit/mind, without separating him into two persons.

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What is the key difference between the Son and the other Persons of the Trinity?

While all three Persons share the divine nature, only the Son has a human nature.

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What does the Incarnation mean in terms of Jesus?

The Incarnation means that Jesus, the divine Son, took on a true human nature, encompassing a body, soul, and spirit.

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What did the Council of Constantinople add to the Nicaean Creed?

It affirmed that Jesus was truly human, with a true human soul and nature, refuting the heresies of Docetism, Nestorianism, and Apollinarianism.

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What is the Trinity's nature and the Son's uniqueness?

All three Persons of the Trinity share the divine nature, but the Son uniquely has human nature in addition to the divine.

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Two Natures of Christ

Jesus Christ is one person with both a divine and human nature. This means he is fully God and fully human.

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Personal Union

The union of the divine and human natures in Jesus Christ is not a union on a level of nature, but on a personal level. This is why the Holy Spirit and the Father are not united to human nature.

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Incarnation as Healing

Jesus Christ, fully human and divine, took on all the brokenness and limitations of human nature in order to heal it.

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Human and Divine Attributes of Christ

We can speak of both human and divine attributes of Jesus Christ because he is one subject with two natures.

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Subject of Action

In the sentence 'The teacher drinks coffee', the subject is 'the teacher'. We can apply this to Christ, understanding him as one subject with both human and divine actions.

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Consubstantial

The term meaning 'of the same substance' used to describe the relationship between the Father and the Son in the Trinity. It emphasizes their shared divine nature.

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Athanasius's view

Athanasius believed that Jesus is truly God, sharing the same divine nature with the Father. He rejected the Arian view that Jesus was a created being.

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Arius's view

Arius thought Jesus was a created being, a 'god-like' being but not truly God, subordinate to the Father. He believed Jesus became God by the grace of God.

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What does Athanasius see as the consequence of the Incarnation?

Athanasius believes that the Incarnation shows God's absolute divine condescension. Jesus gained nothing, but gave everything to us. We receive EVERYTHING.

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What is the difference between Arius and Athanasius?

Arius believed that creatures advance to God by their own merit. Athanasius believed that God, in the person of Jesus, condescended to become human, giving us EVERYTHING.

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What is the purpose of becoming a man?

For Arius, becoming a man is part of Jesus' journey to become God. For Athanasius, it's a self-emptying act of divine love, not a step on a path.

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Self-emptying

Athanasius emphasizes the idea that Jesus emptied himself of his divine privileges and took on the limitations of human flesh. This act of love is central to the Incarnation.

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Key difference between Arius and Athanasius

Arius views Jesus' humanity as part of His progress towards divinity. Athanasius sees it as a self-sacrificing act of love, where Jesus gave up his divine privileges for us.

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Arian View

The Arian view of Jesus Christ suggests he is a created being, but still the highest of all creatures. This perspective proposes that Jesus was 'exalted' to a godlike state, and therefore, this 'exaltation' is a process of becoming more divine.

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Athanasian View

The Athanasian view of Jesus Christ states He is fully God and fully human, eternally existing as the Son of God, and not simply a creature exalted to godhood. This view emphasizes that Jesus' Incarnation is not a step towards becoming divine—He is already divine.

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Emptying (Kenosis)

This concept describes the act of Jesus, the divine Son, taking on the limitations of human nature while remaining divine. This act of 'emptying' himself is not a loss of divinity, but a selfless act of taking on human form for our sake.

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Exaltation

In the context of Jesus' Incarnation, 'exaltation' refers to lifting others up, not elevating oneself. Jesus' exaltation is about raising humans through his sacrifice and resurrection, not a personal gain in power or glory.

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Incarnation's Motive

The motivation behind Jesus' Incarnation is love and sacrifice. He did not need to become human; he did it for our sake, to redeem us and offer us salvation. This act of love and humility defines the heart of Christianity.

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God's Creation

The creation of the world is seen as an act of self-giving love, not a means of gaining power or glory. God had no intrinsic need to create the world; it was a gift freely given, just as Jesus becoming human was a gift for humanity.

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Christian Story

The Christian story hinges on the concept of self-emptying love. From God's creation to Jesus' Incarnation, the narrative emphasizes a commitment to self-giving sacrifice for the benefit of others. This contrasts with the idea of striving for self-exaltation.

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Christian Identity

Our understanding of who we are as Christians is shaped by our belief in Jesus Christ and his Incarnation. If we see Jesus primarily as a model to follow in our quest for becoming more like God, we're likely to focus on self-improvement. However, if we understand him as the Son of God who emptied himself for us, we're more likely to embrace a life of selfless service and sacrifice.

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Study Notes

The Incarnation

  • The Incarnation is the central mystery of Christian faith, showcasing God's becoming human in Jesus Christ.
  • First, understand that the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) exists in reality, but our understanding of it comes through Christ.
  • Christ became human, not to visit, but to reconcile with God.
  • Christ's humanity is crucial for salvation.
  • Belief in Christ distinguishes Christian faith from other religions.
  • The Incarnation is the profound expression of God's love.

Christology

  • Christology is the study of Christ.
  • Christ is fully God and fully human.
  • The Incarnation avoids the idea of a divine being simply wearing human clothing.
  • God takes on human limitations but doesn't lose divinity.
  • The Incarnation is not a separate event, but part of God's ongoing relationship with humanity.
  • The Incarnation is necessary due to sin, but it's a gift of God's love.

Key Difficulties in Christology

  • Some interpretations depict God as a subject to change (e.g., God's emotions), which is inaccurate and inconsistent with God's unchanging nature.
  • The Incarnation reveals God's unlimited goodness and love.
  • Aquinas emphasizes that the Incarnation is a freely given act of God's generosity.
  • The Incarnation is connected to the entire work of creation.
  • Arius's interpretation of Christ suggested that Christ was created, not divine.
  • Athanasius, on the other hand, argued that Christ was fully God and fully human, existing in one person.

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Description

Test your understanding of the central themes of the Incarnation and Christology. This quiz explores the significance of Christ's dual nature as both divine and human, the implications for salvation, and the impact on Christian faith. Prepare to dive deep into the mysteries that distinguish Christianity from other religions.

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