Understanding Christology

21 Questions

What is Christology?

The study of Christ, concerned with the nature of Jesus the Christ.

Why is Christology studied?

To reveal the attributes of Jesus the Christ as God, Yahweh, with power over nature.

During which period were the Gospels written?

During the Jewish Messianic Hope Period.

What does 'Messiah' mean in both Hebrew and Aramaic?

Anointed one

According to Finlan (2008), what are the three different kinds of messianic hope perceived in Jewish expectation?

A new King like David, 2. A new Priest like Aaron, 3. A new Prophet like Elijah

In which era did the Roman influence begin in Israel according to historical dates?

63 BCE

What is the significance of the Babylonian Exile (587-539 BCE) in Israelite history?

It led to mental or religious slavery due to the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem.

According to McBrien (1994), what did the Jews believe about their covenant with God?

God comes to them and arranges a covenant through Abraham symbolized in the ritual of circumcision.

How is the relevance of the Israelites' history to the PNG context explained?

PNG is compared to living in exile or mental slavery due to the lack of formal documentation of oral history.

What does Christology study?

Christology studies the nature of Jesus the Christ.

Why is Christology important?

Christology reveals how the human and divine coexist in Jesus the Christ.

What is the significance of the Gospels being written during the Jewish Messianic Hope Period?

The Gospels were written during a period of Jewish Messianic Hope, embodying the Messianic expectation in Jesus' ministry.

What is the connection between Christology and soteriology?

Christology discusses Biblical, Patristic, and Contemporary Christology to reveal the identity of Jesus through his natures and ministry, which is related to soteriology.

In Mark 8:29a, what question is posed that relates to Christology?

The question 'Who do you say I am?' is asked, which delves into the study of Christ's identity in Christology.

How does Christology attribute power to Jesus the Christ?

Christology attributes power to Jesus the Christ as the Savior or Lord who had power over nature.

What are the three different kinds of messianic hope perceived in Jewish expectation?

A new King like David (political & military revival) 2. A new Priest like Aaron (separation from gentiles) 3. A new Prophet like Elijah (openness to gentiles)

According to the Tanakh, what is the significance of the covenant with God for the Jews?

The covenant symbolized in the ritual of circumcision signifies that Yahweh is their God, and they are His chosen people if they observe every letter of the Torah.

What is the relevance of the Babylonian Exile (587-539 BCE) to the Israelites' history?

The Babylonian Exile led to mental or religious slavery due to the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, causing the Israelites to lose their identity.

Who is considered 'The Anointed One' in the context of Papua New Guinea, according to the text?

Late Great Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare is considered 'The Anointed One' who led Papua New Guineans out from the bondage of colonization.

What is the key role of Late Great Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare in relation to Papua New Guinea's 'Oral History'?

He encouraged Papua New Guineans to preserve and document their 'Oral History'.

How is the concept of monotheism and the belief in Yahweh discussed in the context of the Israelites' history?

The Israelites believed in YHWH as the Lord of History, Universal God of the whole world, the Creator, and Redeemer, emphasizing monotheism.

Study Notes

Christology

Christology is the study of Christ, derived from the Greek words "logos" meaning "words" or "the study of" and "chrīstos" meaning "the anointed one" in Hebrew.
It is a field of study within Christian theology that focuses on the nature of Jesus the Christ.
The study of Christology reveals how the human and divine coexist in one person, Jesus of history and the Christ of faith.
It gives Jesus the attributes of God, Yahweh, as Saviour or Lord, emphasizing his power over nature.

Messiah and Jewish Messianic Hope

"Messiah" means "anointed one" in both Hebrew and Aramaic.
The Jewish expectation of waiting for the coming of the anointed one is perceived in three different kinds of messianic hope:
- A new King like David (political and military revival)
- A new Priest like Aaron (separation from gentiles)
- A new Prophet like Elijah (openness to gentiles)

Israelites History

Abraham, a pagan, was anointed by Yahweh and called Abraham (Genesis 12:1ff, 17:5a).
He originated from Ur, Mesopotamia.
The Babylonian Exile occurred from 587-539 BCE, resulting in the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and the writing of the Hebrew Bible.
The Israelites lost their identity during the exile.
The Hebrew Bible was written during the exile, consisting of:
- Proto-Isaiah (Isaiah chapters 1-39, warning to Israelites)
- Deutero-Isaiah (Isaiah chapters 40-55, confidence in worshiping God by trusting Him)
- Trito-Isaiah (Isaiah chapters 56-66, liberation from Babylonian Exile and God's promises kept)

Significance of Israelites History

The Israelites believed that God comes to them and arranges a covenant through Abraham, symbolized in the ritual of circumcision.
Yahweh is their God, and they are His chosen people, only if they observe every letter of the word of Torah.
By worshiping Yahweh as the one and only God with all their hearts, soul, and strength, they are united and led to worship only Him.
The Jews are still waiting for the 'Messiah', believing that Yahweh will send the 'anointed one' to unite and lead them to worship only Him.

Relevance to PNG Context

Papua New Guinea is currently at a crossroads, living in a state of mental slavery, similar to Israel in Babylon.
The country's oral history is not being formally documented, resulting in a lack of knowledge about its true identity as Papua New Guineans and Melanesians.
Late Great Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare is seen as the 'anointed one' who led the country out from the bondage of colonization and encouraged the preservation and documentation of oral history.
The topic presented encourages Papua New Guineans to accomplish 'Late GGC Sir MTC's Vision' by continuing on Jesus Christ's pastoral mission.

Explore the field of Christology, which is the study of the nature of Jesus the Christ within Christian theology. Learn about the coexistence of the human and divine in Jesus and the importance of studying Christology.

Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards

Convert your notes into interactive study material.