Deep Dive into Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson - Contemporary Issues in Christological Method

Based on the sources, Christology, the study of Jesus Christ, faces certain perennial problems that reappear across different historical periods. Unlike specific issues tied to a single point in time, these are ongoing challenges concerning the fundamental methodology and nature of understanding Christ.Three major contemporary issues are identified as these perennial problems:First is the relationship between faith and history. This asks whether a proper understanding of Christ must stem from historical investigation and reason, or if it is primarily based on faith in the church's proclamation, the kerygma. Approaches like Christology from Above prioritize faith and the kerygma, while Christology from Below emphasizes historical inquiry into the earthly Jesus, aiming to demonstrate his supernatural character from evidence. An alternative seeks to hold faith and historical reason together, using faith as a hypothesis to interpret historical data.Second is the relationship between studying Christ's person (his nature) and his work (his actions, particularly saving work). The methodological question is the logical order: Should we first understand his nature and then his work, or vice versa? Historically, these were linked but later separated. A modern tendency prioritizes Christ's work, seeing Christology as a function of soteriology (the study of salvation) and aiming for relevance. However, this risks tailoring the understanding of his person to perceived human needs.Third is the literalness of the idea of incarnation, questioning if God becoming human is inherently mythological and untenable. Influences like Rudolf Bultmann's demythologization view incarnation as myth expressing existential truth rather than a literal event. Arguments include that the idea is contradictory, New Testament Christology reflects only the disciples' faith, traditional doctrine comes from later philosophy, and the incarnation is not unique to Jesus. Replies contend it's a paradox, not a contradiction, and biblical incarnation is historically grounded and unique.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianPatreon: patreon.com/edi_reformed