Blog Post #12 (Option 2)

Throughout this course, we have seen many examples of what happens when the beliefs of the Church are not clear.  The Creeds play an important role in the church because they provide unification and definition for the body of the Church.  Through the Creed, the Church’s members are able to clearly state what they believe in.  It also helps the Church, which is spread across the globe, form a solid consensus despite geographical distance.  Each line in the Creed says something important about what the Church believes in. These things include basic beliefs like belief in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, but also acknowledge things like creation, the nature of the Church, eternal life, and the nature of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

One example of a time when it was necessary to define the beliefs of the church was in the debate at the Council of Nicea, when Jesus’ divinity and the unification of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were up for question.  It was determined that Jesus is fully human, fully divine, and made up of the same substance as God.  Once that theological truth was defined, it was necessary to officially establish this fact, and that is where the creed comes in handy.  In the Nicene Creed, we profess this by saying that Jesus is “consubstantial with the Father”.

While sometimes lines in the Creed can have different theological interpretations, they still serve the purpose of establishing a certain belief.  An example of this is “He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.  He descended into hell”.  Some interpret this as Jesus going to the realm of the dead, while others believe that he went to the place of the damned (Rausch 92).  This can also be interpreted as a “hell of abandonment and isolation” (Rausch 93).  Despite these differences in interpretation, stating this in the Creed established for Catholics that Jesus did die, becoming fully human and allowing for salvation for all of us.

Today, the Creed shapes Church life because it connects current members of the Church to the beliefs that were established 2000 years ago.  By saying the Creed each week, we are reminded of what we believe in and the importance of these basic beliefs.  While Church life has changed since the original early Churches and will continue to change, the Creeds help us form a solid stance on our beliefs.

Blog Assignment #11 (Option 1)

This quote from Psalm 82, which gives the film its title, embodies the content very well.  The monks in Algeria live very holy lives devoted to God.  They sacrifice their families and the rest of their lives back in France to live simply in a monastery, spending their time praying and helping the sick.  Despite this, the monks still ultimately are taken from their peaceful monastery and suffer unjust deaths.  The line from Psalm 82 serves as a reminder that while men may consider themselves “gods” who exercise a certain amount of control over their lives and the world around them, they have no power when compared to God, who rules all.

God is very present in the film.  The monks show undying devotion to God.  An example of this is when one of the monks tells a young girl that his greatest love is to God.  Even when faced with the possibility of death, the monks turn to God to pray to find the answer of whether or not they should stay.  I believe the strongest presence of God is in the attitudes and actions of the monks when faced with death.  The first time the terrorists come, while the monks stand their ground, they behave calmly and courteously towards them, and before the terrorists leave, they and the monks show mutual respect for each others’ beliefs and customs.  Then, the dinner before the monks are taken, they share a happy meal together.  They comfort each other, and smile despite their circumstances.  This showing of bravery and solidarity in dire situations shows the presence of God in the film.

The film is about men and their different religions by showing conflict between two groups who consider themselves to be entirely devoted to God.  Both the monks and the Muslims follow God to a point that can be considered extreme for both religions.  Few Catholics live bare lives in isolation, and few Muslims are terrorists.  Both groups are willing to face danger and death for God.  The film portrays the choices they make for God, and shows the different ways that people are willing to go to extremes for their God.

Blog Assignment #10 (Option 3-Judge)

If I were a bishop at the Council of Nicea in 325, I would have many questions that I would want answered by both sides in order to come to an informed conclusion.  To Arius’ side, I would ask how Jesus was able to perform miracles and rise from the dead if he was not more divine than human.  These acts seem far above the abilities of a human, even a human who is the son of God.  I would also ask how Jesus could be one with the Father and Holy Spirit if he were mostly flesh.  We often consider this to be the Holy Trinity, where Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one, but does this allow for a “human” Jesus?

To Alexander and Athanasius’ side, I would ask them to explain how Jesus could allow himself to suffer if he was more divine than human.  There are moments in scripture where Jesus suffers or shows other limitations that seem very human.  It seems intuitive that he would find some other way to give humanity eternal life without going through the pain of crucification, so this is a question I would be interested to hear an answer to.  I would also ask them if they could say that Jesus is fully divine, yet somehow less divine than God.  There are many passages in scripture where Jesus acknowledges God as greater than himself.  Why would Jesus say this if he is just as divine as God?  Are there gradations of divinity that allow for this?

One question I would ask both groups is how Jesus’ relationship with God is both positively and negatively affected by their position, and what it means for our relationship with God.  I would find the most convincing arguments to be the ones that draw most from scripture, because scripture is our most reliable source when trying to learn more about Jesus.  The best arguments would thoroughly analyze the Gospels, and draw from more than one account, because there are some differences in accounts in the Gospels.

Blog Assignment #9 (Option 1)

The Martyrdom of Polycarp, though it occurred many years after the death of Christ in 155 CE, shares many elements.  For one, Polycarp expected to be betrayed in the same way that Jesus knew he would be.  The author of the letter writes that “For he waited to be betrayed, just as the Lord did” (Paragraph 1).  Polycarp also faces his impending punishment with surprising calmness: “When he first heard the news, [Polycarp] was not disturbed”, the letter says (Paragraph 5).  He also gives up escaping, saying “May God’s will be done” (Paragraph 7).  In John’s account of the Passion, Jesus faces his death calmly as well, with the sense that he is in control of the situation.  The police captain who persecutes Polycarp is also named Herod.  Some who are involved in persecuting Polycarp “regretted that they had come after such a godly man” (Paragraph 7).  This is similar to Luke’s Gospel, when a Roman centurion proclaims that Jesus was surely innocent, and many go home agitated that they may have convicted a man who was guilty of nothing.  Polycarp is also executed in front of a crowd.  The authors of the letter compare Polycarp to a “splended ram chosen from a great flock for sacrifice”, just as Jesus in John’s Gospel is compared to a sacrificial lamb (Paragraph 14).  His body is transformed, “taking the shape of an arch” and giving off a fragrant scent. (Paragraph 15).  Polycarp’s martyrdom shares many similarities with the Passion of Christ.

The calmness and bravery that Polycarp shows was probably very influential to other Christians.  He showed confidence that the suffering he went through on earth was nothing compared to the eternal suffering that he would receive if he denied Christ, and worth eternity in Heaven.  Other Christians might see this and gain confidence that Heaven was waiting for them, too.  The authors proclaim “To him be glory, honor, majesty, and the eternal throne” (Paragraph 21).  While they do not begin to worship Polycarp as the authorities fear, Polycarp’s death is similar to Jesus’ in many ways.

Blog Assignment #8 (Option 3)

In the Creed, Catholics confess belief in “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church”.  These four characteristics are known as the four marks of the church.  The first mark is that the church is “One”, or united.  The ideal is that the entire church is united into one body by baptism, and the blood and body of Christ in communion.  Unity is a gift that is given to us by the Holy Spirit.  As Rausch points out, “unity does not mean uniformity; it can coexist with considerable diversity” (130).  However, the church needs harmony and agreement in order to truly be “one”.  In the Catholic church, there are many local churches, with different priests and parishioners, however, they are all read the same readings, follow the same format, and are united by “a common faith, sacraments, ecclesiastical government, and communion, including communion with the surpreme Pontiff”, and all of the bishops are bonded to the Pope (130).  In this way, the church is “one”.

In the beginning, it was easier for the Church to find unity.  However, trying to maintain unity has posed problems for the church over the years.  For one, the church has split apart into many different groups.  There is not only the Catholic Church, but Orthodox, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Anglican, Evangelical, and other Christian churches.  These groups differ on many fundamental theological issues, such as salvation, communion, and sacraments.  They are essentially considered separate denominations.  There are also issues within the Catholic Church, especially social and political issues.  For example, today gay marriage and abortion are disputed topics within the church.  While the Catholic Church officially disproves of both of these things, many members of the church support one or both of these things, and urge the church to change its position.  These issues shape church life, because disagreements can cause rifts and disunity among local churches and the entire church.  They represent a challenge that the church still faces to not only stay strong in its beliefs, but also be willing to reevaluate the theological messages to adjust to changing times.  Rausch points out that many threats to unity within the church come from “theological differences, cultural and political estrangement, and unwillingness to carry out needed reforms” (130).  While the church today is not as united as it could and should be, being “one” is still a fundamental part of the Catholic Church and something we should strive for.

Blog Assignment #7 (Option 3)

In Luke’s Resurrection story, two disciples travel to Emmaus after they see Jesus’ empty tomb.  The disciples encounter a man on the road, and he asks them what they are talking about.  They reply by saying that Jesus, who they call a “prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people”, was sentenced to death (Luke 24:19).  They mention that Jesus was handed over by both the Jewish priests and the Roman rulers.  They also describe how the tomb was empty.  They do not know that they are speaking to Jesus himself.  Jesus replies to the two disciples by saying that they should have realized that this was part of the prophets’ messages; and he explains the prophecies to them, saying that Jesus was meant to suffer, die, and rise from the dead.  Then, Jesus stays with the two men, and he takes bread, says a blessing, and breaks it.  At this moment, the disciples realize who he is, but Jesus vanishes.  The disciples say, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” (24:32).  Then, they go to Jerusalem and proclaim Jesus’ resurrection.

Although the disciples do not truly realize who Jesus is until he breaks the bread, they show some sense of understanding in what they say before.  They point out that it was both the Jewish priests and Roman rulers who persecuted Jesus, therefore showing that they know he was rejected by his own people.  The disciples express that they had hope that Jesus would be the savior of Israel, but they believe this to be a lost hope.  However, once Jesus breaks the bread and says a blessing, the disciples truly understand and believe.  They acknowledge that they felt their hearts burning when Jesus spoke, and this is a sign of their belief.  Early followers of Jesus might incorporate the breaking of the bread into their regular gatherings in Jesus’ memory.  This is a pivotal moment for the two disciples on the road, because it is when they truly come to believe.

Blog Assignment #6 (Option 1)

While each of the four Gospels in the Bible include a Passion narrative, each is unique and fits with the author’s theme and depiction of Jesus.  In John’s Gospel, Jesus is presented as the glorious savior and incarnate word of God, and John’s Passion narrative reflects this.  Jesus shows that he is the word of God in his words and his actions.  When faced with death, Jesus reponds by asserting that he has not done any wrong, he has just come to do God’s work.  When Judas and the soldiers he gets say they are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, he responds to them by saying “I AM” (John 18:5).  When they again say they are looking for Jesus, he says “I told you that I AM” (18:8).  This reflects when God revealed himself to Moses, referring to himself as YHWH.  Jesus calling himself I AM as well reveals that he is the word of God incarnate on earth.

Jesus also reveals this when Pontius Pilate questions him about his identity.  Pilate asks if Jesus is the King of the Jews, and Jesus says, “My kingdom does not belong to this world.  If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews.  But as it is, my kingdom is not here” (18:36).  By saying this, Jesus reveals that he comes from something much greater than earth.  Jesus also says, “You say I am a king.  For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify the truth.  Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice” when Pilate again questions him (18:37).  This shows that Jesus is extending his salvation to anyone who seeks it.  Although the Roman authority, Pilate, does not believe Jesus is guilty of anything, he seeks to please some of the Jewish authorities who wish to see him punished, and therefore he hands Jesus over to be executed.  While not all of Jesus followers are present in John 18 and 19, and Peter denies him, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus give Jesus a proper Jewish burial.  Jesus’ words and actions in John’s Passion narrative show that he is the word of God made human, and he has come to offer salvation.

Blog Assignment #5 (Option 2)

Matthew’s Gospel, particularly his account of the Sermon on the Mount, shows his and Jesus’ attitude toward the Jewish law.  Jesus starts out by saying, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.  I have come not to abolish it but to fulfill.  Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law” (Matthew 5:17-18).  This shows that Matthew and Jesus believe that the Jewish law should be upheld.  He emphasizes its importance.  Jesus does not intend to create a new law or go against Jewish law, but to explain it and to be an example of it.

From then, this section of the Gospel follows a format where Jesus says the law, and then comments or expands upon it, creating a different set of standards than the ones established by Moses originally.  In most cases, Jesus adds to the law and makes it stricter.  For example, he says “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgement.’  But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgement… Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him.  Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison” (5:21-25).  In this passage, Jesus acknowledges the original Jewish law, but then adds his own adaptation.  He says that not only will people face judgement for killing, but for things such as anger, insults, and others.  Jesus also adds advice, saying that people should resolve their problems with each other.  He does similar things with adultery and divorce.

However, in some cases, Jesus modifies the law.  One original law says “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy”, but Jesus says to “love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you” (5:43-44).  This doesn’t just add detail to the original Jewish law, but it modifies it, and gives different instructions to Jesus’s followers.  Overall, the laws that Jesus states are more detailed and slightly different from the ones Moses originally taught.  While they are more strict, they contain messages of wisdom, fairness, and love.

Blog Assignment #4 (Option 2)

The Gospel of Mark includes many stories of Jesus performing various miracles, which range from curing the sick, to feeding thousands of people, to walking on water.  After he performs these miracles, Jesus often makes a request of the witnesses: he asks them not to tell others what they saw.  This is called the “messianic secret”.  One occurrence is when Jesus cleanses a leper.  He says to the leper, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them” (Mark 1:44).  Later on, Jesus also encounters many people, including the sick or unclean.  When they see him and proclaim him to be the son of god, “he warned them sternly not to make him known” (3:12).  Another miracle that Jesus performs is waking a girl who everyone believes to be dead.  He does this with only her parents present, and after he is done “he gave strict orders that no one should know this” (5:43).  Jesus also restores a deaf man’s hearing, and orders him and the other witnesses not to tell anybody (7:36).  These are a few examples of the messianic secret in the Gospel of Mark.

There could be a few reasons why Jesus does not want anyone to know that he is the Messiah.  For one, it is much easier for him to travel if he remains anonymous.  As soon as people find out who he is, they flock to him.  For example, after Jesus tells the leper not to tell anybody what happened, the leper disobeys him and spreads the news everywhere.  After this, it becomes “impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly”, and although he remains in remote areas, people still know of him and come to him (1:45).  It is possible that Jesus prefers to travel more discretely so he can do his work in peace.  It is also possible that Jesus wishes to keep his true identity a secret so that people can discover for themselves who he is and what he does.  If they hear by word of mouth, it is different than if they experience it for themselves.  They may form expectations about him, or not truly believe.  While Jesus does not explicitly state why, it is clear that he wishes his identity as the Messiah to remain a secret until the people have witnessed it for themselves.

Blog Assignment #3 (Option 1)

In Heschel’s article about prophets, he describes a prophet as someone who takes events to extremes.  Certain delinquencies and injustices that we view as, while bad, commonplace, a prophet views as “a disaster” (Heschel).  What is “to us, an episode” is to a prophet “a catastrophe, a threat to the world” (Heschel).  A prophet’s language is an outburst of violent emotion, and the language he uses is full of emotion and imagination.  Heschel describes it as “luminous and explosive”.  To the prophet, “no subject is as worthy of consideration as the plight of man”, and man’s relationship with God (Heschel).  Additionally, they tend to see the bad in the world much more so than the good.  While most people can overlook injustices as trivial and see the world as good on the whole, the prophet lacks the ability to do this.  He “makes no concession to man’s capacity” (Heschel).  Because of this, the prophet feels alone in the world and views his obligations as a burden, not a gift.  Yet he recognizes his duty, and is “far more than a messenger” (Heschel).  He is a witness to God.  The prophet is not always correct, and sometimes his messages contain contradictions.  This is because the prophet deals with the relationship between God and man, and through him, “the invisible God becomes audible” (Heschel).

Amos demonstrates the characteristics of a prophet that Heschel lays out.  He voices the word of God.  He also takes potentially minor wrongdoings as terrible crimes, and describes very extreme punishments for them.  For example, because Edom “pursued his brother with the sword”, God will “send fire upon Teman, and it will devour the strongholds of Bozrah” (Amos 1:11-12).  Many of the situations Amos describes are isolated or minor incidents whose punishments involve sending fire or another punishment upon an entire population.  Amos also uses flowery and emotional language.  He acts as the translator of God’s word to the people.  It is possible that prophets still exist today; however it might be difficult to find them.  Someone who went around today talking like Amos did would probably be perceived by the public as crazy.  However, it is impossible to know for sure.