Homo-ousion (Carol Walker)

This term helps affirm Jesus as fully God while simultaneously protecting the doctrine of the Trinity. 

“Ousion” means substance.  “Homo-“ means “same” versus “Homoi-“ meaning “similar.”  Jesus Christ was/is “Homo-ousion”; Jesus Christ was/is the same substance as the Father.  

During the 4th Century, Arius was the Bishop of Alexandria and he taught a doctrine that exalted Jesus as a supernatural being, but only as a created one.  Arius taught that since Jesus was created, he was NOT eternal and NOT equal to the Father.  Therefore, Jesus was “Homoi-ousion” (similar to the Father), but NOT “Homo-ousion” (same as the Father).  This belief became known as Arianism.  

Arianism was built upon texts that declared Jesus to be the Father’s “only begotten” and “first-born” son.  Meaning, Jesus was “made” (understanding "begotten" as "beget"...the father's role in conception) by the Father and therefore could not be eternal as the Father is.  Proper exegesis demonstrates that “only begotten” is better understood as “one and only/unique” and Scripture’s references to Jesus as “first-born” carry the connotation of privilege and status of the first-born (birthrights...see Colossians 1:15).

The Council of Nicea (325 AD) was the place the Church settled upon orthodoxy.  Made popular by the Nicene Creed and Saint Nicholas' slap of Arius, the leadership of the Church made clear in the following statement what we believe to be true about Jesus' divinity:

"We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of all things visible and invisible." 

"And in one LORD Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begotten of the Father, the only-begotten; that is of the essence of the Father, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, begin of one substance (homo-ousion) with the Father..."

Although the doctrine of the Trinity will always push past our limited ability to understand, we are forever grateful for the language of homo-ousion as it helps further delineate the nature and reality of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  

Hypo-Static Union (Carol Walker)

Hypo-Static Union is the term to describe the existence of the incarnate Jesus.  In a nutshell, it describes how Jesus could exist as ONE person with TWO natures.  This concept has been held since the earliest days of the Church, but “the how” of Hypo-Static Union formed gradually over time and reached it’s final definition in 451 AD at the Chalcedonian Council.  

When articulating the person of Christ, it is essential to link arms with Scripture and simultaneously affirm the fullness of His divinity (theos used of Christ; LORD used of Christ; Jesus own use of “I AM”; Revelation 22:13; Christ’s titles as Son of God & Son of Man; Christ demonstrates omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, and divine sovereignty; Christ’s ability to forgive sins; Christ counted worthy of divine worship, etc.) and the fullness of his humanity (virgin birth, human weakness/limitations, physical death/resurrection/ascension/reign, human mind/soul/emotions, etc.).  Further, Jesus MUST have been fully human and fully divine in order to demonstrate representative obedience, be counted a worthy substitute sacrifice (mediator and propitiation), as well as be able to sympathize as a high priest and give humanity an example/pattern to follow.  

When describing this, two key facets must be described.  First, Jesus sinlessness is real.  He was able to sin and therefore, his temptations were in fact, real.  His unwavering obedience to the Father’s will emphasizes the fullness of his humanity.  We must be careful in how we nuance this, but it is important (See Grudem’s Bible Doctrine for help).  Second, Jesus “emptied” himself to take on a human nature.  The “Kenosis Theory” helps us understand what this means for Jesus to remain fully divine.  The emptying was not of power, ability, or attributes BUT of role and status.  It is a concept describing humility and not a loss of divine nature.  

Historically, affirming Jesus’ Hypo-Static Union has created much difficulty.  There have been 5 primary heresies: Docetism (Jesus only “appeared to be” human); Arianism (Homo-ousion vs. Homoi-ousion); Apollinarianism (Human Body, but Mind & Spirit were divine); Nestorianism (2 separate persons in 1 body); Monophysitism (Jesus had 1 nature BUT the human nature was absorbed by the divine nature to create a totally unique nature that was neither God nor man).  The Chalcedonian Definition put each of these to rest: 

“Following, then, the holy Fathers, we all unanimously teach that our Lord Jesus Christ is to us One and the same Son, the Self-same Perfect in Godhead, the Self-same Perfect in Manhood; truly God and truly Man; the Self-same of a rational soul and body; co-essential with the Father according to the Godhead, the Self-same co-essential with us according to the Manhood; like us in all things, sin apart; before the ages begotten of the Father as to the Godhead, but in the last days, the Self-same, for us and for our salvation (born) of Mary the Virgin Theotokos as to the Manhood; One and the Same Christ, Son, Lord, Only-begotten; acknowledged in Two Natures unconfusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly, inseparably; the difference of the Natures being in no way removed because of the Union, but rather the properties of each Nature being preserved, and (both) concurring into One Person and One Hypostasis; not as though He were parted or divided into Two Persons, but One and the Self-same Son and Only-begotten God, Word, Lord, Jesus Christ; even as from the beginning the prophets have taught concerning Him, and as the Lord Jesus Christ Himself hath taught us, and as the Symbol of the Fathers hath handed down to us.”

To summarize: Christ is 1 person with 2 natures; 1 nature does what the other nature does not do AND anything either nature does, the 1 PERSON of Christ does.  

DEBATE day schedule (note- we go till 3:30)!!!!!!!!

Student reports @ 10:00

Debate#1-  10:30   

Pro- 30 minutes/Con - 30 minutes 

rebuttals: pro- 10/con-10/ 10 for eval

LUNCH @ NOON

Debate #2- 12:30- 2:00

Debate #3- 2:00-3:30

SPIRITUAL GIFT TEST RESULTS 2014 MAPSTERS

WOW- gifts out the wazoo!

William Lane Craig's website with articles, videos, and other resources

http://www.reasonablefaith.org/media

Robbie - Universalism

Christian Universalism - Devotional

Context/Historical/Impact

            Universalism is the theological concept that declares religion is inclusive and universal over all people. In Christianity, universalism declares that all sinful people will ultimately be reconciled to God because of His mercy and divine nature. Universalism is an all-inclusive regarding religion, and emphasizes the idea that we are all in this world together, and therefore must be accepting of all religions as a path to God. This includes religions such as Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Ba’hai to name a few. Non-Religious Universalism is also a belief system focused on a set of values that anyone can take part in; no need to be religious. (Wikipedia)

Summary

Specifically focusing on Christian Universalism, there are a couple of ideas that are essential for the belief of Universalist ideas regarding Christianity:

1.     Christian Universalists believe that all humans will be saved by through Jesus and therefore come to “harmony” in God’s Kingdom (universal reconciliation, believe in no hell), both already dead and currently living  (theosis – idea that all souls will be reconciled to God, hell exists but all that go to hell will eventually be reconciled to God and go to heaven) God is the “loving parent” of all people. Jesus is seen as the spiritual leader of mankind. Humankind is created with an immortal soul, and sin has only “negative consequences” in our heavenly afterlife. (Wikipedia)

a.     “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” 1 Cor 15:22

b.     “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

2.     There’s also a “New Thought” movement associated with Christian Universalism that teaches there is a “common thread of truth at the heart of all religions.” (Wikipedia)

Quotes

“If we agree in love, there is no disagreement that can do us any injury, but if we do not, no other agreement can do us any good. Let us endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace.” – Hosea Ballou (Universalist theologian)

“Universalism is essentially a battle for the freedom of the common person.” – Clarence Russell Skinner (Universalist Minister)

“There must be room for penitence to mend Life’s broken chance; else noise of wars would unmake heaven.” – Alice Cary (American Christian Universalist poet)

Evaluation

My evaluation of Christian Universalism is that it is largely a threat to the challenge God gives in having faith and conforming to His will. It downplays the importance of living a changed life of following Jesus and instead makes heaven something that is for everyone, not just those who choose to follow and believe in Jesus.

Opponents

It was hard to find articles published on opponents to Christian Universalism, but I did find a strong argument from the President of the Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry (CARM), Matt Slick. He puts it this way: “Christian Universalism really isn’t Christian and it is meshed with many other unorthodox and erroneous teachings. This belief system should be avoided.”

Resources

Wikipedia articles on Universalism, Christian Universalism, quotes retrieved from nyscu.org/quotes, carm.org – Matt Slick article on Christian Universalism

Robbie - Mysticism

Christian Mysticism

Context/Historical/Impact

            Mysticism focuses largely on the inner workings of God in man, with some mystic theologians defining mysticism as involving significant “union” or “inner presence” with God and man. Bernard McGinn, a modern Christian Mystic theologian, defines mysticism as an activity about “new ways of knowing and loving based on states of awareness in which God becomes present in our inner acts.”

            In early Christianity, mysticism was focused on a few dimensions, which are, the biblical dimension (focusing allegorical interpretation of scripture), the liturgical dimension (referring to the mystery of the Lord’s supper/Holy communion), and lastly the contemplative, experiential knowledge of God. The Hellenist movement was focused largely around mysticism and the mystery of God portrayed through ritual and scripture.

            Today, mysticism is ever present. Mysticism plays into any church that has traditions in liturgy or other rituals focusing on personal, inner experience and connection with God. Meditation is also a practice that is deeply connected in mysticism and experiencing God through inward focus.

Summary

The essence of Christian Mysticism is focused on the mystery God through ritual and scripture. Mysticism turns these things into a personal, inner and mysterious experience between man and God. This, in turn, causes man to contemplate on the mystery of God and the scriptures, and focuses largely on the experience and mystery of who God is.

Quotes

"God became human so that man might become god." – Athanasisus of Alexandria

“We are more truly in heaven than on earth.” 
— Julian of Norwich

“Nothing in all creation is so like God as stillness.” 
— Meister Eckhart

Evaluation

            My personal evaluation of Christian Mysticism is that it is largely inwardly focused on the self and our relationship to God through emotional experience. While meditating on God and praying contemplatively is a good thing, it would be easy to make this the focus over important things like The Great Commission, Jesus’ other teachings, etc.

Opponents

            Opponents like William Parsons and Richard King oppose mystic views citing that it detracts from the importance of  “shared community” and “social justice” issues, respectively. King says that too much of the focus in mysticism is placed on the individual and seeks to alleviate stress on the individual rather than “transform the world.”

Resources

Wikipedia, other online articles.

William Lane Craig vs. Christopher Hitchens: The Existence of God

Patton Liberation Theology

Map Report Liberation Theology Matt Patton 4/17/14 Context: Liberation Theology was a Christian policitcal movement that began in Latin America in the 1950's and 60's. The theology was officially opposed by the catholic church through the leadership of Pope Paul VI. Vatican II did take a more socially active stance on poverty in the world, however their position was still very far from the radicalism of Liberation Theology. The man who coined the term and was it's primary advocate was a Peruvian Priest named Gustavo Gutierrez who wrote "A Theology of Liberation" in 1971. It's most vocal detractors call the movement a kind of "Christian Marxism." Impact: The Impact tends to be two fold. On the one hand people through the theology have found new energy to care for social justice. In it's most extreme cases it has been used to legitimize social revolution. If Jesus advocated overturning the esablished order, it makes sense to continue in that legacy as a kind of revolutionary. Summarize: Liberation theology argues that one of Jesus's primary purposes in coming to earth was to advocate for the poor and oppressed by opposing the social evils that oppessed them. In Liberation theology the poverty is caused by sin, but not necessarily personal sin but societal sin. It's primary proof text are those that speak of Jesus not coming to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 24:24 Quote: God is disclosed in the historical ‘’praxis’’ of liberation. It is the situation, and our passionate and reflective involvement in it, which mediates the Word of God. Today that Word is mediated through the cries of the poor and the oppressed.[15] -Richard McBrien History is the scene of the revelation God makes of the mystery of his person. His word reaches us in the measure of our involvement in the evolution of history.[16] -Gustavo Gutierrez Evaluation: While it is true that Jesus turned the established worldy order on it's head, the movement tends to overlook Jesus's mission in dealing with person sin. It also tend to think of social problems as having systemic causes rather than at the level of human nature. It assumes that a change of political power from the rich to the poor can solve societal evil rather than through the redemptive power of the gospel. Opponents: It's primary opponents have been Alfonso Trujillo as well as Pope John Paul II. Resources: Wikipedia has a very helpful article on liberation theology. You might also find this site very helpful as well. http://www.landreform.org/boff2.htm

Patton Docetism

MAP Report Docetism Matt Patton 4/18/13 1. Context. Docetism began to develop in the Christian church as early as 70a.d. It was a kind of amalgamation of Jewish or Oriental and Greek thought. I was propagated as an attempt to make the gospel more appealing to a Greek audience. As it was one of the earliest heresies to appear in the church, refutations of it appear even in the new testament epistles. It teaches a dichotomy presenting the physical universe as evil and the spiritual universe as good. 2. Impact This belief in all physical things being evil forced them to spiritualise things in the gospel. They couldn't accept the incarnation because the divine couldn't descend in the "evil" of a physical body forcing them to spiritualise teachings on Christ specifically his death and resurrection. Further, since Docetists believed the body of Christ was an allusion, they couldn't accept the Eucharist as either representatively or actually the blood and body of Christ. Another implication of the docetic teaching that our true selves are spiritual not physical was the belief that if I sinned, it wasn't the real me. It was just my body. Therefore they could indulge in all kinds of sinful behaviors without it ever effecting their soul or their spirit. Docetism continues to have subtle effects on modern Christian thinking at times as well. People often imagine that heaven will not be so much a physical place, but merely a spiritual place where our souls go when we die. The biblical message affirms the goodness of the physical self through the doctrine of the future resurrection of our physical bodies. Modern Christian thought can also slide into Docetic like thinking in regard to it's view of sin. Just like Docetists didn't imagine sin as affecting them or being real at all, Modern Christians can imagine since their soul is destined for heaven that sinning doesn't really effect the at all either. Summarize: The essential doctrine of Docetism is physical matter is evil, and spiritual matter is good. They believed the physical realm was created by a false god or demiurge in order to cloud the truth that true humanity is the divine spiritual spark within. True salvation then receiving the true knowledge of your true nature being spiritual not physical. Quotes: With the illusion stripped away, I could see that we were part of an ocean of light. We are light flowing, moving, and transmuting shape similarly to the way that water morphs into steam and ice and snow.” Jonathan Talat Phillips, The Electric Jesus: The Healing Journey of a Contemporary Gnostic Mind is the lock. Knowing is the key. Unlock the mind and open your heart.” ― Robin Craig Clark, Voyager: The Art of Pure Awareness Evaluation: Scripture quickly and resoundingly corrects this heresy in Genesis when God declares everything that was created was good (Gen 1:31). Christian doctrine resoundingly affirms the goodness of the created physical world as well as the spiritual. Secondly denying the goodness of the physical universe destroys our grounding of our future hope because the Christian hope is based on the bodily resurrection of Christ as a first fruits of our own future bodily resurrection at the return of Christ. As Paul puts in in 1 Corinthians 15, if Christ was not raised we are of all people most to be pitied. Opponents: The first and primary opponent of Docetism was the apostle John. In first John he attacks the heresy on three fronts. First the in regards to the incarnation he thoroughly affirms Christ coming "in the flesh." As he says at the very beginning of his first epistle. "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched-this we proclaim concerning the Word of Life" 1 John 1:1 Secondly John corrects their heresy that they could sin only with their body and their spirit remain without sin. "If we claim to be without sin, we decieve ourselves and the truth is not in us." 1 John 1:8 Thirdly he criticises the Docetist for their failure to love as they rejected all who do not have their special knowledge. "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 1:8 Resources: Helpful recources might be this article from Princeton online. https://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Docetism.html Another helpful recourse would be the TDNT commentary on 1 John.

ASCETICISM

Asceticism

Definition-  Abstinence from various worldly pleasures, with the aim of pursuing religious and spiritual goals.    

HIstory of Word-  originally the adjective “ascetic” derived from the ancient Greek term askesis which means training or exercise.  

This is not originally a Christian movement.  The Greeks had similar views in Cynicism and Stoicism.  But some would credit Jesus with being an Ascetic (usually the Ascetics) because of his itinerant lifestyle and apparent lack of possessions.  Personally, it seems we have a lack of information on this issue and most of the people that hold that view do so based on inference.  Certainly people have lived an Ascetic lifestyle as their sacrificed life to God.  One might say that Jesus asked His followers to life an Ascetic lifestyle if they where to follow him.  The Rich Young Ruler comes to mind as well as Matthew, who left his lucrative tax booth.  There are the disciples that left their life of Fishing, like Peter and Andrew, to become Fishers of Men.

Throughout history there have been influential Christians whom lived this ascetic life.  The largest community in church history were the Dessert Fathers.  Some of the key people in that movement were St. Origen, St. Jerome, and St. Inatius.  But we cannot forget Chrysotom.  Nor shall we forget St. Francis of Assisi who vowed that there should be no one poorer than him.

Today, we have an American version of this movement which seems to be a little ironic since living in America itself is almost impossible not to be rich and one could argue that it is impossible to live ascetically.  Shane Clayborne is one of the most popular, but there are many missionaries coming out of the U.S. that have a conviction that they must work in poverty to serve Jesus better.  (thesimpleway.org)  

For us, I believe we need to follow a simple principle as we navigate this difficult and challenging disciple of the Ascetic life.   Those that do I believe find that they needed to Abstain to Abide in Jesus.  But, there are many examples in the Bible of followers of God that did not feel the call of asceticism.   So how must we live.   The answer is that there is no global answer for all Christians.  We must individually seek the Lord’s wisdom and call on our life.  For those that have the tough call to Abstain we must remember Jesus’ admonition to Peter when Peter thought it important to talk about the disciple whom Jesus loved.  You Follow Me!

Articles  and books used for research:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asceticism

The Way of the Heart: The Spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers 

by Henri J. M. Nouwen 

The Bible

Sam Storms on "baptism" vs. "filling"

Sam storms article- click here

Adam Reck- report on transubstantiation

Context:  Transubstantiation is a Catholic and Orthodox doctrine that attempts to define the extent to which the “real presence” of Christ is present in the Lord’s Supper(Eucharist).

The term “transubstantiation” doesn’t occur until the 11th century it was used Hildebert de Lavardin to describe the physical change of the bread and wine into the actual body and blood of Christ.  In 1215 at the fourth council of Lateran the term was fully adopted into the language of the church when they stated:  “the bread and wine is “transubstantiated”, by God’s power, into his body and blood.”

Even though the term wasn't used the idea of the bread and wine being Christ's literal body and blood started gaining popularity in the 9th century when Pascasius Radbert, a monk, and afterward abbot of Corbey in Picardy, published a treatise concerning the sacrament of the body and blood of Christ. (see quote below) "In 1551, the Council of Trent met in response to protestant heresies and further defined transubstantiation.(see below)

Some Catholic apologists will state that the idea of the Lord’s Supper being made up of the literal body and blood of Christ came from the early church fathers such as, Justin Martyr, Ignatius, and Tertullian. However most of the quotes they use can be argued were more about defending the human body of Jesus against Gnosticism than a belief that the Eucharist actually becomes Jesus’ body and blood.

Impact:  This idea is an essential Catholic doctrine and is seen as a “mysterious triad” along with the Trinity and the Incarnation that transcends reason and rational explanation.

Taking a literal interpretation of John 6:55-56: For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. If the elements are not a representation of Christ but his true body and blood the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is not seen as a remembrance of Christ, but a union with Christ and a need of receiving the Eucharist weekly if not daily is essential for believers.

Quote: “That after the consecration of the bread and wine in the Lord's Supper, nothing remained of these symbols but the outward form or figure, under which the body and blood of Christ were really and locally present; and that this body so present was the identical body that had been born of the Virgin Mary, had suffered on the cross, and had been raised from the dead." --Pascasius Radbert

"that wonderful and singular conversion of the whole substance of the bread into the Body, and of the whole substance of the wine into the Blood – the species only of the bread and wine remaining – which conversion indeed the Catholic Church most aptly calls Transubstantiation"--council of Trent  

Evaluation:  I have always appreciated the Catholic churches emphasis not on entertaining music, skits, or sermons but on the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.  However I think the church takes too literal of an interpretation of verses such as Matt. 26:28, and John 6:53-58.  

There are several logical and theological missteps transubstantiation makes as well.  Namely the Lord’s supper occurred before Christ’s crucifixion so it must have been figurative then.

Opponents:  Protestants.  In the reformation transubstantiation was seen as a highly controversial doctrine.  Martin Luther in his writing “On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church” wrote:  Therefore it is an absurd and unheard-of juggling with words, to understand "bread" to mean "the form, or accidents of bread," and "wine" to mean "the form, or accidents of wine." Why do they not also understand all other things to mean their forms, or accidents? Even if this might be done with all other things, it would yet not be right thus to emasculate the words of God and arbitrarily to empty them of their meaning.

The meaning and presence of Christ in the Lord’s supper differs throughout denominations.  Lutherans believe in the sacramental union, Reformed churches spiritual presence, and many others as purely symbolic.

Resources:

“Transubstantiation.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia.  Wikimedia Foundation Inc. 31 March, 2014.

“Real Prescence.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia.  Wikimedia Foundation Inc. 31 March, 2014.

Watson, Richard. Entry for 'Transubstantiation'. Noah Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary. http://www.studylight.org/dic/wtd/view.cgi?n=1548. 1831-2.

Obstat, Nihil. Lafort, Remy, Censor. Entry for 'Eucharist'. The Catholic Encyclopedia. http://www.studylight.org/enc/tce/view.cgi?n=4208. Robert Appleton Company. New York. 1914.

Pohle, Joseph. "The Blessed Eucharist as a Sacrament." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 5. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1909. 11 Apr. 2014 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05584a.htm>.

Slick, Matt. “Transubstantiation and the Real Presence.” Christian Apologetics and Research Institute, carm.org. 2014.

                                     yeah- that's right...I said it - TRANSUBSTANTIATION

Driscoll on atonement theories

Click here for chart

J. P. Moreland on Epistemology & Skepticism

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc1-gBBEFnY&list=PLE173C79182E1B2D5


This is the link to the YouTube video of Moreland…sorry for the fuzzy quality!

Great Debate guidelines

*PRO argument- 20 min.
*CON argument- 20 min.
*CON rebuttal/questions- 10 min.
*PRO rebuttal/questions- 10 min.

Debate 1- start at 10:30
11:30- lunch

Debate 2- starts by 12:30
Done by 1:30

Debate 3- starts by 1:30
Done by 2:30

2:30- announcements
2:45- class responses
Class needs to plan on staying till 3:15

Writing a thinker paper

ATONEMENT BOOKS

*BOOK selections= 

Stott- “The Cross of Christ”/Bridges- “The Great Exchange”/Packer-”In my place...”/Carson-”Scandalous”/Jeffery,Ovey,Sach- “Pierced for Our Transgressions”/Piper “The Future of Justification”/Morris “The Atonement”/Murray “Redemption Accomplished”

2014 module schedule

module 4 overview 2011-2012

upcoming schedule

Mac notes on Mark week 13

RC Sproul on miracles

Click here for the videos

Sam Storms - Already/Not Yet

Click here to read the article