Theology AS concept of the soul Flashcards
Eschatology (future)
A part of theology concerned with the final events of history, or the ultimate destiny of humanity. This concept can be referred to as “end of the world” or “end of time”
Kingdom of god
1) Kingdom of Heaven in Gospel of Matthew (Jesus audience) one of the main elements of the teachings of Jesus in New testament
2) The Old Testament refers to “God the judge of all” and the notion that humans will be “judged” is an esssential part of the christian teaching. (kingship of God)
3) its a way of evangelism, Knowing god would judge gives christians a constant reminder.
4) Jesus gave Peter the key to the kingdom of heaven-metaphorical for being head of the church.
Perspectives on the kingdom of God
“kingdom of god” -used by the church to mean Christian lifestyle - a message of world evangelisation- rediscovery of charismatic gifts
others: Relate it not to our present or future, but for world to come.
Scholars say its Christian lifestyle
ORIGEN: scholar, early christian theologian, from Alexandria. A prolific writer in many branches of theology, including textual criticism, biblical exegesis(interpretation of bible) and hermeneutics(bible interpretated literally)
EUSEBIUS: greek, exegete (like a teacher who simplifies hard texts), Christian polemicist. He was scholar of Biblical canon. Extremely well learned Christian of his time.
Church fathers present 3 separate interpretations of kingdom of god?
ORIGEN: 1) - JESUS himself represents the KINGDOM
2) kingdom is the HEARTS and MINDS of the FAITHFUL captured by the LOVE of God + the pursuit of the Christian TEACHINGS.
EUSEBIUS: 1) kingdom represents the Christian church composed of the FAITHFUL.
Multiple BIBLE passages = kingdom is futuristic event (end of time) or ( eschatology)
MATTHEW: 25:34 - inherit the kingdom prepared for you
ROMANS: 14:17 - God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness and peace in the Holy Spirit
JOHN: 18- but my Kingdom is not from this world
ESCHATOLOGY
A part of theology concerned with the final events of history, or ultimate destiny of humanity.
AKA “end of the world” or “end time”
PAROUSIA
A Greek word meaning presence or arrival. Mainly used in Christian theology to refer to the 2nd coming of Christ at the end of time.
THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND THE PAROUSIA OF JESUS
1st use
1) . In the New Testament, PAROUSIA is used in correlation with Christ’s return to earth to complete the whole plan for creation + to take up his role.
2) Its used to describe “eschatological coming of Jesus, in this sense the word is used 16 times”
3) full realisation can only be experienced by those who practice Gods message.
THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND THE PAROUSIA OF JESUS (source)
2nd use
1) “ an eschatological hope of the evangelists”
2) 2nd coming of christ (parousia) and kingdom of God are connected. Jesus death-resurrection-eternal life- salvation are made available to christians.
3) By living good life, Christians are given opportunity to be rewarded with afterlife.
4) However, at end of time, Christians believe that Jesus will return again + bring an everlasting kingdom of god.
CONCEPT OF THE SOUL
Can be described as “the soul is the truth of who we are”
Definition: Its a non-physical essence, immaterial part of a human being or animal, regarded as immortal.
CONCEPT OF THE SOUL
Christian views
1) soul is a direct gift from God ( He gave us Imago Dei)
“only when our souls are clean can God come + reside in us”
GENESIS 2:
In this God gave us the “breath of life”
Thus the soul is unique to humans + reflects our closeness to God.
GENESIS is in the O.T it was based on Jewish beliefs:
Hebrew word “RUACH” (WIND OR SPIRIT) is used for “breath of life” shows God giving us essence or soul. By IMAGO DEI (image of God) Humans are a unique likeness + reflection of God, he “breathed life” into humans.
CONCEPT OF THE SOUL
Scholars examples
AQUINAS
AQUINAS: An Italian theist (after Plato)
-He was inspired by both PLATO + ARISTOTLE who had previous judgments on the soul.
-saw the soul as a “LIFE PRINCIPLE”
- Animals have “SENSITIVE SOULS” + plants have “VEGETATABLE SOULS” (Don’t have the same qualities as humans- not in imago dei, life after death is not possible for them)
- humans have “RATIONAL SOULS”, thus life after death is possible for humans, as they are RATIONAL (They have freewill- able to chose to love GOD, they are aware of choices + consequences.)
SOUL: ITS basically the driving force of any creature, enables us to reach our potential.
CONCEPT OF THE SOULS
scholar example
PLATO
PLATO: A Greek Philosopher (wrote based off Greek culture) - could suggest reasoning for incarnation. Influential philosopher of all time.
Believed the soul was essential ( essence of being), Body was temporary ( imperfect) Referred to it as a flawed shell.
1) PLato= Rebirth; To summarise, He concludes life come from death + death comes from life, in an endless chain of birth, death + rebirth (INCARNATION)AQUINAS = 1 life + uses IMAGO DEI, as he is a theist.
2) IN PHAEDO: “What is it that, when present in a body, makes it living” PLATO = INCARNATION
3) In MENO: Argues we have had knowledge before birth. = Our souls 1 lived In the world of perfect forms.
CONCEPT OF SOULS:
scholar
PLATO’s Tripartite theory of souls
Tripartite theory of souls: In Republic: said (soul or psyche) is made of 3 parts: 1) logical or reason 2) appetitive 3) spirited or emotion 2+3 are basic needs 1 = without the guiding hand of reason we can be lead astray. (need educated decisions)
