Classical Christology II

Unit 5

Lesson 5.1.  After reading the Study Notes for this lesson and after reading Kereszty (251-266), please answer the following questions.
1.    The Patristic principle of participation, central even to the theology of Origen, would move to the center of theological attention during the Middle Ages.  Reviewing the theology of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, please discuss the “history of the Word incarnate” (253) and its importance for the individual Christian’s conversion.
2.    Up until now the Assignments have focused on person and nature of Jesus Christ and on the salvation of humans.  But the created order, in some sense, also stands in need of salvation.  Please explain this in the light of St. Anselm’s theology and discuss its relationship to human salvation.
3.    St. Thomas Aquinas sets out a distinct edifice describing the hypostatic union in which the concepts person and subject play a central role.  Please explain St. Thomas’ theology of hypostasis focusing on these two central concepts.

Lesson 5.2.  After reading the Study Notes for this lesson and after reading Kereszty (267-324), please answer the following questions.
1.    While outlining Luther’s contributions, Kereszty also countenances distortions of Catholic truth in the theology of Martin Luther.  Please explain the theological principle of communicatio idiomata, identify where Luther is at odds with the Magisterium, and discuss how these errors affect conclusions he comes to in his theology.
2.    Please explain Calvin’s understanding of the Patristic principle, Christ as Mediator.  Outline the full trajectory of Christ’s mediation and its role in human salvation.
3.    What is meant by the phrase Liberal Protestant theology?  Please write a summary that includes sections on Kant, Hegel, Bultmann, and Schleiermacher.