Christology

Jesus Christ – History and Theology

Level 1 – Course 4: Six Sessions

The course provides an overview of the historical reality, resurrection, incarnation, humanity, and divinity of Jesus Christ as expressed through Catholic teachings and tradition. Through the study of Scripture, the early Church and various Ecumenical Councils, students will develop a complete image of Jesus Christ.

Course Textbook: Christology: True God, True Man, Fr. Matthias Neuman
Course Textbook: Christology: True God, True Man, Fr. Matthias Neuman & Thomas Walters, Loyola Press, Chicago, 2002.  (ISBN: 978-0-8294-1719-7). See above for an image of the book cover.

Student Learning Objectives:

The student will develop an understanding of Jesus Christ in light of the Catholic Christian tradition. Through topical discussions in areas such as New Testament writings, Tradition, the life of Jesus, Ecumenical Councils, redemption & salvation, and Christ in the Church, students will grow in their knowledge of Jesus Christ and deepen their relationship with Him in their journey of faith.
SUPPLEMENTAL READING LIST
Christology: A Biblical, Historical, and Systematic Study of Jesus, Gerald O’Collins, Oxford University Press, NY, 2009 (Second Edition).  ISBN-978-0-19-955787-5.

Suggested Course Outline

  1. The Witness of the New Testament
    1. Faith and History
    2. The Mystery of the Resurrection
    3. The Divinity of Jesus
  2. Seeking the Life History of Jesus
    1. Major Events
    2. Jesus’ Life Events as Mysteries
  3. Christology and the First Ecumenical Councils
    1. Confusion about Christ
    2. Catholic Church Tradition
    3. The Ecumenical Councils
    4. Two Approaches to Christology
  4. Further Christological Beliefs
    1. Redemption & Salvation
    2. Christology and Theology
    3. Modern Concerns
  5. Images of Jesus Christ in Catholic Spirituality
    1. The Meaning of an Image
    2. Images of Jesus
    3. Christology and Spirituality
  6. Christ With Us Today
    1. Christ in the Church
    2. Christ in Prayer
  7. Jesus Christ: Lord of the Future
    1. Dialogue with Other Religions
    2. Jesus Christ, Lord of the Future