| Popis: |
Purpose: In this essay a limited and specific selection of Swedish pastoral letters, has been used in order to describe and analyze various depictions (images) of Christ. Furthermore, the similarities as well as the differences between the depictions, will be noted. The theoretical perspective used in the analysis is one of high versus low Christology i.e. whether the emphasis is focused on Christ as divine, or Christ as human, and the possible tension between the two. Also, the ontological and functional aspect of the images will be elucidated. Method: The used method is hermeneutic. The analysis is text oriented and initially a descriptive analysis is used to describe the various depictions. References will be made to Jesus – God and Man, by Prof. Wolfhart Pannenberg, and the article “Christology” by Prof. Ola Sigurdson. In the analysis that follows a comparative method will be used to form a normative analysis with constructive summaries of each depiction of Christ. Results and conclusions: The result of this study shows that a various number of depictions of Christ is to be found within the selected pastoral letters. In some the image of Christ is described in a substantial and obvious way, like the Compass or a Fellow human being. In contrast, there are depictions of Jesus as the Brother and the Guide. In others a symbolic image is to be found, like the Star, the Sign or Logos. There are also more traditional dogmatic depictions as the Savior. In all of them an ontological and a functional aspect can be found. The depictions of Christ also have in common that the emphasis is mainly on the humanity of Christ. In many of them a tension between the divinity and the humanity of Christ is obvious. The images are mediating openness and diversity, showing Jesus Christ as an inspiration, a beacon and someone to follow. They are all providing answers to the question of the title of this essay: Who do they say I am? |
