Judaism and Christianity

Judaism and Christianity

Question# 1

Harris shows that the application of the title God (theos in Greek) is not a late development, as is widely held, but something used as early as a few days after the resurrection (by Thomas in John 20:28 in A.D. 30 or 33). It was also used in Romans 9.5 which was written around A.D. 57. Harris' study challenges the view held by many that the Christology of the New Testament is entirely functional. By functional Christology is meant the idea that the person of Christ (i.e., “his unique relation to God”) can be known only in his work. Oscar Cullmann claimed that you cannot speak of the person of Christ apart from the work of Christ.

Harris concedes, that New Testament is primarily functional cannot be denied. But he points out that the presupposition of functional Christology is ontological Christology. By ontological Christology is meant a Christology which identifies the ego of Jesus with an aspect of the Being of God. In other words the New Testament not only presents Jesus as God-in-action and God-in-revelation but also as God-by-nature. Harris says, Christ performs divine functions because he is divine. His ability to act 'divinely' rests on his being divine…. Temporally being precedes doing. Logically, doing presupposes being. The above discussion would have shown that belief in Christ's deity is much more pronounced in the New Testament than is assumed by many people today.

Question# 3

The most crucial factor for the success of Christianity is God, God is become lovely merciful father, because a person may perceive that he has been in relationship with several people, and with God or divine authority. We experience relation with God which may include attachment, communication, and the possibility for conflict. On the other hand, this relationship differs from interpersonal relationships. Although many people witness that they can sense God's presence, and the majority of them are of the view that they cannot see or directly communicate to God. In addition, the God is seen as more powerful than humans. In monotheistic religion of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity broadly define God as powerful, aware, authoritative, and capability of being everywhere. A relationship with God cannot be as simple as interpersonal relationship. The followers of these religions see God as the divine authority, which is perfect in every aspect, and sinless (Mbiti, 1992).

People perceive that a relationship with God is the purest from all, and there cannot be any hidden feeling between God and human. It is due to God's presence everywhere. People see God as the power to perform any action in the betterment of the people. It is believed that it is the most loving relationship one could ever have in one's life.

In this relationship, people believe that their channel of communication with God can only be prayers. In prayers, one can thank, complain, and express one's views, share feelings, gratitude, and happenings. From the religious point of view, it is clear that God can hear us, listen to our views, and fulfill our ...