Christology

The Theandric Mystery of Jesus Christ in Byzantine Christology

by Anthony Papantoniou

Published in Studii Teologice 3 (2009): 177-196.

“The Rhetoric of Kyrios and the Diminution of the Son of David in the Gospel of Mark.” Presented to the Mark Group at the Annual Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature in San Francisco, CA (November, 2011).

by Michael Whitenton

“Trying Jesus: Rhetoric and Testimony in the Markan Passion Narrative.” To be Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature in Chicago, IL (November, 2012).

by Michael Whitenton

The Common Word: Reflections on Muslim-Christian Dialogue

by Khalil Andani

Originally published by KeepingitHalal.com

This article proposes a method of theological Muslim-Christian dialogue – which is in fact a da`wah based on knowledge... more This article proposes a method of theological Muslim-Christian dialogue – which is in fact a da`wah based on knowledge as opposed to adversarial debate or polemic – that seeks to fulfill the spirit of the Qur’anic emphasis on beautiful discourse:

“O mankind! We created you from male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (lita‘arafoo).” (Holy Qur’an 49:13)

This “recognition” (ma‘rifah) can only occur if all participants in the dialogue (as opposed to an adversarial debate) are permitted to clearly present the principles of their faith tradition whereby all parties are able to truly understand each others’ positions. The paper evokes one the most contentious issues which separate Christianity and Islam – the Christian doctrine of the Divine Sonship of Christ – which Muslims reject. However, the application of the above method to this specific Christian belief can actually allow a Christian to come to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Qur’an being the Word of God for Muslims and likewise, clear up Muslim misconceptions of Christian theology.

Shi'a Isma'ili Muslim Christology: Jesus in Classical Isma'ili Thought

by Khalil Andani

Presented at "The Christology Symposium: Multiple Perspectives within Christianity and Islam" held at the University of Toronto (St. Michael's College), March 15, 2012

“…the conditions of the dialogue between Christianity and Islam change completely as soon as the interlocutor... more “…the conditions of the dialogue between Christianity and Islam change completely as soon as the interlocutor represents not legalistic Islam but this spiritual Islam, whether it be that of Sufism or of Shi‘ite gnosis.”
(Henry Corbin, Spiritual Body and Celestial Earth, Prologue)

Khalil Andani’s presentation titled "Shi‘a Isma‘ili Muslim Christology: Jesus in Classical Isma‘ili Thought" summarized some of the classical Isma‘ili Muslm perspectives on Jesus which stem from the Fatimid Isma‘ili discourse on the absolute transcendence of God, the Universal Intellect (al-‘aql al-kull), and the Cycles of the Natiqs (Prophets) and the Imams. The presentation concluded by sharing an Isma‘ili ta’wil (esoteric interpretation) of the Christian Cross and the Islamic Shahada as outlined in the writings of Abu Yaqub al-Sijistani and Ja’far ibn Mansur al-Yaman which demonstrate the ecumenical and pluralistic approaches of the Fatimid Isma‘ili thinkers.

The Metaphysics of the Common Word: A Dialogue of Eckhartian and Isma'ili Gnosis (Part 2)

by Khalil Andani

This article, the conclusion of a two-part series (the first part was published in Volume 26 of this journal) presents... more This article, the conclusion of a two-part series (the first part was published in Volume 26 of this journal) presents a comparative dialogue between the Trinitarian metaphysics of Christianity as taught by Meister Eckhart and the metaphysics of Islam as elucidated in Shi'a Isma'ili theosophy, in which the three Persons of the Christian Trinity are compared with the three highest hypostases of Isma'ili gnosis. In this second instalment, the author continues the metaphysical dialogue by comparing Eckhart's concept of the Son and the Isma'ili notion of the Universal Intellect (al-'Aql al-Kull) in light of concept of the Divine Intellect. The author then explores the relationship between the Father and the Son as understood by Meister Eckhart and compares this to the relationship between the Divine Command and Universal Intellect as conceived in Isma'ili gnosis. This is followed by a comparison of Eckhart's concept of the Holy Spirit and the Isma'ili concept of the Universal Soul (al-Nafs al-Kull) in relation to the notion of Divine Love. The author also highlights the correspondence between the figures of Christ and his Virgin Mother in Christianity and the figures of the Imam and his Hujjah in Isma'ili Islam. The article concludes by exploring how metaphysical commonalities can inform and enlighten the Christian and Muslim dialogues in the modern world.

They Killed Him Not: The Crucifixion in Shi'a Isma'ili Islam

by Khalil Andani

This article explains the Isma‘ili Muslim understanding of the Qur’anic verses on the  Crucifixion, the meaning... more This article explains the Isma‘ili Muslim understanding of the Qur’anic verses on the  Crucifixion, the meaning of the Crucifixion in Isma‘ili eschatology and the esoteric  exegesis (ta’wil) of the Cross, according to the Isma‘ili philosophers.  These Isma‘ili
Muslim perspectives were articulated in the tenth and eleventh century when Isma‘ili  philosophy underwent a great flowering.  But there is reason to believe that such  perspectives, due to their pluralistic, ecumenical and esoteric outlook, can play a great role in the modern age towards opening further doors of understanding and recognition between the faiths of Christianity and Islam.

The Metaphysics of the Common Word: A Dialogue of Eckhartian and Isma'ili Gnosis (Part 1)

by Khalil Andani

This essay—the first of two parts—presents a comparative dialogue between the Trinitarian metaphysics of Christianity... more This essay—the first of two parts—presents a comparative dialogue between the Trinitarian metaphysics of Christianity as taught by Meister Eckhart and the metaphysics of Islam as elucidated in Shi'a Isma'ili theosophy. This important study, which we believe to be the first of its kind, compares the three Persons of the Christian Trinity with the three highest hypostases of Isma'ili gnosis. In this first installment, the author puts forth the premises for a metaphysical dialogue and outlines the correspondence between the degrees of Beyond-Being and Being as described by Meister Eckhart and the Isma'ili theosophers. This is followed by a detailed comparison of the Eckhartian notion of the Godhead (Gottheit) and the Isma'ili concept of the Divine Essence or the Originator (al-Mubdi) as well as their respective apophatic discourses on the nature of the Ultimate Reality. The first part concludes with a comparison of Eckhart's concept of the Father and the Isma'ili concept of the Divine Command (Amr) in light of the concept of Pure Being. The second installment, which will continue the metaphysical and hypostatic comparisons, is to be published in volume 27 of Sacred Web.

Ellis_Joel_Signs in John's Gospel

by Joel Ellis

Rowan Williams as Hegelian Political Theologian: Resacralising Secular Politics

by Carys Moseley

Published in Heythrop Journal 53(3), May 2012: 362-381.

Do Man-Made Laws Trump the Authority of Jesus? Reflecting on the Meaning of Humility, Priestly Service, and the Issue of Women’s Ordination by Michele Stopera Freyhauf

by Michele Stopera Freyhauf

Originially published on the Feminism and Religion Project

Maundy Thursday – the imitation of Jesus’ act of service and submission is re-created.  Controversy surrounds the... more Maundy Thursday – the imitation of Jesus’ act of service and submission is re-created.  Controversy surrounds the “disciples” – must they be all men?  Are women allowed?  Who steps into Jesus’ role?  Men, women, or both?  Why, when it comes to imitating the act of  humility and priestly service (rooted in our baptismal call), does a distinction of gender need to made at all?

As I progressed towards the intersection, I looked up to witness a grand procession of men dressed in white albs with stoles that often contained subtle hints of gold, worn in a manner to distinguish their role as priests and deacons.  They moved slowly down the sidewalk entering the Cathedral to begin their celebration of the Chrism Mass – a celebration of priesthood and priestly service within the Diocese where all priests and deacons gather to celebrate and re-affirm their commitment to ministry and service to the Church.  It is also during this Mass that the oils used in sacramental celebrations, used by each church, are blessed by the Bishop.

Revelation and the Subjective Event

by John Gleim

D. Costache, Σύνθετος Elemente de Hristologie Soteriologica la Sf. Maxim Marturisitorul

by Doru Costache

Published, in Romanian, in Anuarul Facultatii de Teologie Ortodoxa "Justinian Patriarhul" University of Bucharest 2001

The article explores the complex soteriological dimension of St Maximus the Confessor's Christology, highlighting its... more The article explores the complex soteriological dimension of St Maximus the Confessor's Christology, highlighting its comsological and existential implications. Apologies, no English version available.

Tem em vós os mesmos sentimentos de Cristo (Fp 2,5)

by Igor Miguel

Publicado em Convergência (CRB), Rio de Janeiro, v. 44, n. 426, p. 676-692, 2009.

Uma análise teológica e exegética da "kenósis" (esvaziamento) de Cristo. Uma análise teológica e exegética da "kenósis" (esvaziamento) de Cristo.

A perspective on Easter

by Samuel Curkpatrick

5.4.12

Continuity And Tradition: The Prominent Role Of Cyrillian Christology In Fifteenth Century Ethiopia

by Jacopo J. M. Gnisci

Polyvocia SOAS Journal of Graduate Research, Vol 4 (2012)

This paper explores how the writings of one of the most influential Alexandrian theologians, Cyril of Alexandria (c.... more This paper explores how the writings of one of the most influential Alexandrian theologians, Cyril of Alexandria (c. 378-444), played a particularly significant role in shaping Ethiopian Christology in its earliest developments. It also emphasizes the enduring importance of his work in 15th century Ethiopian theology.

Al‐Ghazālī's “Mirror Christology” and Its Possible East‐Syriac Sources

by Alexander Treiger

"Antichristologies": A comparison of Juan Luis Segundo and Burton Mack

by Andrew Irvine

Christological Method and Reality: On Theological Speech and the Phenomenon of Truth Presenting

by Lucas Wright

Term paper submitted for the seminar "Contemporary Christologies" at Fuller Theological Seminary

The Pœnitentiale Theodori in theological perspective: soteriological aspects of confession according to Theodore of Tarsus

by James Siemens

forthcoming

ABSTRACT

As cosmopolitan a figure as he is, that Theodore of Tarsus may have brought certain Greek... more ABSTRACT

As cosmopolitan a figure as he is, that Theodore of Tarsus may have brought certain Greek theological notions to bear on his archiepiscopal work in Britain would not be an unreasonable assumption. Indeed, work on Theodore and his legacy undertaken over the last twenty years has revealed that, if nothing else, he was an extraordinary synthesiser: evidence for which is plentiful in the penitential that bears his name. Assuming that the Pœnitentiale Theodori represents an authentic record of Theodore’s thought on the nature of sin and its remedy, then the fact that we encounter pastoral motifs drawn from the Christian East is not surprising (albeit a figure like Cassian appears as an influence across the tradition). In any case, of greater interest would be knowing why the learned archbishop not only acceded to the use of penitentials, but became known as a virtual master of penitential teaching in his own time and beyond. Fortunately, the answer to this question need not be so elusive as it once was, for the availability of the Laterculus Malalianus – the one known piece of sustained theological prose left to us by Theodore – serves as a veritable repository of his christological-soteriological conceptions, and as a key to understanding not only his mind on academic theological questions, as if these were somehow distinct from his pastoral work, but his worldview as a whole, and especially as it was borne out in his approach to penitential practice.