Christology

Education provides opportunities to grow and learn about ideas that might well escape our attention in the normal course of life and thought. One course included in my studies at a liberal seminary I attend some years ago was called "Christology." I joyfully signed up for the three credits anticipating the future discovery of new insights and deeper understanding of the Incarnate Word.

Purchasing the required texts was disappointing because of the lack of exegetical approach to Scripture pursued by the authors. Entering the classroom and reviewing the syllabus produced a similar response. The essence of the professor's view of Christ revolved around the concept of what was called "Creative Transformation." There is a little of Christ in everyone, some more than others. Jesus possessed the greatest amount along with other great religious leaders as well as anyone who exhibited creativity that resulted in change. Jesus (mythological character to be sure, according to the 'teacher') possessed a greater amount of this creative transformation than most and may be considered a prototype for Christians. Developing your inner christ is the goal of the Christian life.

How sad! No, pathetic might be a better choice of words. Compromising, heretical, and unfaithful to a sound biblical theology would be accurate terms as well. I have never ceased to be amazed that intelligent people can totally distort a clear reading of the biblical text to develop a theory with absolutely no bases in the text of Scripture. Christology as Creative Transformation? Please! Nothing is as profound, creative, or worthy of discovery as the living Word of God! Hear the words of the text...

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:1, 14 NIV). We celebrate the coming of the Incarnate One who became a human being in order to redeem humanity and provide reconciliation to the Father. "Yet to all who received him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12 NIV).

Incredible truth and profound mystery! Our Savior came as a baby to live his life and give his life for you and me. May we be forever captivated by the wonder of the miracle of the Incarnate Word. We celebrate Him! Our Christology is nothing less than the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth.