Jesus The Christ

1. 
   Matthew permalink

   November 9, 2007

   Christians need to be more like Christ
2. 
   Karen permalink

   November 9, 2007

   In order for us to be Christ-like, we need first to explore our response to the question Jesus asks Peter–Who do YOU say that I am?

   Yes, I know what some of you are thinking…there’s only one Christ. True, but there are so many different lenses through which we regard him. How we see Jesus and think about his ministry (personal savior, nonviolent revolutionary, challenger of Judaism) has direct bearing on how we will go about emulating him.
3. 
   Brian permalink*

   November 9, 2007

   @ Matthew: Amen.

   @ Karen: The book we studied earlier entitled If God Is Love and the ensuing discussions drastically changed my view of Jesus. I now view him through the “nonviolent revolutionary” lens and it made me love him so much more. I also think it’s quite possible to see him as all of the things that you described, as none of them are in conflict.

   I can’t help but feel that most of those that call themselves “Christians” have little idea what a complex person he was. We tend to think of him as a human sacrifice, rather than a human. His life was just as important as his death, but it’s often overlooked.

   I know I’ve just scratched the surface of who this God-man was, but I’m eager to learn more.
4. 
   Karen permalink

   November 9, 2007

   Complex is right…and yet still Jesus was and is profoundly approachable. I’m glad he has so much dimension; still, I understand the human temptation to “domesticate” him.

   Someone who’s written an interesting book is Father John Dear. In “The Questions of Jesus” many facets of this God-man come into greater clarity. It’s a book worth reading and pondering. Marcus Borg and Brian McLaren, too, each have understandings of Jesus’ depth and breath that warrant a closer look.

   Your readers may have other suggestions, as well.
5. 
   refreshingfromheaven permalink

   November 10, 2007

   Hello Brian,

   Short and deep. Gahandi was right. Our challenge is to embody God’s love for humanity. The talks by NT Wrigth have encouraged my spiritual journey to understand that our role is to model who God is for this generation, as Jesus was for his own generation.

   Be blessed,
6. 
   Brian permalink*

   November 10, 2007

   @ Karen: McLaren is definitely on my “to-read” list.

   @ refreshingfromheaven: Thanks for your comment and blessings to you as well.

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