Who is Jesus Christ for us today
- During the darkest days of the Nazi regime, Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously asked the churches, “Who is Jesus Christ for us today?” By asking this question, Bonhoeffer indicated that it is not enough to simply confess that Jesus is Lord if that confession is not accompanied by a recognition of Jesus’s identification with and presence among those who are being crushed by the evil forces of the day. A Jesus who is only a distant historical and/or divine figure is not the real Jesus. The real Jesus is found among “the least of these,” i.e., the poor, the oppressed, the downtrodden.
- This week we will attempt to answer Bonhoeffer’s penetrating question for ourselves. In doing so, we will bring Christology to bear on the living questions of our time. We are going to apply the doctrine of Christ to the realities of this world. However, if Bonhoeffer is right, we are not just asking after the relevance of this doctrine but also trying to understand it in its true depth and scope. Keep that in mind as our discussion commences.
- Your initial post this week should consist of a brief answer to the question “Who is Jesus Christ for us today?” Post your answer in the discussion forum called “Discuss: Who is Jesus Christ for us today?” by end of Tuesday.
Be specific in your answer. Don’t just wax eloquent about those in need. Bonhoeffer’s answer was not generic: he spoke up on behalf of the Jews, the gypsies and the “enemies of the state” who were being sent off to die in concentration camps–and he himself was executed for his opposition! So take a risk and be specific.
Be sure also to explain your answer. What is it about Jesus that gives one grounds to identify where he is today? Bonhoeffer’s question does not imply that we can simply identify Jesus with anything or anyone we want. The question is with whom has Jesus identified himself? So give reasons for your answer.
- Then, by end of Thursday, engage in conversation with one another by responding to at least two of your classmate’s posts. Make substantial responses that illustrate, expand on, critique, extend, and so forth. Also, be sure to interact with the comments of the professor. For clarification of expectations, see the “Evaluation Rubric for Discussions” in the Course Syllabus.
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