Incarnation

• Incarnation


  The revelation of God in the image of humanity
• Catholic understanding of incarnation


  • The significance of the example and teaching of Jesus as the authoritative source for moral teaching
  • The importance of the sacramental nature of reality and expressions of beliefs about Jesus in symbol and statuary
• This leads to an examination of different Christian views about images of Jesus

  
• Christian symbols


  Ichthus (fish), Alpha and Omega, Chi-Rho
• Ichthus


  Greek for Fish, Acronym for Jesus Christ, God's Son and Saviour, Used by first Christians during persecutions as easy to draw on sand and erase
• Chi-Rho


  First two letters for Greek word for Christ, X shape reminder of Jesus' death through which he redeemed the world
• Alpha and Omega


  First and last letters of Greek alphabet, Symbolises Eternity - Jesus there at beginning and end, Normally found on Paschal Candle/vestments/Christian art
• Belief in the incarnation has influenced Catholic views about religious art and imagery
• The meaning and scriptural origins of the belief in Jesus as the incarnate Son (Luke 1:26–38 and Matthew 1:18–24) and divine Word (John 1:1–4 and 1:14)

  
• Jesus as both fully human and fully God


  • Jesus as 'Son of Man' (Mark 8:31)
  • Jesus as 'Son of God' (Mark 14:61–62)

  
• Jesus as the fulfilment of the law, a model of virtues and authoritative source for moral teaching as exemplified in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1–12) and in his teaching on how Christians should respond to those in need (Matthew 25:31–46)
• The similarities and differences in the understanding of the incarnation as presented in Dei Verbum 4 and Verbum Domini 12
• Incarnation


  God took on the full limitations of the human condition when he became human
• Jesus


  Fully human and fully divine

  
• The Word of God is another name for the Son of God- who is both fully God and a separate part of the Trinity

  
• John 1:1-4 teaches about the nature of the Word of God
• Son of Man


  Jesus described himself this way, particularly when referring to his suffering
• Son of God


  Jesus described himself this way at his trial before the Sanhedrin
• The title 'Son of Man' was one that Jesus used to refer to himself, especially in reference to his suffering and death
• The title 'Son of Man' reminds Christians of the extent of Jesus' love for humanity and helps them understand Jesus as someone they can relate to

  
• The title 'Son of God' gives a clearer identification of Jesus' identity and is more universally understood

  
• The resurrection proves that Jesus was always God, but during his life on earth he limited himself to the human condition
• There is not a 'best' title for Jesus, nothing can capture his identity as the Second Person of the Trinity who became incarnate
• Focusing on Jesus' humanity helps Christians understand him as someone they can relate to and as someone who understands their needs
• Focusing on Jesus' humanity reminds Christians of the extent of Jesus' love for humanity

  
• Focusing only on Jesus' humanity could make people forget that he is also divine, which is an essential part of his nature
• Christians must focus on both Jesus' humanity and divinity as this is the essence of the fundamental Christian belief of the incarnation

  
• Divinity


  Jesus' eternal nature
• John's Gospel


  • Supports Jesus' divinity

  
• Where the divinity of Jesus is normally found


  • Paschal Candle
  • Vestments
  • Christian art
• Incarnation


  How it affects Catholic attitudes towards religious art
• Protestants tend to think there is a danger that having images and sculptures of Jesus leads people to be superstitious and to worship them as idols
• Protestants might find the sacred heart too upsetting and violent, taking it too literally rather than an as image of the love of god
• Protestants may react to the crucifix by arguing that Christ is risen and not still on the cross
• Catholic view on religious art due to the Incarnation


  Religious art is acceptable, as the invisible, transcended God made himself known and visible in human form in Jesus, so it is perfectly acceptable to have images of Christ and the saints
• Images are not worshiped by Catholics, they are respected - only God is worshipped</b>
• Religious images help people to focus and pray
• Sacro Sanctum Concilium: 'Very rightly the fine arts are considered to rank among the noblest activities of man's genius and this applies especially to religious art.'
• Catechism: 'Whoever venerates an images venerates the person portrayed in it. The honour paid to sacred images is a 'respectful veneration' not the adoration due to God alone.'
• Contrasting Christian views about statues of Jesus


  • Some Christians think making / using statues of Jesus is against the second commandment which forbids using images in worship. They believe it is not possible to know what Jesus looked like, Jesus is God's Son, so infinite and portraying Jesus could lessen understanding of his divinity.
  • Other Christians think statues of Jesus can help them concentrate on aspects of his teaching and life / e.g. a crucifix can remind people of his suffering and great love in sacrificing himself for humankind. A Sacred Heart statue can show his burning love for people. Christ the Redeemer can show his sacrifice and love of all people. The invisible God can be revealed to people through an image of Jesus which can be related to by human beings