Abstract The writer explains why "The Gospel of Mark" is the least polished of the four Gospels, albeit the author reveals a talent for graphic description. The writer of this paper details and analyzes various passages from the the book. The narrative opens with the preaching of John the Baptist who represents the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Following the baptism and temptation of Jesus, Mark relates his messianic ministry and then quickly takes the reader to the climax, being the week of Jesus' passion at Jerusalem which culminates in the crucifixion. The writer ponders the author's intent in penning this book and contends that it remains unclear whether or not the author's aim was to influence his fellow Christians or to simply tell the story of Jesus Christ as an historical event. This paper delves into the views and opinions of various theologians and scholars who contend that the primary purpose of "The Gospel of Mark" is to trace a genuine sequence of historical events. This in-depth paper also details one of the most important areas in the book, the passionate narrative which begins with the priests plotting the death of Jesus and concludes with the crucifixion.
From the Paper "When at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus' identity is questioned, and the author thus provides some background as to this question. First, when Jesus enters the synagogue at Capernaum, those in attendance are "astonished by his doctrine, for he taught them as one that had authority and not as the scribes" In verse 28, as a result of Jesus' teachings in the synagogue, "immediately, his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee." Once again, the strength of these verses illustrates that Jesus is a power to be reckoned with, due to his knowledge and God's proclamation that he is the only Son of God. Jesus then recruits other disciples, such as James and John, and decides to spread the Word of God to other parts of the region while doing good deeds, like miraculously healing the sick and the blind. As a symbol of his personality, Jesus does not accept the role of prophet and then forbids his disciples to spread the idea that he is the messiah, due to "the contemporary messianic ideals of the Jews which he rejected."
Abstract This paper presents a discussion about the interpretation of a work of art as it relates to the Bible story that it depicts. The writer uses an oil painting of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ to discuss both the art and the Bible story with which it correlates. The paper then argues that the artwork is a good representation of the event.
From the Paper "In this country there are very few if any people who would not recognize a picture of Jesus on the cross. While they may not be Christian or if they are they may not have been to church in awhile but everybody in America recognizes a picture of Jesus on a cross. Because it is such a common Christian picture we have become accustomed to glancing at it and understanding what it is then glancing away again. We rarely take the time to stop and determine if the picture is a true representation of the bible story or just a close facsimile. All we have to see is someone who looks like Jesus on a cross and we discount the rest of the picture without even looking at it."
A critical analysis of George MacLeod's description of the crucifixion of Jesus in "Landmarking: City, Church, & Jesuit Urban Strategy" by Thomas Lucas.
Abstract This paper analyzes George MacLeod's view of the crucifixion of Jesus, as seen in "Landmarking: City, Church, & Jesuit Urban Strategy" by Thomas Lucas. It describes his views of view of the city, the church and of Christians of the time. The paper then discusses in what ways MacLeod's argument could be defended or confirmed and to what extent his statement could be refuted or reformulated. Finally, the paper discusses the Jesuit inclinations or motivations toward mission that are echoed in MacLeod's statement.
From the Paper "Macleod relates beautifully that Jesus died among those whose lives, both physical and spiritual that he had made his business while upon the earth. Macleod with just a few words assists the reader in understanding that among all the negative factors described by MacLeod, that something precious to Jesus was to be found in the city where he died and that Jesus had found good and beauty within the city among the harlots, murderers and thieves no matter the appearance. Macleod vividly provides a description to drive home his point about the field of mission and where the responsibility of the individual who follows the path of Jesus lay."
Abstract This paper compares the Crucifixion scene from the door panels of Santa Sabine in Rome and the "Seated Buddha" from the Gandharan region of Northwest Pakistan. The author describes each of the artworks, relating their historical context and discussing symbols in the artworks that represent cultural clues to how life might have been in the time they were made. The author concludes that although these two artworks were made in different times and in very different cultural settings, they are similar in the sense that they are both representatives of the cultures that created them, especially related to religion and how common men and women viewed not only themselves but also the spiritual world.
From the Paper "In conclusion, Crucifixion and the Seated Buddha are true representatives of the cultures that created them, especially related to religion and how common men and women viewed not only themselves but also the spiritual world. Not surprisingly, both of these artworks, despite coming from very different cultural backgrounds, provides a sense of awe and wonder and allows the viewer to ponder the mysteries of life in a reflective and meditative state of grace."
Abstract A detailed analysis of the crucifixion of Christ. The author concentrates on the symbolism of the body of Christ during the crucifixion. It also looks at the importance and meaning that this created for the understanding and the conception of the human body during this time (in art and literature) and later on for the Christian religion and faith.
From the Paper "The symbolism of the body of Christ during the passion was the most influential and striking image during our later Medieval to the early modern period. The pain and wracking influence of the passion was so engrained on each person, through art, and through the constant images of crucifixion and pain that they viewed from day to day. This body held so much symbolism, each nook and cranny, and the importance of every wound. Because of this the manner in which the body of Christ is represented in art and literature is vitally important to understanding the conception of the human body during this time and the conception of the religion of these people."
Abstract This paper will give an art critique for "The Crucifixion" by Master of Saint Veronica, and "The Virgin and Child with Angels" by Master of Guillebert de Mets. By showing the cultural and political ramifications for each work, we can see how the Church held great wealth to create such highly developed artistic works.
Abstract This paper discusses how, by utilizing the best-established facts surrounding this topic, the question as to what really happened after Jesus Christ was crucified at Golgotha can be addressed with some certainty, while allowing room for much speculation. It looks at how a majority of contemporary Christian scholars, who study the Holy Bible and, especially, the New Testament, genuinely believe that the disciples saw the risen Jesus after his crucifixion, whereas the lack of hard data to support this belief leads others to believe that the story is, in fact, a myth.
From the Paper "In support of the information that Paul, Peter and James supplied about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, it is clear that the disciples experienced some kind of visual manifestation, for "it is almost impossible to dispute that at the historical roots of Christianity lie some visionary experiences. . . understood as appearances of Jesus, raised by God from the dead" (West, 235). But is it truly as clear as West maintains? Could the apostles have possibly fabricated all the material with the intention that it serve as the basis for their new religion, being Christianity? Logically, any new religion must have converts and the information provided to these converts must be strong and infallible, for without a solid foundation to lie upon, the entire structure will collapse."
This in-depth paper examines the attitudes of the Jewish people and Judaism in general, prior to Christ's arrival in Jerusalem and up to the crucifixion.
Abstract This well-researched paper explores the community, culture and attitudes of the Jews of Jerusalem prior to Jesus Christ's arrival. This paper focuses on the ruling body of Jewish life, the Sanhedrin, who were the high priests that backed the city authorities in devising and enforcing ordinances to cover the operations of agricultural, mercantile and other trades. The Sanhedrin were considered the finest minds of Palestine, the people looked to them for leadership against the Romans and the impending arrival of the messiah. It was into this atmosphere that Jesus entered Jerusalem presenting himself as the messiah. This paper details the historic events leading up to the crucifixion.
From the Paper "The people looked to Caiphas for guidance, but he was influenced by his own ambition. Thus, when Jesus Christ was turned over to the Sanhedrin, who had been hurriedly summoned for trial, he spoke very few words. In the Gospel of Mark, when Pontius Pilate had asked him if he was indeed king of the Jews, he answered, "It is as you say." Scholars believe that Christ was asking if Pilate were accusing him or if he had heard the claim from others. Pilate, after washing his hands of the whole affair, turned him over to the Sanhedrin, and the members of the high court began to accuse him. In keeping with Judaic law, he remained silent, since the court was not supposed to question the accused but those who witnessed the actions for which he was being tried."
Abstract This paper delves into the text and historical validity of "The Gospel of Mark," the second of the four Gospels from the "New Testament." This paper explores the views and opinions of biblical historians who attribute the stories depicted in the "Gospel of Mark" to the passage of oral tradition. The writer contends and explains how the "Gospel of Mark" was linked directly to actual historical events and social forces which were at play during Christ's life and ultimate death. This paper analyzes the role of the Jews in Christ's crucifixion as described in this Gospel while also discussing the support and and exoneration of Pilate of any wrongdoing. This paper also details the literary symbols and themes that separate this particular Gospel from the others, including the fact that Mark tends to ignore specific allegories and riddles which are common tools used in the other three Gospels.
From the Paper "Unlike other gospels, Mark bears many traits that make it stand alone religiously, both furthering it form other gospels and also providing a source for its inclusion in textual collectives. In the first chapter, for instance, Jesus' interment in the wilderness for forty days and forty nights does not include discourse with Satan, but only instead encounters with the wild beasts of the terrain. In the next chapter, Mark states that which Matt and Luke ignored, saying that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. This moment is a direct hit, once again, on the Jews and their cultural society. Two literary hallmarks characterize the gospel of Mark, differentiating it from the others. First, Mark tends to ignore parables and riddles, a popular tool of the other gospel authors and disciples. Additionally, Mark tends to write in literary circles, providing great moments of contrast for the reader."
Abstract This paper discusses the important role that typology has to play in proper scripture interpretation. It discusses a brief history of the use of typology in the understanding of scripture. It then looks at the strengths and weaknesses of this form of interpretation. Finally, the paper presents examples of the use of typology in understanding a number of events from the Bible.
Table of Contents:
Typology: A Definition
Introduction
Importance of Types
Types & Allegories
A Brief History
Introduction
Early Church Fathers
Reformers
Weaknesses
Allegories
Over-analyzing
Strengths
Deeper Understanding
Typology: An Example
Introduction
The Exodus Story
The Moses - Jesus Connection
The Egypt - Sin Connection
The Passover - Crucifixion Connection
The Manna - Christ Connection
The Mount Sinai - Justification Connection
The Kadesh-Barnea - Crossroads Connection
The Wilderness - Sanctification Connection
The Canaan - Spirit Filled Life Connection
Conclusion
Conclusion
From the Paper "This exaltation of Jesus Christ above Moses is the capstone on this Exodus-Hebrews typology pyramid. Comparing the two occurrences doesn't really have much of a point without the mention that the work of Christ is better than the work of Moses. Moses freed the people from an earthly bondage. Christ freed them from spiritual slavery. The Passover kept the firstborns from a physical death. The crucifixion keeps Christians from a spiritual death. The Red Sea was a physical show of faith. A baptism is a faith promise - a public display of an internal decision. Manna sustained the Israelites physically, while Christ sustains Christians spiritually. The wilderness was a time of testing for the Israelites. The sanctification process is a time of testing for the Christian. Mount Sinai provided the Israelites with laws to live by; justification for a Christian doesn't involve laws, but faith. Kadesh-Barnea was a time of testing when the Israelites have to choose whether to stand for God or waiver in their faith. Each Christian reaches a crossroad in their life when they have to make a similar decision. The Israelites who stood firm with Christ were rewarded, eventually, with Canaan. Christians who stand firm with Christ will be rewarded with the spirit-filled life."
Abstract This paper describes the exodus story of the Israelites as clearly proven to be a type of the salvation story through the evidence given in Hebrews. It describes the exodus story and discusses the salvation doctrine therein. The paper then discusses the connection between Moses and Jesus in regards to the book of Hebrews and the various occurrences in the story.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Exodus Story
The Salvation Doctrine
The Moses-Jesus Connection
The Egypt-Sin Connection
The Passover-Crucifixion Connection
The Red Sea-Baptism Connection
The Manna-Christ Connection
The Mount Sinai-Justification Connection
The Kadesh Barnea-Crossroads Connection
The Wilderness-Sanctification Connection
The Canaan-Spirit Filled Life Connection
Christ's Superiority
Conclusion
From the Paper "The author of Hebrews points out that Moses deserved honor because he was faithful to his house. Jesus, however, deserved more honor because He built that house. Moses was a servant in his house, but Jesus was a son in the house. The Jews had a very high opinion of their religion, and the author was trying to make the point that the Christian religion was as worthy of consideration as Judaism; not only that, but the priesthood of Christianity was even superior to the Jewish priesthood. The author is trying to explain that the relationship between Jesus and the gospel is the same as the relationship between Moses and the law. Both Moses and Jesus were faithful in fulfilling ancient promises. Moses fulfilled the earthly promise God made to Abram about having his own nation. Jesus, however, fulfilled the spiritual promise God made as far back as Eden, as Adam and Eve were being expelled. Jesus fulfilled forty centuries of spiritual promises through His faithfulness."
Abstract Though the Gospel of John shares some concrete similarities with the synoptic gospels (such as the crucifixion), its text differs radically in its form and content. This paper aspires to delineate the elements of the Gospel of John (often referred to as the "the Fourth Gospel") that separate it from the synoptic gospels. The paper concludes that it is quite evident that there are numerous significant elements which separate John's Gospel from the synoptics in a profound way.
From the Paper "John's Gospel lacks a substantial amount of material that is found in the Synoptic Gospels. Some of the significant events omitted include: "the temptation of Jesus, Jesus' transfiguration, and the institution of the Lord's supper". John does not mention any instances of Jesus performing exorcisms. Although, Walton and Wenham interestingly propose: "The gospel which fails to describe any of Jesus' individual exorcisms still has the idea of Jesus casting out the evil cosmic ruler through his death." They continue to further suggest that John gives a "host of clues." For example, when John draws a parallel between "Jesus' death with the bronze snake lifted up by Moses in the wilderness, to save the Israelites from their sins (John 3:14; to Num. 21:9)." Other omissions include the sermon of the mount, the Lord's prayer and narrative parables. Just as John lacks material found in the synoptics, he also includes a large body of material which is not found in the synoptics including material found in John 2 to 4 (Jesus' inaugural scene a "richly symbolic narrative" at the wedding in Cana, where Jesus turns water into wine and another scene where Jesus is talking with a Samaritan woman), Jesus' early Galilean ministry, the seventh sign-miracle, the resurrection of Lazarus (John 11) and the extended Farwell Discourse (John 13-17). Another glaring difference includes Jesus' humility displayed before the last supper: "humility and self-abasement of the Son of God is clearly the meaning of the foot-washing scene." Brown further states that "in context of the early Christian community, there may well have been an underlying sacramental motif... and some of the Fathers see baptismal implications in the washing of the feet."
Abstract This paper discusses how in "The Dream of the Rood", the poet has added elements of the idealized heroic death to the crucifixion. The paper relates that the poem is a story of the crucifixion, told from the point of view of the Cross, as it is seen by the poem's narrator in a vision. Like "Caedmon's Hymn" this poem is characterized by its blending of pagan heroic values with Christian ones. The paper includes an outline of the poem.
From the Paper "Thus, this poem is one striking product of a people's struggle to reconcile the competing values of their ethnic literary tradition and their new-found truth. Notice the depiction of the Cross as covered alternately with riches and blood, traditionally two of the most vivid realities of the Anglo-Saxons' existence (see, for example, Beowulf). 70 A notable feature of the poem is the close identification of Christ, Cross, and Dreamer. The Dreamer's comment (126b-29a) seems un-Christian at first glance, over-competitive, yet it is perhaps not far from St. Paul's attitudes in Gal. 6:14 ("glory in the Cross") and 2 Cor. 11:21 ("boasting"). The poem as a whole embodies a typical meditative scheme-Memory, Understanding, Will-and is rich in descriptive and rhetorical artistry as well as spiritual and theological expression. The wedding of form and content seems to me superb."
Abstract This paper examines religious works by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio: "The Deposition of Christ in the Sepulcher", "Madonna di Loreto", "The Calling of Saint Matthew", "The Martyrdom of Saint Mathew" and "The Crucifixion of Saint Peter". All of these works are oils on canvas and present themes from the New Testament. The author describes each painting, its history, biblical content and the techniques used, which are characteristic of Caravaggio.
Table of Contents:
"The Deposition of Christ in the Sepulcher"
"Madonna di Loreto"
"The Calling of Saint Matthew"
"The Martyrdom of Saint Mathew"
"The Crucifixion of Saint Peter"
From the Paper "The original commissioner had ordered a more complicated assemble with more display of architecture and a larger number of spectators assisting the scene in terrified impotence. However, Caravaggio managed, after a couple of abandoned attempts, to compact the scene to the most essential elements without losing the dramatic expression its commissioner had requested.
"Affected chiaroscuro gives expression to the moment and brings the scene closer to the viewer, involving them as part of the action."
Abstract This essay examines the manner in which Christianity had developed and was developing at around 800 AD. Through the examination of "The Dream of The Rood" the paper attempts to explain the influence Christianity had on literature and every day life.
