Introduction
The bible is the principal reference point of Christianity. Written in different genres, the gospel books form the central point in Christian teachings. The use of parables by Jesus in his teaching has sparked diverse views from Catholics and other protestant groups. The reversal parables are tricky in both understanding and abiding by the message purported by Jesus. Catholicism doctrines teach that Jesus is both human and God, while the Gospels offer the description of Jesus in relation to his achievements.
Jesus often used reversal parables to pass a message to his audience/gathering. However, the parables always challenged the audience. For instance, in the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, Jesus compared the lives of poor Lazarus and the rich man in the world and heaven. Interpretation of the parable shows that only the meek or humble people are eligible to inherit God’s kingdom. A second reversal parable with a similar interpretation occurs when Jesus drives away businessperson from the temple.
The New Testament clarifies Jesus as the son of God who came into the world in human form (incarnation). The Catholics believe Jesus is in both human and God’s form. Incarnation of Jesus Christ is still paradoxical in the contemporary world; however, the Catholics refer to the word as the divinity, humanity, and combination of the two factors in a holy form (Albl 40). On the other hand, the catholic catechism contradicts with the protestant churches and the scientific world on the issue of Jesus as of God or God-like.
According to the Catholics, only God has the power to save human from sins, which is the prime attribute of Jesus (Albl 60). The Catholics have firm doctrines on Jesus as a son of God, and His incarnation, while the other churches still debate on the issues (Lee and Sanders 662). Therefore, it is through the incarnation of Jesus that the world achieved salvation, an activity, not within the reach of human beings.
According to Imperato, Jesus is beyond human description, and Christians have to be hinged on his deeds to support their faith in God (80). Consequently, the mystery about Jesus identity has led divided ideologies among the Christian communities (Lienhard 90). Therefore, the Gospels only give the unique character of Jesus leaving his identity as a paradox.
Although Jesus appeared in the world about two thousand years ago, he is still famous especially among Christians. The message on the coming of Jesus dates back to the Old Testament when the early prophets like Isaiah about him as a messiah. Through preaching’s and recording of crucial events, the bible and other books give a vivid description of Jesus.
The scientists describe Jesus ability in maneuvering the geographical or environment as errant or hoax while the historian asserts that Jesus was a normal person during his contemporary times (Grudem 27). Christians relate Jesus’ actions/miracles and parables or words to his divinity. Thus, with his miracles, teachings, and death the Christians know Jesus as the son of God.
Only Catholicism has self-affirmation on teachings about Jesus. Protestants and scientists are still unable to give their stand on Jesus. The diverse views raise confusion among Christians. However, the bible especially the New Testament tries to erase the mystery of Jesus in the world through recording and description of the major landmarks in His life. Finally, the poor interpretation and later distortion of the bible (parables) are some of the reasons behind Christians misunderstanding of Jesus.
Works Cited
Albl, Martin. Reason, Faith, and Tradition: Explorations in Catholic Theology. Winona, MN: Anselm Academic, 2009.
Grudem, Wayne . Systematic Theology. Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994.
Imperato, Robert. Footings: Creation, World Religions, Personalism, Revelation, and Jesus Revised. Lanham, Maryland: University Press of America, 2009.
Lee, McDonald, and Sanders, James. The Canon Debate. USA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2002.
Lienhard, Joseph . The Bible, the Church, and Authority. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1995.