Chapter One. The Development Of Christology In The First 100 Years: A Modest Proposal

Abstract

Two perspectives on the development of Christology in the first 100 years strive for preeminence. This chapter aims to clarify what the cultural models were that the early followers of Jesus appropriated and how they functioned within their religious setting. Here, an evaluation of both the evolutionary model of christological development and its alternatives is made. The chapter argues three theses. First, the culture supplied early Christians with four basic models with which to begin their christological reflections. Second, the development of these four models grew out of several experiential dynamics: e.g., the need for clarification, the necessity to defend soteriological non-negotiables, and the drive for synthesis. Third, the usefulness of the models may be seen better if their soteriological contributions are understood. The chapter attempts to furnish readers with a fresh view of christological developments in Christianity's first 100 years.Keywords: Christianity's first 100 years; evolutionary model of christological development; Jesus Christ; soteriological reality