3. Pelagianism: Taught that original sin did not taint human nature and that humans could achieve salvation without divine grace. 4. Gnosticism: Claimed that salvation came through secret knowledge, and that the material world was evil and created by a lesser god. 5. Docetism: Believed that Christ’s physical body was an illusion, and He did […]
The Great Heresies of the Church Read More »
Arianism, named after the Alexandrian presbyter Arius (c. 250–336 AD), represents one of the most significant theological challenges in early Christian history.1 It sparked one of the most contentious and long-lasting conflicts within the early Church, leaving an indelible mark on Christian doctrine and ecclesiastical politics. The Arian controversy revolved around the nature of Christ’s
The Arian Crisis: How One Controversy Clarified Christian Belief Read More »
The life of Ignatius of Antioch, one of the most influential figures in early Christianity, offers a stirring testament to faith, leadership, and sacrifice. Born around 35 AD, Ignatius became the bishop of Antioch, one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire and a key centre of early Christian thought and missionary activity.
St. Ignatius of Antioch: A Martyr’s Vision of the Church and the Eucharist Read More »
The Meaning of “I Am” Throughout the Gospels, especially in the Gospel of John, Jesus often refers to Himself using the phrase “I Am”, a term that is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. This title carries immense theological weight and reveals Jesus’ divine nature and oneness with God. In this final post of the
The “I Am” in Jesus’ Identity Read More »
The Significance of “The Son” One of the most profound titles Jesus used to describe Himself is the Son. This title, along with Son of God, appears frequently in the Gospels and carries deep theological implications. Unlike the term Son of Man, which has roots in Old Testament prophecy, the Son highlights Jesus’ unique relationship
“The Son” in Jesus’ Identity Read More »
Jesus Declares His Identity The identity of Jesus has been a subject of contemplation and interpretation since His lifetime. People in His day tried to define His mysterious figure using familiar categories like Elijah, John the Baptist, or Jeremiah. However, Jesus didn’t directly claim titles such as Messiah for Himself, though His followers did. After
There are moments in life when the veil between the temporal and the eternal seems thin—when reality, as we know it, is momentarily suspended, and we glimpse something of the divine. In the life of Jesus, the Transfiguration is precisely such a moment. This extraordinary event, witnessed by Peter, James, and John, is not only
The Transfiguration: Glimpsing Heaven on Earth Read More »
In the Gospels, one of the most pivotal moments in the life of Christ is Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah. This event marks a turning point not only in the understanding of Christ’s disciples but also in Jesus’ journey towards His Passion. Pope Benedict XVI reflects on this profound moment in his book
Peter’s Confession: A Journey of Faith and Revelation Read More »
In the rich tapestry of Christian theology, the image of Christ as the Good Shepherd is one of the most profound and comforting. Rooted in both Old Testament tradition and the life of Jesus, the Good Shepherd conveys an intimate relationship between the shepherd and his flock, a bond of love, care, and sacrifice. This
Christ the Good Shepherd: A Reflection on Jesus’ Shepherd Discourse Read More »
The statement “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone” comes from the Gospel of Mark (10:18) and is a reply Jesus gives to a rich young man who calls Him “Good Teacher” while asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. On the surface, it seems like Jesus
Why do you call me good? Jesus’ response to the Rich Man Read More »
