Practicing the Christian doctrine: an introduction to thinking and living theologically by Beth Felker Jones Summary

Practicing the Christian doctrine: an introduction to thinking and living theologically by Beth Felker Jones

Summary:

This paper summarizes the last five chapters of the book, highlighting key ideas and points that encapsulate the chapters and that caught my attention. Anthropology from a Christian worldview is deeply connected to our relationships and sense of community. Humans were created to exist in relation to others, not in solitude. Jesus is the best example of what it means to be human, as he himself was, living a perfect life in relationship with the Father through the Holy Spirit. We are created, and this fact is a large part of our identity as humans. We were made in the image of God, with characteristics that differentiate us from other living beings. This helps us understand how sin works; having both a physical and a spiritual component, we understand that sin affects not only our bodies but our entire being. Sin affects us not only individually but also systemically, influencing and separating us from God's holiness on various levels. Even though we were created in God's image, we have corrupted that image through sin. The way in which this happened is part of our history. Following these themes, the author also addresses the concepts of the nature of sin and original sin, before returning us to the practical and central part of the book: how to practice the doctrine of the image of God as a new creation. The second chapter discusses Christology, beginning with the identity of Jesus Christ and establishing that the Christian life is about having a relationship with the person of Jesus. By practicing Christology, one learns about Jesus' identity and how to live the Christian life individually and communally. Jesus' identity has always been questioned, and he wants us to know who he is. The chapter also addresses the person of Jesus, his divine authority, and how he is truly both God and man. To describe this unity of both natures, we use the term "hypostatic union," which implies the communication of attributes. This involves attributing to Jesus the attributes of both divine and human nature. Understanding the doctrine of the Incarnation allows us to understand his love for humanity in a much more individual and intentional way, considering both our differences and the experiences he himself had. Knowing Jesus is fundamental, not only academically but relationally; to know him is to know about humanity and his plan of salvation for it. Chapter seven connects the previous points to lead us to salvation, which depended on God becoming human out of love for His creation. Soteriology connects who Jesus is and what He did to accomplish salvation. There are many differences of opinion within this doctrine; however, a common thread is the emphasis on the full scope of this sacrifice. Scripture contains numerous accounts of this work, from Jesus becoming human, His perfect life, His sacrifice, and His resurrection. To understand salvation, one can describe it as the way of salvation: justification, sanctification, and final redemption, each being God's work and a gift. This chapter also presents the differences in thought between Arminianism and Calvinism. The Calvinist view salvation solely as a choice from God’s sovereignty, while the Arminian

believes that God’s presence will be near to those who will believe. Finally, the author presents the terms of expiation and deification, leading us to see the love of Christ on the cross, and to love in the same way. Chapter eight discusses pneumatology, the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Which has been uncomfortable in the Christian world; however, there are important points to establish regarding this subject. First, the Holy Spirit is a person, part of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit gives life, and this has been evident from its first appearance in the Bible to believers today. The author discusses the propositions

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