Abstract:
Myths of God-men (Christs) were central to the Near Eastern cultures in which Christianity developed. The early followers of Jesus separated themselves from this world view and focused on the ethical teachings of Jesus. A generation later Saul of Tarsus (Paul) had an epiphany, Jesus was a God-man, a Christ. Different interpretations of Jesus and Paul’s Jesus Christ produced conflict. The Nicene Counsel, convened to establish the “truth,” declared Jesus to be the Christ – unique, exclusive and literal. Jesus the man, Jesus a Christ and Jesus the Christ are three distinct theological constructs. How are these polarizing perceptions still influencing the church and society today.