The influence of the incarnation of Jesus on the study of early church christology: a theological-historical analysis

Abstract

This research examines the pivotal significance of the doctrine of the Incarnation in the evolution of early Christian Christology, with emphasis on its impact upon theological and doctrinal formulations concerning the essence of Christ. The present study will seek to fill a void in contemporary scholarship regarding the influence of the Incarnation on Christological discussions within the early Church, especially in the dual nature of Jesus Christ as human and divine. Using a historical-theological approach, this study examines key texts written by early Christian theologians and explores the contextual influences arising from Hellenistic culture that shaped the development of Christological doctrine.

It proves that the Incarnation was important not only to the early Christian intellectual tradition but also in the formation of the Nicene Creed as a response to heretical positions such as Arianism and as the foundation for orthodox Christian doctrine. This dissertation shows that the concept of the Incarnation was crucial in formulating theological responses to the first challenges that Christianity faced and, as such, connected ancient philosophical debates with the nascent Christian teachings. What is more, it points out the strategic use of the Incarnation to defend the full divinity and humanity of Christ, which would later become foundational to Christian orthodoxy.

This research affords a full understanding of the Incarnation, considered the basis of early Christian Christology and dogma, highlighting its crucial role in defining the nature of Christ. The study fills a gap in historical and theological scholarship, bringing forth the perennial significance of the Incarnation in shaping Christian doctrine and its continued importance in contemporary theological discussions.