Review article
Was Jesus’ Death the Result of Misunderstanding and Senseless Fate?
Mario Cifrak
; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Tomislav Smiljanić
; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
A historical-critical exegesis has enabled a more systematic and deeper reconstruction of the historical facts of Jesus' death, which contributed to a clearer theological significance and understanding of his death, as well as the entire act of salvation accomplished by Jesus of Nazareth. For historical authenticity of Jesus' death, we rely on the Author of the oldest gospel in which we try to find the reasons and motives that influenced Jesus' condemnation and death. Today, it is very difficult to find a historical reconstruction of the process of Jesus' arrest and death, because the gospels are wrapped in theological interpretation in light of Jesus' resurrection. However, it is clear from gospel accounts that a purely historical (is there any historical fact devoid of any interpretation?) understanding of Jesus' death is not enough to understand its full and meaningful significance. The gospels bear witness and bring the overlapping of history and theology, where the only possible way of gaining meaningful and authentic significance of Jesus' death and its consequences in shaping the faith in the Crucified and Risen Lord.
Keywords
the process of Jesus' arrest and conviction; the death of Jesus; the cleansing of the Temple; the theological meaning of death; resurrection
Hrčak ID:
122541
URI
Publication date:
4.6.2014.
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