Christology Through the Ages: A Comparative Look at Aquinas, Benedict XVI, and Vatican II
In the history of Christian theology, the understanding of Jesus Christ’s nature and mission – known as Christology – has evolved and deepened over time. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the Christological teachings of three significant figures and events: Thomas Aquinas (13th century theologian), Pope Benedict XVI (20th/21st century theologian and pope), and the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II, 1962-1965). We’ll explore their key points of agreement and divergence, shedding light on how the Church’s understanding of Christ has developed and remained consistent in some core aspects.
| Feature | Thomas Aquinas | Pope Benedict XVI | Vatican II |
| Hypostatic Union | Summa Theologiae: Affirms one person with two distinct but inseparable natures, divine and human (ST III, q. 2) | Introduction to Christianity: Emphasizes the unity of the divine and human in Christ, enabling us to encounter the living God (IC, 123) | Lumen Gentium: “One and the same God is truly God and truly man” (LG 48) |
| Redemption | Summa Theologiae: Christ’s sacrifice satisfies divine justice and opens the way for salvation (ST III, q. 46-49) | Deus Caritas Est: Christ’s love on the cross reveals the depth of God’s love for humanity and reconciles us to God (DCE, 12) | Lumen Gentium: Christ’s death on the cross is the source of our redemption and reconciliation with God (LG 7) |
| Revelation | Summa Theologiae: Christ reveals God’s love and truth through his life, teachings, and miracles (ST III, q. 36-40) | Verbum Domini: Christ is the Word of God made flesh, the definitive revelation of God’s plan for humanity (VD, 11) | Dei Verbum: Christ is the “mediator and fullness of all revelation” (DV 2) |
| Emphasis | Primarily philosophical and theological, relying on Aristotelian categories and logical argumentation. | More pastoral and spiritual, drawing on personal encounters with Christ in prayer, Scripture, and the liturgy. | Primarily pastoral and ecumenical, seeking to present a Christology relevant to the modern world and open to dialogue with other Christians and non-Christians. |
| Approach to Scripture | Deeply rooted in Scripture, but often uses it as a source of authoritative proof texts to support arguments. | Approaches Scripture more holistically, seeking to understand the deeper meaning of the biblical narrative and its relevance for contemporary life. | Emphasizes the importance of Scripture as the inspired Word of God and the foundation of Christian faith and life. |
| Human Nature of Christ | Affirms Christ’s full humanity, but focuses on the theological implications of the Incarnation. | Places greater emphasis on the concrete reality of Christ’s human experience, highlighting his emotions, struggles, and relationships. | Affirms Christ’s full humanity and emphasizes his role as a model of human life and a source of hope and inspiration (Gaudium et Spes, 22). |
| Divinization (Theosis) | Emphasizes divinization as the process of participating in the divine nature through grace. | While acknowledging the importance of grace, doesn’t explicitly use the term “divinization.” Focuses on transformation through Christ’s love and the call to holiness. | Doesn’t explicitly use the term “divinization,” but speaks of the “fullness of life” found in Christ and the call to share in his divine life through the sacraments (Lumen Gentium, 7). |
Conclusion
This comparative analysis reveals a fascinating interplay of continuity and development in Christological thought. While Aquinas, Benedict XVI, and Vatican II share a fundamental belief in the hypostatic union and Christ’s redemptive work, their approaches and emphases differ based on their unique contexts and concerns. Understanding these nuances enriches our appreciation of the complexity and beauty of Christian theology and its ongoing engagement with the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post