Abstract

This dissertation involved an educational program of eight study/discussion sessions helping adults clarify their understanding of Jesus Christ, particularly his humanity and divinity as these were defined in debates leading to the Definition of Chalcedon which became the Church's Christological norm from that time to the present. Study documents were written and used . The normative definition given at Chalcedon, that he was complete in his deity and humanity, truly God and truly a human being, was accepted as both a statement of doctrine and as a question to be pursued. How was Jesus Christ "God"? How was Jesus Christ a human being like us? ;There were six Goals: To present an educational program that would enable adults to clarify their understanding of Jesus Christ. Give participants an opportunity to ask questions regarding the humanity/divinity of Jesus Christ. Give special attention to the "humanity" of Jesus. Then to the "divinity" of Jesus Christ. Classical and contemporary theological literature was introduced and discussed. Participants were asked to consider how they might formulate their statement of faith. ;Five hypotheses were tested. Participants will show a greater acceptance of the humanity of Jesus Christ, as indicated in a comparison of their pre- and post-test questionnaires and on their end-of-session questionnaires . Participants will be less likely to believe that Jesus was "complete in his deity," and more likely to believe that he was "complete in his humanity." Participants will be more likely to make a distinction between "Jesus" and "the Christ." Participants will develop increased integration in their faith. Participants will gain a greater clarity in their understanding of Jesus Christ. ;Our analyses seem to show that Hypotheses 1, 2 and 3 are supported statistically and qualitatively. Hypothesis 4 is questionable. Hypothesis 5 is supported qualitatively