The Tabernacle Narratives as Christian Scripture | Prof. Gary Anderson
May 28, 2024
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Prominent scholar Prof. Gary Anderson discusses the theological significance of the Tabernacle and its connections to Christian Scripture. Topics include the symbolic importance of the number seven, divine indwelling, ancient Mesopotamian symbols for divine objects, Mary in the Old Testament, and the influence of Tabernacle narratives on priesthood and temple construction.
The Old Testament serves as a vital theological resource bridging connections between Jesus' life in John's gospel and narratives of Israel's God.
Athanasius utilizes Old Testament teachings to shape understanding of God's relationship to Jesus' flesh in resolving Christological debates.
Iconography, temple symbolism, and Mary's association with the Ark of the Covenant emphasize the profound theological implications of deification and Christology.
Deep dives
Exploring the Relationship Between the Old and New Testaments
The lecture delves into the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the significance of using the Old Testament as a theological resource. It highlights the parallels between Jesus' life portrayed in John's gospel and the life of Israel's God in the Old Testament.
Symbolic Relationship Between Genesis and Exodus with John's Gospel
John's gospel symbolically mirrors the narratives of Genesis and Exodus, drawing connections between the creation account and God dwelling among His people in the tabernacle. The lecture discusses how the tabernacle in Exodus 40 relates to the manifestation of the Word in John 1:14.
Reflections on the Christological Debates with Athanasius
The discourse shifts to Athanasius and his Christological debates with second-generation Arians. The importance of the Old Testament in shaping the understanding of God's relationship to Jesus' flesh is highlighted, emphasizing the substantive role of the Old Testament in resolving Christological disputes.
Significance of Deification and Revelation
The concept of deification through the incarnation is explored, challenging the notion that the sacrificial aspect of Christ's atonement supersedes the transformative process of deification. The lecture draws connections between the temple imagery and Mary, discussing the theological implications of deification in relation to the sacrificial dimension.
Impact of Iconography, Temple Symbolism, and Mary's Role
The significance of iconography, temple symbolism, and the association of Mary with the Ark of the Covenant is analyzed. The lecture explores how temple imagery informs the understanding of Christology, the departure of God from the temple, and Mary's pivotal role in embodying the divine presence.
Parallel between Vessels of Temple and Mary's Sacred Role
An analogy is drawn between the vessels of the temple and Mary's sacred role, reflecting the sanctity and significance ascribed to Mary in Christian theology. The departure of God from the temple in Ezekiel is discussed in connection to theological interpretations around the Transfiguration and the role of Mary in carrying divine symbolism.