The Thomistic Institute
Scotus on Why Christ's Assumed Human Nature Is Not a Person | Prof. Michael Gorman
Dec 27, 2024
Michael Gorman, a distinguished professor of philosophy at The Catholic University of America, dives deep into the Christological debates surrounding Christ's dual nature. He explores the intricacies of personhood in relation to Christ's assumed human nature versus his divine essence. Gorman references key insights from theologians like Scotus and Aquinas, unraveling the complexities of independence and dependency in understanding Christ's identity. This thought-provoking discussion sheds light on how these theological arguments shape our understanding of human nature and ethics.
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Quick takeaways
- John Duns Scotus argues that Christ's assumed human nature cannot be a person due to its dependence on the divine Word.
- The complexity of Christological discussions necessitates a clear understanding of personhood, distinctly separating unity from integrity in Christ's natures.
Deep dives
The Nature of the Incarnation
The doctrine of the Incarnation asserts that Jesus Christ is one person with two natures: divine and human. This belief is central to Christian theology, supported by historical church councils and interpretations of scripture. The unity principle emphasizes the importance of recognizing that Christ is truly one person rather than a combination of two distinct entities, while the integrity principle stresses that both natures must be fully acknowledged without diminishing their distinct characteristics. Balancing these principles presents a challenge; for example, adhering too strictly to the unity principle risks neglecting the integrity of Christ’s humanity, leading to misconceptions such as Apollinarianism.
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