| 12.2 |
What is a messiah?
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The word “messiah” directly translates from an ancient word over 2200 years old. The word Christ is also an ancient word (Greek) originally meaning the same thing. |
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-Origin: (Ancient Hebrew and Aramaic) meaning "anointed”;
-"Promised deliverer of the Jewish nation." (Old Testament,Bible)
-"Jesus as the Messiah foretold in Jewish faith" (New Testament, Bible)
-"A professed or accepted leader of some hope or cause." (contemporary)
-What one is at a particular time or in a particular aspect or relation; one's nature, character or (sometimes) physical constitution or appearance, considered as different at different times (1697).
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| 12.2.1 |
The concept of Christ |
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-Origin: (Ancient Hellenic Greek) meaning "anointed”;
-"Title given to Jesus of Nazareth as fulfilling Messianic prophecy; treated as a proper name." (800s)
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All religions and cultures share common heritage of the idea of a saviour, someone who will deliver and lead. |
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| 12.2.2 |
Modern interpretation of messiah |
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In contrast to the origin of the word, the modern interpretation of the word messiah is as someone who comes to save the day– more a hero than a purely religious role. |
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Yet in spite of this modern interpretation, the notion of messiahs for many people is a dangerous and disturbing word. It is a concept best left for Sunday reflection and kept out of general discussion. |
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