Source: AI Analysis
00. Unlocking the Johannine School High Christology.m4a
The "Johannine School" refers to the specific theological tradition, distinct from the Synoptic Gospels, associated with The Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation, all centered on the person of Jesus rather than his historical ministry. This community is characterized by a high Christology that defines Jesus as the pre-existent Logos and features a cosmic dualism of light versus darkness. The core idea is its profound mysticism, defined by the concept of menō or "abiding"—a spiritual and ontological union where the believer achieves "realized eschatology," possessing eternal life in the present moment, a concept defended against those who denied the physical Incarnation of Christ.
Most of us know the Gospel of John. It’s the poetic one, the philosophical one, filled with soaring language about Jesus as the "Word made flesh" and declarations like "I am the light of the world." It feels familiar, a cornerstone of Christian thought.
But beneath the surface of these well-known verses lies a theological world forged by a unique early Christian community—often called the "Johannine School." This community gave us the philosophical Gospel, the corrective Letters, and the visionary Apocalypse of Revelation, and they developed some of the most radical ideas in the New Testament. For them, there was no middle ground—only Light and Darkness, Truth and Lies—and the person of Jesus was the dividing line.
Let's explore three counter-intuitive takeaways from this tradition that challenge common assumptions about faith, salvation, and eternal life. These aren't isolated doctrines; they are a cohesive vision, rooted in the central Johannine belief that God didn't just visit the world, but became a permanent resident of it.
What if the finish line for the Christian life was actually the starting block? Most of us were taught that 'eternal life' is the prize you get after you die, but the Johannine school would say we've missed the point entirely.
From Future Destination to Present Reality