Enlightening answers from an AI app (Chat GPT v3)
To the AI app: The Book of Enoch influenced Ethiopian theology from the first century onwards and includes the Parables, Similitudes, where there is mention of an Oath which governs all natural processes and creation. It explains that this Oath was strengthened by incorporating into it the name of the Son of Man. If Jesus knew this part of the book, it might explain why he identified himself repeatedly as the Son of Man.
To the AI app: Did any theologians and philosophers relate the authority of Jesus as Lord and Christ with the resilience of the laws of Nature and how Natural processes come about?
The AI app wrote: Yes, some theologians and philosophers have related the authority of Jesus as Lord and Christ with the resilience of the laws of Nature and how natural processes come about. One example is the concept of "divine sustenance," which suggests that God not only created the universe but also actively sustains it in existence through the ongoing operation of natural laws. According to this view, the laws of nature are not just random or arbitrary, but rather reflect the ongoing creative activity of God.
This idea has been developed by theologians and philosophers such as Thomas Aquinas and Alvin Plantinga, among others. Aquinas, for example, argued that God is the cause of all things not only in their coming into being but also in their continuing existence and operation. He described this as the "divine concurrence" with natural processes, whereby God works in and through natural causes to bring about his purposes. Similarly, Plantinga has argued that the laws of nature are best explained by the ongoing sustaining activity of God, rather than by any purely naturalistic account.
In this way, some theologians and philosophers have seen a connection between the authority of Jesus as Lord and the resilience of natural processes, in that both reflect the ongoing creative and sustaining activity of God.
To the AI app: Have any theologians and philosophers related this to the crucifixion of Christ?
The AI app wrote: Yes, some theologians and philosophers have related the crucifixion of Christ to the resilience of the laws of nature and the natural processes. One way this has been done is through the concept of atonement. Atonement refers to the idea that through the death of Christ, the sins of humanity are forgiven, and harmony between God and humanity is restored.
In some theological traditions, atonement is seen as an act of cosmic significance that not only affects human beings but also has an impact on the entire universe. Theologians such as Thomas Aquinas and John Duns Scotus have argued that the redemption achieved through Christ's death extends to the whole of creation, including the natural world.
According to this view, the resurrection of Christ represents a triumph over death and the forces of chaos and disorder in the universe. The resilience of the laws of nature and the continuity of natural processes are seen as a reflection of the ongoing power of the resurrection in the world.
To the AI app: So the teaching as follows is not a new teaching: “Consider the trees, how they put forth buds and leaves: they do so by the name of the Lord Jesus Christ”
The AI app wrote: While the exact wording may not be found in traditional Christian teachings, the concept that all of creation is sustained by the power and authority of Jesus Christ is a fundamental belief in Christianity. In Colossians 1:16-17, it is written that "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." This passage suggests that Jesus Christ is not only the creator of all things, but also the sustainer of all things. Therefore, it is possible that the statement you mentioned could be seen as a reflection of this belief, though it is not a direct quote from the Bible.
To the AI app: The following from the Book of Enoch seems to be very similar and from the same Holy Spirit inspiration: “Take notice of everything that occurs in the heavens, how they maintain their orbits without change. Observe the celestial bodies, how they rise and set in a particular order during their respective seasons, without violating their designated course. Consider the earth and pay attention to everything that happens on it, from its beginning until its end. Notice how everything on earth is constant, and how all of God's creations are evident before you. Look at the summer and winter seasons, how the earth is saturated with water and covered by clouds, dew, and rain. Take a look and notice how during winter, most trees appear to have lost all their leaves and seem dried out, except for fourteen trees that keep their foliage for two to three years before the new ones grow. And during summer, take note of how the sun is directly overhead, causing extreme heat that forces you to seek shade and cover. The earth is hot, making it impossible to walk on rocks or the ground. You will also notice how the trees sprout new green leaves and bear fruit. It is important to pay attention to God's work and acknowledge how He, the eternal being, created all these things. His work continues from year to year, and each of them fulfills their designated tasks as directed by God. Even the sea and rivers follow His commands without changing their tasks.”
The AI app wrote: Yes, that passage from the Book of Enoch also emphasizes the idea of observing and appreciating the order and constancy of nature as evidence of God's creation and design. The language and themes are similar to those found in other biblical and philosophical texts that celebrate the beauty and complexity of the natural world as a reflection of God's power and wisdom.
