A theological and pathological study of the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ

Abstract

This dissertation deals with a theological and pathological study of the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ. The quotations from the Bible are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE containing the Old and New Testaments (The New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition), Nashville/TN 1993. In Part One, the dissertation focuses on writings pertaining to the subject in the books of Sacred Scripture. The newly-founded church experienced difficulties in presenting the two natures in one person of Jesus Christ, but accepting this mystery proved essential before any consideration of the sufferings, passion and death of Jesus can proceed. The contributions of the Fathers of the Church, the thoughts of mediaeval theologians, the writings of modem and contemporary authors on the passion of Jesus are presented. A due consideration has been given to the accounts of the mystics and their visionary writings. Part Two of this dissertation focuses on the psychological and physical sufferings of Jesus and how these contributed to his death on the cross. Particular attention is dedicated to the markings allegedly left by the dead Jesus on the shroud now kept in the Royal Chapel of the Turin Cathedral in Italy. Finally the dissertation discusses the pathological implications of death by crucifixion and the way death is brought around. The significance of the post mortem damage to the body of Jesus is highlighted in the Appendix. A short Conclusion is followed by a Bibliography of the most noted theological and medical books dealing with the subject.