· Apologetics > Apologetics in Christianity > Jesus · 4 min read
Christian Quintilemma Unveiled: Biblical Test of Faith
Discover the concept of quintilemma in decision-making, exploring the intricate balance between five conflicting factors. Unravel the challenges and complexities of navigating this unique dilemma.
Quintilemma: Understanding the Choices Regarding Jesus Christ
The quintilemma is a theological concept that presents five options concerning the person of Jesus Christ. To grasp the significance of this quintilemma, it is essential to delve into the implications and reasoning behind each choice. C.S. Lewis, in his renowned book “Mere Christianity,” initially presented a trilemma that offers three logical options about who Jesus is: Liar, Lunatic, or Lord. The quintilemma expands on this trilemma by adding two more options: Legend and Lama. Let’s explore each choice in more detail.
The Trilemma: Liar, Lunatic, or Lord
In Lewis’s trilemma, the first option suggests that Jesus could have been a liar, deliberately deceiving people by claiming to be the Son of God. This perspective implies that Jesus was intentionally misleading and cannot be trusted as a moral teacher. However, considering the impact of His life and teachings on history and the transformation it has brought to countless lives, it becomes challenging to view Him as merely a liar.
The second option proposes that Jesus might have been a lunatic, someone who genuinely believed He was divine but was mentally unstable. This perspective suggests that His claims of deity were the result of delusion or psychosis. However, when examining the coherence and wisdom of Jesus’ teachings, it becomes difficult to reconcile them with the erratic behavior commonly associated with mental illness.
The third option posits that Jesus is indeed Lord, the Son of God, who spoke the truth about His identity. This viewpoint acknowledges Jesus’ divinity and accepts His claims as genuine. By embracing this option, individuals recognize Jesus as not merely a great moral teacher but as the Savior and Redeemer of humanity.
The Quintilemma Expands: Legend and Lama
The quintilemma introduces two additional choices beyond Lewis’s trilemma. The fourth option suggests that Jesus could be considered a legend, a mythical figure with no historical existence. However, historical evidence overwhelmingly supports the existence of Jesus. In fact, there is more historical proof of His life than for many other well-known historical figures. The impact Jesus had on the world, dividing time itself, demonstrates His significant influence and presence in history.
The fifth option proposes that Jesus may have been a Lama or guru, an insightful spiritual leader but nothing more. Some even speculate that Jesus traveled to India and returned with special knowledge. However, this theory neglects the fact that Jesus was an expert in Judaism, not Eastern wisdom. His teachings and understanding were deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures. Furthermore, accounts from his contemporaries affirm His familiarity with the Jewish community, indicating that He lived among them.
Why This Matters
Understanding the quintilemma is crucial because it challenges us to examine our beliefs about Jesus Christ. It prompts us to consider the implications of His claims and the impact they have on our lives. By confronting these choices, we are compelled to critically analyze the evidence and make a decision regarding who Jesus is to us.
Think About It
As we contemplate the quintilemma, it is essential to consider the significance of our choice concerning Jesus Christ. If we dismiss Him as a liar or lunatic, we must grapple with the profound influence He has had on human history and the transformation He has brought to countless lives. If we regard Him as a legend or Lama, we must confront the overwhelming evidence supporting His existence and His deep connection to Judaism.
Ultimately, the quintilemma serves as a starting point for logical thinking about the claims of Christ. It does not provide definitive proof of His deity or lordship but offers food for thought for those genuinely seeking truth. It encourages us to explore further and discover the good news that God reconciled the world to Himself through Christ, not counting people’s sins against them (2 Corinthians 5:19). The quintilemma invites us to grapple with the person of Jesus Christ and the profound impact He continues to have on our lives and the world.
