Abstract
The purpose of this Independent Study thesis is to understand the meaning of word Logos, often translated as “Word,” in the Gospel of John. By investigating the philosophical and classical-historical ideas that define the word Logos, and by identifying these ideas as influential to the author, I aim to construct the author's intended meaning of the word Logos. In this thesis, I argue that the ideas behind Heraclitus' Logos are influential to the author of John's usage of the word. Furthermore, I argue that the author used these ideas to construct a new definition of Logos, that Logos is the same as God. With this definition of Logos, the author then claims that the Logos became flesh in the man, Jesus Christ. Therefore, the author claims that Jesus is the same as God, by virtue of the Logos. As this theological claim became the defining doctrine of Christian faith, understanding the word that the author used to create it is very important.
Advisor
Hustwit, Ron
Second Advisor
Florence, Monica
Department
Classical Studies; Philosophy
Recommended Citation
Buntin, Sarah E., "“Have you Heard about the Word 'Word'”: A Philosophical and Classical-Historical Analysis of Logos in The Gospel of John" (2014). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 6370.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/6370
Disciplines
Ancient History, Greek and Roman through Late Antiquity | Ancient Philosophy | Biblical Studies | Christian Denominations and Sects | Classical Literature and Philology | History of Christianity | History of Philosophy | Other Philosophy
Publication Date
2014
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2014 Sarah E. Buntin