Friends of the Sisters with Sr. Christina Atienza
Who Do You Say That I Am? An Introduction to Catholic Christology
ABOUT: This introduction to Christology presentation invites participants to deepen their understanding of Jesus Christ in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church. Beginning with prayer and the Gospel question, “Who do you say that I am?” (Mt 16:13-17), we will explore the Church’s reflection on the person of Jesus Christ, drawing from Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium. The presentation traces the historical and theological development of Christology, key Church Councils, and the rejection of heresies to clarify Catholic teaching on Christ’s full divinity and humanity. Approaches such as “from above” and “from below” will be examined, alongside scriptural portraits, doctrinal definitions, and contemporary perspectives from diverse cultures and contexts. The aim is to enrich personal faith, sharpen theological literacy, and inspire evangelization, affirming Jesus Christ as the heart of Christian life and mission. The session will include time for reflection, dialogue, and sharing.
About the Presenter:
Sr. Christina Atienza, OP: Sister Christina serves on the Leadership Team of the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael. She has taught the Christian tradition, Catholic theology, and Christology at Santa Clara University and interreligious learning at the Graduate Theological Union and lectured on various topics in religion at Dominican University of California. She earned her Ph.D. in Theology, with an emphasis on comparative Buddhist-Christian theology, from the Graduate Theological Union. She is originally from the Philippines and immigrated to the San Francisco Bay Area in her late teens. Before becoming a Sister, she enjoyed a long career as a civil engineer and transportation planner.