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The concept of Perfect Man in Christianity

According to Christianity, Perfect Man represents the ideal individual who embodies positive qualities from all life stages, exemplified in Jesus Christ. This concept describes a state of spiritual maturity and completeness that believers aspire to achieve collectively. It indicates moral and spiritual perfection, characterized by love, obedience, and the ability to control one's words. Perfect Man serves as both the standard for believers aiming for unity and the fullness of Christ, and signifies an archetype of humanity that reflects divine attributes and virtues.

Synonyms: Ideal man, Superb man, Perfect gentleman, Paragon, Virtuous man, Faultless man

In German: Perfect Man; In Dutch: Perfecte man; In Finnish: Täydellinen Mies; In Spanish: Hombre perfecto; In Malay: Lelaki Sempurna; In Swedish: Perfekt man; In German: Perfekter Mann; In French: L'homme parfait

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Perfect Man'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) The text mentions that a fully developed individual will be similar to their mentor, suggesting a relationship of learning and emulation.[1] (2) The text mentions this in the context of angels, indicating a comparison and a level of attainment.[2] (3) This is the person who is worthy of praise, as stated by philosophers, while the bad man is worthy of blame, which is the concept being discussed.[3] (4) The perfect man is incapable of exercising courage and does not need cheerfulness of mind, is not angry, does not envy, and does not fall into desire, as stated in the text.[4] (5) This term describes an individual who has not committed any wrongdoings, but may still experience afflictions or suffering, which are compared to the suffering of a child who has not sinned, as it relates to Basilides' viewpoints.[5]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) This is the state of Jesus as he is described in the text, due to his purity and innocence which is explicable only by believing in the incarnate God.[6] (2) This is a description of someone who does not offend in word, aligning with the graciousness of the King's speech, which only contains wisdom, love, and gentleness.[7] (3) This is a description of Christ, and also the state of the renewed person, who will be in a perfect world where there is no sin or sorrow.[8] (4) This phrase refers to the Servant, who the world has slowly come to recognize, indicating the Servant's moral perfection and the educational process required for its recognition.[9] (5) The text states that though certainly perfect man, He was by reason of the divine nature present in Him not simply and merely man, and this is the meaning of the likeness of men.[10]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) A term used by James to describe the ideal believer who aligns with the teachings of the gospel law, characterized by love and obedience.[11]

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Works of St. Anselm

(1) A being that embodies the complete attributes and qualities associated with humanity, fully realizing human potential and nature.[12]

From: The Little Flowers of St. Francis

(1) A person who embodies perfection and humility, being worthy of receiving the gift of holy fear.[13]

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) A state of completeness in humanity that reflects the ideal characteristics of moral and physical perfection.[14]

From: The city of God

(1) This is the head and the body, which is made up of all the members, which in their own time shall be perfected, and the measure of the age of the fulness of Christ.[15]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Church of the East (or the East Syriac Church):
Church of the East Books

From: The Book of the Bee

(1) Refers to Job's character, indicating he was blameless and upright, in accordance with God's standards.[16]

From: The Book of the Cave of Treasures

(1) A description of Yared emphasizing his completion in all virtues.[17]

The Church of the East emerged in the 5th century and separated from the Roman Empire's state church by adopting Nestorianism. It emphasizes the distinct human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. It is also called the Assyrian Church, Nestorian Church or the East Syriac Church.

Gnostic concept of 'Perfect Man'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten

(1) The perfect man is the Son of the Heavenly Man, representing the ideal, and all other men are considered imperfect reflections of this singular, perfect type.[18] (2) A man who has attained a state of perfection, exemplified by Jesus.[19]

From: Pistis Sophia

(1) A figure that embodies completeness and is actively involved in a divine narrative, setting himself in motion for a purpose.[20]

From: The Gnostics and Their Remains

(1) The ideal state of spiritual existence, known only to a select few.[21]