Kan du höra honom komma : - om kristusbilder och kristologi i Nils Ferlins dikter

Abstract Purpose: In this essay a limited and specific selection of poems by the Swedish poet Nils Ferlin, has been analyzed in order to find various images of Christ. By using these images of Christ, a possible Christology within the poems by Ferlin, will then be elucidated, a so called Ferlinian Christology. The theoretical perspective used in the analysis is one of high versus low Christology i.e. whether the emphasis is focused on Christ as divine, or Christ as human. Method: The used method is hermeneutic, and the chosen poems have been ascribed autonomy in order to verify their message, rather than the message of the author. The poems have been read and analyzed with a text oriented focus. Result: The result of this study is that a various number of images of Christ can be found within the selected poems by Ferlin. In some poems the image of Christ is described by the views of others; persons in the immediate surroundings of Jesus, or first-hand witnesses to the events of the Gospels. Some images show Christ as an explored tool in the hands of dogmatic structures, where the death of atonement on the Cross is problematized, along with people’s misuse of the death of atonement as a free pass to heaven, instead of taking responsibility of their own sins. Other images of Christ in the poems are more positive; showing Jesus as an inspiration, a beacon and a compass of morality. The most striking image, however, is the one of Christ as someone who places mercy above all. Conclusion: A Ferlinian Christology can be seen primarily as low Christology since it is putting the emphasis on the humanity of Christ, and partly problematizing the divinity of Christ. A Ferlinian Christology emphasize the living Christ and the Christ one finds in the Gospels. The Christ found in the dogmas is not showing the truth. The Christ living and acting in the interest of the weak and marginalized people, is the one who ought to be seen upon with respect and as a beacon of morality and truth. Key words: poetry, Christology, Christ, hermeneutics, Ferli