The question, “Is Jesus God?” has sparked theological debates for centuries, dividing denominations and creating diverse interpretations within Christianity. In an upcoming episode of the Heretic Happy Hour podcast, I, along with Keith Giles, Brandan Robertson, Roger Wolsey, and Heather Hamilton delve deep into this question, each of us presenting our unique viewpoints, reflective of our own spiritual journeys and theological backgrounds. Here is a summary of our discussions, reflecting the rich tapestry of thought and belief that characterizes modern progressive Christianity.
Keith Giles: A Relational Christology
Keith Giles opened the discussion by framing the question of Jesus’ divinity around relational terms rather than doctrinal assertions. He suggested that understanding Jesus as God might depend more on one’s definition of God. Giles emphasized that in progressive Christian circles, the image of God has evolved beyond the traditional view of a vengeful deity to one that aligns more closely with the compassionate and loving nature exhibited by Jesus. This perspective, Giles argued, allows for a more dynamic and humanistic understanding of Jesus’ divinity, focusing on the relational and transformative aspects of Christ’s teachings rather than a rigid theological stance.
Brandan Robertson: Historical and Theological Skepticism
Brandan Robertson, drawing from his background in biblical studies, expressed skepticism about the traditional claims of Jesus’ divinity. He highlighted that historical Jesus probably did not consider himself God in the way later Christian doctrines would assert. Robertson’s perspective is heavily informed by historical-critical scholarship, which suggests that first-century Jewish theology did not conceive of the Messiah as a divine being incarnate. However, Robertson still finds value in referring to Jesus as a “face of God,” emphasizing the relational and revelatory aspects of Jesus’ ministry. For him, Jesus embodies the divine not through ontological status but through his embodiment of God’s love and justice.
Roger Wolsey: A Progressive Christian’s View
Roger Wolsey took a more radical stance, influenced by his progressive Christian heritage and by thinkers like Marcus Borg and John Shelby Spong. Wolsey argued that Jesus, while profoundly connected to the divine, should not be uniquely identified as God in the traditional sense. He challenged the idea of a supernatural theism, proposing instead that God is a pervasive field of love and vitality, a presence that Jesus was particularly attuned to. Wolsey’s approach emphasizes the potential for all humans to embody divine qualities, suggesting that Jesus serves more as a model of divine alignment rather than a singular divine entity.
Heather Hamilton: A Mystical Approach
Heather Hamilton brought a mystical perspective to the conversation, describing Jesus as a doorway to understanding God rather than the sole embodiment of the divine. She discussed her spiritual journey, which led her to view Jesus as part of a larger cosmic mystery, where Christ represents an amalgamation of all consciousness. Hamilton’s approach is deeply rooted in her personal mystical experiences, which have led her to a broader understanding of divinity as inclusive and expansive. She sees Jesus as a master of transmuting divine energy into love and compassion, embodying a process that all can aspire to.
Conclusion: Embracing Diversity in Christological Understanding
The Heretic Happy Hour podcast’s exploration of the question “Is Jesus God?” illustrates the diversity of thought within progressive Christianity today. The panelists, representing a spectrum of beliefs and backgrounds, demonstrate that this question is not only central to Christian identity but also an invitation to explore and embrace a multiplicity of views. Whether Jesus is seen as God incarnate, a master teacher, or a profound symbol of divine love, each perspective contributes to a richer, more inclusive understanding of the divine mystery that continues to captivate and challenge believers worldwide. As the podcast suggests, perhaps the journey towards understanding Jesus and God is less about arriving at a definitive answer and more about engaging in a dialogue that honors the diversity and depth of human spirituality.
Also, if you’ve been digging my work on here, and want to see me be able to continue writing as close to full-time as humanly possible, please take a look at my Patreon page at www.patreon.com/mjdistefano. Even $1 a month helps bigly!
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In