“Christology: High and Low” by Phyllis Whitten

Editor’s note: Phyllis tackles a vital issue in Christian Faith with clarity and precision. I’ve read 300-page books that aren’t as clear as her post. I wonder how many of our readers focus their understandings on either of the choices or both, as Phyllis does.

DIALOGUES IN PROGRESSIVE CHRISTIANITY

“Christology: High and Low” By Phyllis Whitten

Christology is the branch of Christian theology that relates to the person, nature, and role of Christ. In the Sunday morning Bible Study (“Bible and Bagels”), this topic came up for discussion recently as we were beginning our study of the Letter to the Colossians. I was not familiar with either the word or its meaning, and so had to do some research.

“High” Christology is the belief that Jesus was divine from the get-go, as recognized by Mary, his mother (the Annunciation), her husband Joseph (Matthew 1:20-23 “God with us”), the shepherds in the field, the three wise men (star and predictions), Simeon ( Luke 2:25-32), and that Jesus is considered to have been pre-existent according to the Gospel of John (“In the beginning was the Word….and all things came into being through him.” (John 1:1)

“Low” Christology, according to an online definition, is a Christian understanding of Jesus that starts with the human aspects of his life and ministry and then moves on to his divinity. Beginning with the gospels and the idea that Jesus was human in all ways, Luke describes him: “Jesus grew in wisdom and the gracious presence of God and people as he also grew in years.” (New Testament, Luke 2:52) We know from Biblical stories that he got hungry and thirsty, tired, and sometimes, even irritated and frustrated with his disciples, the Pharisees, and others. A low Christologist could add that Jesus’ first realization of the potential of his relationship to God and with God came when he stayed behind at the temple, when he was twelve. This age is a normal time, more or less, for young people to develop acute sensitivity to their surroundings and in their relationships, and to ask the great philosophical questions. It is possible, maybe probable, that Jesus, too, was beginning to be aware of his potential connection to and with God, as he listened to the teachers in the temple, asking questions. “And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.” (Luke 2:46-47)

He then disappeared from the Biblical narrative for eighteen-plus years, about which we know nothing. Where was he? What was he doing? Was he studying the ancient Scriptures? Was he meditating, praying, seeking knowledge and wisdom?

He re-emerged for his baptism by John, having realized to perfection that potential, recognized and acknowledged by God his Father. His humanity became divinity…. “and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,” (John 1)

These two perspectives, while not completely contradictory, have been discussed, nay, argued, among scholars and believers for centuries. Many believe that Jesus’ pre-existent divinity is essential to the Gospel, while others do not, believing that Jesus taught a new way to live and care for others. But is it necessary that it be one or the other?
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Seven-thirty in the morning may be an unusual time to be thinking about Christology, but that was the time available to me, that warm morning in August, as I went for a quick swim. I walked slowly into the lake, watching the ripples emanate from my body, dipping my hands into the water to see the wave patterns intersect with each other. Droplets of water fell around me, becoming part of the patterns, as yes, it was raining slightly. The whole lake and its waves were made up of those individual droplets of water. And they became one.

It occurred to me that in the same manner, perhaps Jesus could be considered to be human and divine, simultaneously. We ordinary humans might also have the same potential for a sacrificial relationship with God — which most of us don’t fully grasp nor act on consistently. (Maybe soldiers do, or organ donors, or lifeguards, or parents, or migrants sending their children away from persecution.) However, Jesus did, and accessed his “God within you” divinity, setting the ultimate example for the rest of us to follow, not only by his actions towards others, but also by giving us the opportunity to accept the open loving relationship that we can have with God, through him. “I am the Way…” (John 14:6)

This was considered blasphemy according to the established religion of Jesus’ time, and Jesus was punished by crucifixion. But because of his now-understood and accepted relationship with God, thanks to Paul, the Gospels, and other writers of the New Testament, that opportunity continues to be offered, and extended to the rest of believing humanity. Resurrection would prove Jesus’ divinity, and our potential. “The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, so therefore you can look forward to sharing in God’s glory” (The Message, Colossians 1: 27) In accepting this opportunity, we will not be separated from God anymore. Preaching love and care of the marginalized and neighbor is present in many religions. Jesus’ acts of healing and miracles often affected one person at a time (sight to the blind man, water to the woman at the well) yet, his message of an ultimate merging with God (salvation/forgiveness) extends to the whole world. “God is with you and within you.” (Brent Newberry, pastor, FBC.)

We see in the announcements of the passing of a church Member, “Rest in peace and rise in glory”; perhaps this means that we all get a chance at resurrection — a chance for a fully realized, loving relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. “Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life — even though invisible to spectators — is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up too — the real you, the glorious you” (Colossians 3: 3-4)

It began to rain somewhat more substantially. “Don’t go swimming in the rain, you’ll get wet!” had been the jesting admonition as I left the house to walk to the lake. But that’s all right…the water was warm, and I felt cleansed.