Mr Deity, Divine child abuse and Eternal Subordination

This Sunday we looked at Philippians 2 and as a starter I showed ep2 of Mr. Deity.



Now this tends to lampoon our evangelical understanding of the Cross. It also seems to be close to the whole “divine child abuse” idea when it comes to penal substitution.

I would like to add just one little bit into the mix here….

If the “Trinity” is Co-Equal and not eternally subordinate (as some people tend to think these days) then for Jesus to submit to Death even death on the cross, means that he willing submitted to a plan that was developed by the co-equal trinity!

But if cross was but only the “Fathers will” and not a plan of the co-equal trinity then it does seem to be close to “divine child abuse”

How then do we explain the fact that Jesus submitted to the will of the Father? It is stated time and time again in scripture...

Well I think that Phil 2:6-8 and Kenotic Theory gives us the answer. That he gave up that equality for his earthly ministry and then submitted to death as being the plan that the Co-equal trinity had come up with.

Well that is my half assed attempt at this whole idea, you can also catch my talk from Sunday on the podcast.

Comments? I’m sure there will be…

Notes from Forge

Here is the first set of notes from Mike Frost's first session last Friday at the Forge intensive. It is only shorthand so it probably doesn’t do it that much justice but here it is anyway.

3 Doctrines that undergird the Spirituality of Mission

Missio Dei
Defined as the Mission of God or more fully, the DNA of God is that of a Sent and Sending God. The Hebrew understanding was that God is involved in the world, that he is not aloof and just watching over but intimately involved.

Paticiparto Christi
That if we take the Missio Dei seriously then we are to participate in what God is doing in this world.

Five skills to participate in what Christ is doing:

1. Let Jesus be our reference point (don’t let “churchianity” rule).
2. Foster a radical spirituality of engagement
3. Be inspired by Prevenient grace.
4. Follow the Missio Dei into strange places
5. Inspire those around you to do the same

The Imago Dei
All humans are reflections of the image of God. Even if we are cracked images there are still fingerprints of God in everybody’s life.

Lots to reflect on, I might post up some other notes or reflections later. Any comments please feel free to debate argue or encourage here…