Local Church Discussions - View Single Post - 1 Cor. 15:45

Cal · 10-23-2012, 06:58 AM

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The Bible does not prohibit identifying the Son with the Spirit. In fact, in some places it seems to encourage it. I believe in some ways the Son is not the Spirit (they are distinct), and in some ways he is the Spirit (they are the same God). How this all works I don't know, but I have some ideas.

However, we are not going to ultimately solve this puzzle or even reach agreement on it. I think rather what is important is to focus on the actual pitfalls of pushing one or the other side too far. I think they are in general:

(1) Pushing the ONE side too far diminishes the relational aspect of God. (Not that it leads to the theological construct called "modalism.")

(2) Pushing the THREE side too far seems to place artificial boundaries on our experience. (Not that it leads to the theological construct called "tri-theism.")

So please, avoid the abstract and theological and focus on ideas which are actually going to help people.

This is not to say that this discussion cannot be fruitful. Let's just try to take positions that further healthy relationships with God and others, rather than fight for theological ground.

And while doing so, be thankful Justyn Martyr of the other board is not here to call everyone a cultist who doesn't believe his version of the Trinity.

Thank you. We now resume our regular programming.

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10-23-2012, 06:58 AM	#7
Cal Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: USA Posts: 4,333	Re: 1 Cor. 15:45 - what does it really mean? ** MODERATOR NOTE The Bible does not prohibit identifying the Son with the Spirit. In fact, in some places it seems to encourage it. I believe in some ways the Son is not the Spirit (they are distinct), and in some ways he is the Spirit (they are the same God). How this all works I don't know, but I have some ideas. However, we are not going to ultimately solve this puzzle or even reach agreement on it. I think rather what is important is to focus on the actual pitfalls of pushing one or the other side too far. I think they are in general: (1) Pushing the ONE side too far diminishes the relational aspect of God. (Not that it leads to the theological construct called "modalism.") (2) Pushing the THREE side too far seems to place artificial boundaries on our experience. (Not that it leads to the theological construct called "tri-theism.") So please, avoid the abstract and theological and focus on ideas which are actually going to help people.** This is not to say that this discussion cannot be fruitful. Let's just try to take positions that further healthy relationships with God and others, rather than fight for theological ground. And while doing so, be thankful Justyn Martyr of the other board is not here to call everyone a cultist who doesn't believe his version of the Trinity. Thank you. We now resume our regular programming. ** END MODERATOR NOTE **