Heaven & Earth features conversations between myself and another person who knows something fascinating. In these conversations, I play the role of the listener and ask questions to learn more about a topic.
In this episode, Rafael and I talk about Christ’s incarnation, and what it might mean for Christ to assume (or not assume) a fallen state.
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Rafael Bello is the academic editor and coordinator of the Adopt a pastor Project at Editora Fiel. He completed his PhD in 2019 and his research interests are related to Christology and the Trinity. His first book will be released soon: Sinless flesh: a critique of Karl Barth’s fallen Christ (Lexham Press, USA). He is also professor of theology and interpretation at The Martin Bucer Seminary.
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Interesting conversation, Wyatt, however, the problem with metaphysics is its attempt to explain the nuances outside of the physical creation. It seems to me that the movement of the Holy Spirit (John 3:8) accomplishes the same thing more tangibly. His movements are grounded by the specificity of common languages and indwelling providing direct discernment. If I wanted to do a thorough going-over of metaphysical principles I would still be compelled to ground it by theological and scriptural precepts. Otherwise, it is like trying to harness the air, which we could catch in a balloon, thus serve a purpose. Whereas harnessing the Holy Spirit is a very available and tangible resource; notwithstanding His express purpose in temporal life. Although metaphysics can be attached to the temporal realm, theology would seem to be the best of the intangibles. I’m still not convinced of its vital necessity of metaphysics unless it could be optimized by direct attachment to holy writ — which I would probably want to do were I interested in developing a thesis statement; and attempt to bring it to life.
Other than intellectual exercises, it doesn’t appear that metaphysics can stand up to the study of God. Although He is intangible, through His Son He couldn’t be more tangible, so it would seem theology and biblical writ are the best of both worlds. After all, no one ever completely masters the Scripture though many Rabbis memorized the Tanakh. Or perhaps it’s a rite of passage, which would be fine to do.