Reimagining Our View of Scripture

God is Love, a truth that resonates profoundly in the essence of Christian faith. This understanding finds its foundation in the scriptures, particularly in 1 Corinthians 13, where love is exquisitely defined. The passage, often referred to as the "Love Chapter," lays out a comprehensive blueprint of what love truly entails. By examining this biblical definition, we can discern the divine nature of love and distinguish between divine revelation and cultural influences within the scriptures.

1 Corinthians 13, especially verses 4-7 in the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVue), offers a timeless and universal description of love:

"Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth. It keeps no record of wrongs, it bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

This passage encapsulates the characteristics of divine love, which is patient, kind, humble, and truthful. Such love reflects the very nature of God, who is Love Himself. This divine love is also closely aligned with the fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-23:

"By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things."

The correlation between the attributes of love in 1 Corinthians 13 and the fruit of the Spirit is striking. Both passages emphasize patience, kindness, and a selfless, humble nature. They depict a love that is not merely an emotion but a profound and enduring commitment to truth and goodness.

Understanding this correlation allows us to discern divine revelation within scripture. If a passage aligns with the qualities described in 1 Corinthians 13 and the fruit of the Spirit, it reflects the nature of God and is therefore a divine revelation. Conversely, passages that depict actions or attitudes contrary to these qualities may reflect the cultural context and limitations of the human authors rather than the divine nature of God.

Throughout the Bible, we encounter various passages that challenge our understanding of God’s nature. Some depict violence, retribution, and other behaviors that seem inconsistent with the love and fruit of the Spirit. For instance, certain Old Testament passages describe God commanding the Israelites to engage in warfare and even acts of destruction against their enemies. These depictions can be troubling when juxtaposed with the New Testament’s portrayal of God’s unconditional love and mercy.

One way to reconcile these differences is to recognize the cultural and historical contexts in which these scriptures were written. The Old Testament was composed over centuries, during times of great social and political upheaval. The laws and narratives often reflect the norms and values of ancient Near Eastern societies, which were vastly different from the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament.

For example, the commandment in Leviticus 24:19-20, "Anyone who injures a neighbor is to be injured in the same manner: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. The one who has inflicted the injury must suffer the same injury," reflects a cultural code of retributive justice prevalent at the time. However, Jesus countered this approach in Matthew 5:38-39: "You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also."

Jesus’ teachings emphasize forgiveness, mercy, and love over retribution and vengeance. This shift highlights the transition from cultural norms to divine revelation, focusing on the true nature of God as Love.

Moreover, the Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently emphasized the primacy of love as the highest virtue. In Romans 13:8-10, he writes:

"Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet’; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law."

Paul’s emphasis on love as the fulfillment of the law underscores the centrality of love in Christian ethics and theology. This perspective helps us to discern the essence of divine revelation within the scriptures, distinguishing it from cultural and historical contexts that might not fully reflect God’s true nature.

In the same vein, the fruit of the Spirit serves as a reliable measure for evaluating the spiritual authenticity of biblical teachings. Any passage or doctrine that promotes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control can be seen as aligned with the Spirit and, therefore, as a genuine reflection of God’s will. Conversely, passages that promote hatred, violence, intolerance, or other negative traits can be understood as influenced by human culture rather than divine inspiration.

By applying the lens of love as defined in 1 Corinthians 13 and the fruit of the Spirit, we can navigate the complexities of scripture with greater discernment. This approach does not diminish the value of the entire biblical text but rather invites us to seek the heart of God within it. It encourages us to embrace the teachings that reflect God’s love and to critically engage with those that seem inconsistent with His nature.

Ultimately, recognizing that God is Love and that true love is patient, kind, and selfless provides a foundation for understanding divine revelation. It calls us to live out this love in our own lives, embodying the fruit of the Spirit and reflecting the character of God to the world. In doing so, we not only deepen our relationship with God but also contribute to the manifestation of His kingdom on earth, where love reigns supreme.

 

A view some deconstructing Christians may want to consider.

The theological concepts within Christianity have long been marked by diverse interpretations of doctrine and belief systems. Among these, the concept of atonement—the reconciliation of humanity with God through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—has been a central theme. Traditionally, many Christian denominations have adhered to the doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement, which posits that Jesus died as a substitute for sinners, taking upon himself the punishment for sin. However, alternative views, such as Christus Victor, offer a different perspective on the meaning and implications of Jesus' death and resurrection.

As a Christian Universalist with syncretistic tendencies, my theological stance diverges significantly from the orthodox emphasis on penal substitutionary atonement. Instead, I resonate with the Christus Victor model, which portrays Jesus' mission as overcoming the powers of evil, sin, and death. This view emphasizes liberation from fear and the restoration of humanity's divine nature, concepts that are echoed in the Gospel of Truth.

The Gospel of Truth, an early Christian text associated with Valentinian Gnosticism, presents a narrative that contrasts sharply with the penal substitution framework. It speaks of Jesus as a figure who reveals the truth of our divine origin, dispelling the ignorance and forgetfulness that have led humanity astray. This forgetfulness is not merely an intellectual lapse but a profound spiritual amnesia regarding our true nature as beings created in the image of God.

Valentinus, the early Christian theologian, and his followers proposed that humanity's primary problem is this forgetfulness, and Jesus' role was to remind us of our divine heritage. While I do not adhere to all aspects of Valentinianism, I find this particular teaching deeply insightful. It shifts the focus from a legalistic transaction to a transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening.

In this light, the death and resurrection of Jesus are not viewed as a penal substitution but as a triumphant victory over the forces that obscure our true identity. Jesus' resurrection is a powerful testament to the triumph of life over death and love over fear. It assures us that the grave is not the end and that our true essence is indestructible.

Moreover, this perspective aligns with a broader, more inclusive understanding of salvation. Traditional doctrines often emphasize the necessity of explicit faith in Jesus for salvation. However, from a Universalist standpoint, salvation is seen as an ultimate reality that transcends individual belief systems. The message of Jesus, while profoundly beneficial for those born into Christianity, is not exclusive in its salvific power. The divine truth he embodied and revealed is accessible to all, regardless of religious affiliation.

This inclusive approach does not diminish the significance of faith in Jesus for Christians. Instead, it acknowledges the richness and diversity of human spiritual experience. For those within the Christian tradition, faith in Jesus can be a powerful catalyst for transformation, offering a direct encounter with divine love and wisdom. For others, different paths may lead to the same ultimate reality of divine union.

The overemphasis on penal substitutionary atonement within orthodox and evangelical circles can obscure this broader vision. It tends to frame the divine-human relationship in terms of guilt and punishment, rather than love and restoration. By shifting the focus to Christus Victor, we reclaim a vision of Jesus' mission that is fundamentally about healing and liberation.

This perspective also resonates with contemporary spiritual seekers who may be disenchanted with traditional doctrines that seem overly rigid or punitive. It offers a vision of Christianity that is both ancient and ever-new, deeply rooted in the early church's mystical insights while speaking powerfully to modern hearts and minds.

In summary, my syncretistic and Universalist approach to Christianity challenges the traditional focus on penal substitutionary atonement by embracing the Christus Victor model. This view celebrates Jesus' victory over the forces of fear and forgetfulness, reminding us of our true divine nature. It offers an inclusive vision of salvation that honors the diversity of human spiritual paths while affirming the transformative power of faith in Jesus for those within the Christian tradition. By doing so, it invites us to see Christianity not as a narrow gate but as a wide embrace, drawing all people into the boundless love and wisdom of the Divine.

 

A Nuanced View of the Name and Blood of Jesus

The distinction between the power in the name of Jesus and the power in the blood of Jesus facilitates a nuanced discussion within Christian theology. Both concepts hold significant places in Christian doctrine, yet their applications and implications differ in crucial ways. The name of Jesus represents a universal principle meant for both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing a holistic, inclusive approach. In contrast, the concept of the blood of Jesus is deeply rooted in the sacrificial traditions of first-century Judaism, aimed specifically at ending the practice of temple sacrifices and not necessarily applicable to today's context.

The power in the name of Jesus stands as a cornerstone of Christian belief. From the outset of the Christian era, this name encapsulated a universal message of hope, redemption, and authority. For early Christians, invoking the name of Jesus was more than a mere verbal declaration; it symbolized the embodiment of divine power and presence accessible to all believers. This concept transcended ethnic and cultural boundaries, reaching out to both Jews and Gentiles. In the first-century context, where the early church was emerging from a predominantly Jewish milieu and expanding into the Gentile world, the name of Jesus served as a unifying force, bridging diverse communities under a common banner of faith.

In contrast, the power in the blood of Jesus is deeply rooted in Jewish sacrificial traditions. The imagery of blood as a means of atonement is pervasive in the Hebrew Scriptures, where animal sacrifices were integral to the religious life of the Israelites. The letter to the Hebrews in the New Testament particularly emphasizes this theme, drawing a direct connection between the sacrificial system of the Old Testament and the sacrificial death of Jesus. Hebrews presents Jesus as the ultimate high priest who, through his own blood, offers a once-for-all sacrifice, superseding the need for continual animal sacrifices. This theological shift aimed to move believers away from a system of repetitive rituals toward a more profound understanding of their relationship with God.

The focus on the blood of Jesus in the New Testament writings served a specific purpose for the first-century Jewish audience. It addressed the immediate audience of Jews, familiar with the sacrificial language and practices of the temple. By framing Jesus' sacrifice in these terms, the early Christian writers sought to communicate the significance of his death in a way that resonated deeply with Jewish believers. This emphasis on Jesus' blood was particularly relevant in the context of transitioning away from the temple sacrifices, aiming to end the practice of animal atonement rituals.

However, this message about the blood of Jesus was primarily contextualized for the first-century Jewish audience and their specific religious practices. The application of Jesus' blood as a means to end temple sacrifices was a historical and theological necessity of that time. Today, the broader Christian understanding has shifted away from these specific sacrificial contexts. The emphasis now lies more on the relational aspects of faith, centered on the name of Jesus and the personal connection it offers to all believers, regardless of their cultural or religious backgrounds.

This redefinition is crucial to grasping the full theological import of the New Testament message. The sacrificial system of the Old Testament, while addressing sin, often left worshipers feeling distant from God, as their atonement was mediated through animal blood. Jesus' sacrificial death, however, was intended to eradicate this sense of separation, offering believers direct access to God as children to a loving parent. This paradigm shift is evident in Jesus' teachings, particularly his emphasis on worshiping God "in spirit and truth." Jesus consistently pointed his followers towards a more intimate, personal relationship with God, one not confined by ritualistic observance but characterized by genuine, heartfelt devotion.

The interplay between these two concepts—name and blood—illuminates the multifaceted nature of Christian salvation and divine relationship. While the name of Jesus signifies a universal call to all humanity, the blood of Jesus underscores the specific historical and theological transition from the old covenant of sacrificial atonement to the new covenant of grace and sonship. This transition was necessary to move believers beyond a transactional relationship with God to one grounded in identity and belonging.

Understanding the historical context of these concepts helps clarify their distinct yet complementary roles in Christian theology. The early Christian message, while deeply embedded in Jewish tradition, sought to transcend those boundaries and offer a new way of relating to God that was inclusive and transformative. The name of Jesus symbolizes this inclusive call, while the blood of Jesus represents the transformative power that made this new relationship possible at that specific time in history.

Moreover, the emphasis on Jesus' blood as a means to "rid the sin idea" reflects a profound theological insight. Sin, in the Old Testament context, often necessitated repeated sacrifices, creating a cycle of atonement that never fully reconciled humanity with God. Jesus' sacrifice, by contrast, was meant to break this cycle, offering a once-for-all solution that not only addressed sin but also redefined the believer's identity as a son or daughter of God. This shift from sin to sonship is at the heart of the New Testament's message and is pivotal to understanding the full scope of Christian salvation.

In summary, while there is undeniable power in both the name and the blood of Jesus, their applications and implications within Christian theology serve different yet complementary purposes. The name of Jesus represents a universal, inclusive call to all humanity, bridging cultural and ethnic divides. The blood of Jesus, rooted in Jewish sacrificial tradition, signifies a profound theological shift from a sin-centric to a sonship-oriented relationship with God, particularly relevant in its historical context. Together, these concepts encapsulate the essence of the Christian faith: a transformative relationship with the divine that is both universal in its reach and deeply personal in its impact.