Understanding the Controversy: Why Some Believe Jesus is Not God
Many biblical scholars and religious practitioners have debated over the nature of Jesus and His relationship to God. One of the most popular topics is the belief that some argue Jesus is not God. This issue is often rooted in misunderstandings or misinterpretations of biblical texts, especially those written in Koine Greek during the first century. Let's delve into the details and explore the arguments surrounding this controversial belief.
The Language Barrier: Koine Greek and Its Implications
Understanding the language of Jesus' time is crucial in interpreting the Bible correctly. Koine Greek, the common language of Jesus' era, offers many nuances that are often overlooked. A basic lesson in Koine Greek reveals a different perspective on certain passages. For instance, the phrase “ego Kai o pater esmen en” (John 10:30) is commonly translated as 'I and my Father are one.' However, a literal translation of this phrase would be 'I and THE Father are both in,' implying a commonality or oneness, not a deity status. This interpretation sheds light on the nature of the relationship between Jesus and God, suggesting a close but distinct relationship rather than a claim to divinity.
The Historical Context and Biblical Quotations
The Bible provides numerous references that can help clarify the relationship between Jesus and God. For example, in Matt 16:13–17, Jesus asks His disciples who they believe He is. Peter's response, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,' indicates a belief in Jesus' divinity. However, Jesus himself acknowledges that this understanding was given by God through divine revelation, not human reasoning. This emphasizes the divine nature of the revelation and the role of God in communicating this truth to humanity.
The confusion surrounding the relationship between Jesus and God often arises from a misinterpretation of certain verses. For instance, in Acts 2:36, it is stated, 'Therefore let all the house of Israel know for a certain that God made him both Lord and Christ this Jesus whom you hanged on a tree.' This verse indicates that God granted Jesus His lordship, not that Jesus was always Lord.
Trinity and Its Criticism
The concept of the Trinity, which has been a cornerstone of Christian doctrine for centuries, is highly debated. One significant criticism is the foundation of the Trinity on a single verse from John 1:1, which reads, 'In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.' This verse implies that the Word (Jesus) was with God but does not state that the Word was God. Scholarly analysis of the Koine Greek in this verse indicates that the use of articles differs between the two instances (Words were 'with' God versus Word 'was' God), suggesting a distinction rather than a claim of being God.
Additionally, the resurrection of Jesus from the dead after three days is a pivotal event in Christian theology. While the Bible does not directly attribute the resurrection to Jesus Himself, it does attribute it to God, reinforcing the idea that Jesus was raised by God and not by His own power. This aligns with the understanding that Jesus was chosen by God and empowered by God, not self-empowered or self-deified.
The Origin of the Trinity Doctrine
The doctrine of the Trinity, as it is currently understood, is a man-made construct developed over time. Biblical scholars argue that the concept of the Trinity was not fully developed until much later. Matt 15:9 emphasizes the importance of following God's commandments and not the traditions of men, suggesting that the doctrine of the Trinity, while valuable in its own right, may be seen as a tradition rather than a direct instruction from Jesus.
Conclusion: A Contemporary Perspective
The belief that Jesus is not God, or at least not in the traditional sense of the word God, is an issue that has polarized believers and scholars alike. It is essential to study the biblical texts, especially those written in Koine Greek, to understand the nuances of the language and the historical context in which these texts were written. This approach can provide a clearer understanding of the relationship between Jesus and God and help resolve some of the controversies surrounding this belief.