Communio Interviews: Jeremiah Barker and Larry Chapp discuss the sufferings of the impassible God

Exploring Spiritual Christology

The discussion centers around the concept of spiritual Christology, emphasizing the unity between the historical figure of Jesus and the mystical body of Christ. This spiritual interpretation, influenced by theologians like Ratzinger, posits that God’s eternally chosen suffering is pivotal to understanding divine love. The inner workings of the Trinity are portrayed as inherently linked to Christ’s passion, meaning that the divine's choice to suffer is not a reaction but a preordained act of love. This perspective challenges traditional views on the impassibility of God, suggesting that true understanding of God’s nature is rooted in His proactive choice to enter into human suffering.

The Impassible God and Suffering

The paradox of God’s impassibility and suffering is tackled, illustrating that while God is unchanging, He has chosen to be vulnerable through His incarnation in Christ. This choice signifies that the pain experienced by Christ reveals profound truths about God’s nature, rather than merely a transient event. The article argues that God’s eternal, loving self-dispossession is not only a theological abstraction but reflects a genuine responsiveness to human pain. Therefore, the divine suffering is deeply relational, arising from God's eternal willingness to engage with humanity.

Humanity's Inclusion in God's Love

The dialogue on Christ’s sacrifice extends to humanity's relationship with God, with the assertion that Christ’s love is universally offered rather than selectively given. The notion of drawing all humanity to Himself highlights God's inclusive nature and the collective aspect of salvation. By understanding Jesus as the embodiment of divine love, one realizes that faith offers an invitation to all, facilitating a relationship between the creator and creation. Such a view challenges fears of predestination, presenting instead a relational God whose love is always directed towards humanity.

Mary's Role in Salvation

The article emphasizes the role of Mary and her fiat as essential in God's plan for salvation, where she models perfect receptivity to God's will. This highlights the importance of human cooperation with divine grace in the process of salvation. The sacramental participation in the Eucharist is portrayed as a means through which believers are united with Christ's offering to the Father. The theme connects both ecclesiology and Mariology, suggesting that the Church, as the body of Christ, participates in this divine union, furthering the understanding that salvation is an act of communal response to God's love.

Diving into Pustinia Spirituality

The conversation transitions to Catherine Doherty's concept of Pustinia, a spirituality rooted in solitude and prayer, echoing the deeper themes of kenosis and mutual presence in God. The Pustinia, characterized by simplicity and a call to return to essentials, serves as a metaphor for the contemplative life that deepens one's relationship with the divine. This approach emphasizes the need for modern individuals to engage with silence and solitude as routes to encounter God. In counseling for integration of ancient traditions with contemporary life, Pustinia spirituality fosters an understanding of God’s eternal presence in human experiences.

Gaudiumetspes22 podcast

Communio Interviews: Jeremiah Barker and Larry Chapp discuss the sufferings of the impassible God

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Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Exploring Spiritual Christology

The Impassible God and Suffering

Humanity's Inclusion in God's Love

Mary's Role in Salvation

Diving into Pustinia Spirituality

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