Did Jesus Say "I AM GOD" In The Gospels? w/ Dr. Robert Bowman Jr.
Feb 5, 2025
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Dr. Robert Bowman Jr., a scholar and co-author of 'The Incarnate Christ and His Critics,' dives deep into the theological debate about Jesus' divinity. He tackles misconceptions regarding Jesus' identity in scripture, emphasizing the significance of his 'I am' statements. The conversation also critiques modern interpretations of John 1:1 and examines the complex relationship between Jesus and the Father. Bowman engages with various scholarly perspectives, making a compelling case for early Christians' recognition of Jesus as Yahweh.
Dr. Robert Bowman Jr. emphasizes that the New Testament provides solid evidence affirming the divinity of Jesus through various structures and arguments.
The HANDS acronym effectively organizes the attributes that showcase Jesus' divinity, including honors and deeds unique to God.
The podcast critiques contemporary scholars' arguments against Jesus' deity, asserting the importance of comprehensive analysis over isolated interpretations of scripture.
Discussion on the Trinity highlights that while the term wasn't used in the Bible, its foundational concepts can be found in the New Testament writings.
Deep dives
The Significance of the New Book
The introduction of a new book that addresses the argument that the New Testament does not present Jesus as God has generated excitement. This thorough examination covers various objections from different religious groups, including Unitarians and Jehovah's Witnesses. The book employs a comprehensive structure that showcases solid evidence, affirming the divinity of Christ through the Gospels and New Testament writings. The conversational context highlights the authors' dedication in creating a resource that effectively combats prevalent misconceptions about Jesus' divine status.
In-depth Breakdown of the HANDS Acronym
The book organizes its arguments using the HANDS acronym, which stands for Honors, Attributes, Names, Deeds, and Seat. Each section is designed to establish the unique divine characteristics of Jesus, such as honors that are due explicitly to God and divine attributes that Jesus possesses. Throughout the text, the book emphasizes how Jesus performs acts that only God could rightfully execute, reinforcing the notion of Christ's divinity. The claim of Jesus sharing the divine throne further bolsters the argument for his divine identity by illustrating his unique role in the Trinity.
Responses to Common Objections
In the discussion, several objections to Jesus’ deity, particularly concerning specific biblical verses, are addressed. For example, the interpretation of John 17:3, which some groups claim distinguishes Jesus from God, is debated. The argument elucidates that Jesus refers to the Father as the only true God while simultaneously affirming his identity through other authoritative texts. This nuanced engagement reveals the importance of a holistic understanding of scripture, demonstrating that isolated verses should not negate the broader context that attests to Jesus’ divinity.
Critique of Modern Scholarship
The conversation also critiques contemporary scholars, specifically those like Dan McClellan, who argue against the divinity of Jesus based on their interpretation of biblical texts. The guests emphasize that many of McClellan's arguments have been addressed in the book and that they often echo long-standing objections raised by other thinkers. This reiteration calls into question the validity of McClellan's claims, emphasizing a need for a comprehensive analysis of New Testament writings rather than relying on isolated interpretations. The presence of historical and theological contexts as foundational elements in evaluating these arguments is heavily stressed.
The Nature of Fulfilled Prophecies
The discussion shifts to the theme of fulfilled prophecies within the New Testament. The guests analyze claims about how the Old Testament prophecies were perceived and recast in the context of Jesus’ life and mission. Highlighting passages like Matthew 2:15 as potentially misappropriated prophecies demonstrates the intricacies involved in interpreting scriptural texts. This aspect invokes critical reflection on whether the New Testament writers aimed to misrepresent or genuinely interpret ancient scriptures in light of Jesus’ arrival.
Understanding the Trinity
The conversation addresses misconceptions about the Trinity and its development throughout early Christian history. Critics often point out the absence of the term 'Trinity' in the Bible, leading them to view it as a later theological construct. However, the guests argue that the foundational aspects of the Trinity were present in the New Testament writings, even if the terminology evolved later. The dialogue emphasizes that the concept built upon early Christian confessions showcases a doctrinal continuity that thrives within the biblical narrative.
The Role of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
The guests elucidate the dynamic relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as understood within Trinitarian theology. Each person of the Trinity plays unique roles, yet they are unified in their divine essence and purpose. This relationship offers insights into how early Christians perceived Christ's nature and his interactions with the Father and the Spirit. Their collective examination demonstrates that acknowledging the distinct roles in no way contradicts their shared divinity.
