When God becomes man in Jesus of Nazareth, he not only…
““When God becomes man in Jesus of Nazareth, he not only enters into the finitude of man, but in his death on the cross also enters into the situation of man's godforsakenness. In Jesus he does not die the natural death of a finite being, but the violent death of the criminal on the cross, the death of complete abandonment by God. The suffering in the passion of Jesus is abandonment, rejection by God, his Father. God does not become a religion, so that man participates in him by corresponding religious thoughts and feelings. God does not become a law, so that man participates in him through obedience to a law. God does not become an ideal, so that man achieves community with him through constant striving. He humbles himself and takes upon himself the eternal death of the godless and the godforsaken, so that all the godless and the godforsaken can experience communion with him.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Jesus embodies divine abandonment, sharing humanity’s deepest alienation and offering communion through his suffering.
In simple terms: Jesus shares human abandonment, creating a bond through his death.
Key Takeaway
Recognize solidarity in shared suffering.
Themes
theology
humanity
divine
suffering
communion
Mood
contemplative
somber
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal grief
- spiritual crisis
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
incarnation
abandonment
emptiness
redemptive suffering
Questions to Reflect On
- How does shared abandonment affect faith?
- Can suffering be a path to connection?
A Different Perspective
The concept may alienate those seeking a more comforting divine image.