THE DIVINE IMPASSIBILITY AND IMMUTABILITY IN THE CONTEXT OF CHRIST’S KENOSIS
/ΘΕΪΚΗ ΑΠΑΘΕΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΑΜΕΤΑΒΛΗΤΟΤΗΤΑ ΣΤΟ ΠΛΑΙΣΙΟ ΤΗΣ ΚΕΝΩΣΗΣ ΤΟΥ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ/

Florin Toader TOMOIOAGĂ

lecturer, Faculty of Orthodox Theology, University of Oradea, Universitatii Str., Nr. 1, Jud. Bihor, Romania, tomoioagaf@yahoo.com

Abstract

The theological problem of the divine impassibility and immutability was a subject discussed by the Orthodox theologians of the 20th century, especially in relation with the kenosis of Christ. How can God preserve His impassibility in the Incarnation of the Divine Word and in Christ’s passion and death? Is the patristic impassibility, as applied to God, an equivalent expression for indifference? In this study, we describe the solutions offered to this complex question by contemporary Orthodox theologians. In general, regarding this controversial issue, they follow the patristic way of thinking. The shortest dogmatic formula which can be laid down after the examination of their assessments is that although the Logos remains impassible in respect with His divine nature, He also suffered and died in His humanity. This teaching avoids the danger of introducing change in the divine nature, but simultaneously allows us to conceive a living theology, which offers room for the intervention of God in the human pain and suffering.

Keywords

Ipassibility, kenosis, Incarnation, change, immutability

(Language: greek)

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