Biblical Answer

The Kenosis Theory: A Misguided Attempt to Reconcile Divinity and Humanity

The kenosis theory, which suggests that Christ gave up some of his divine attributes while on earth as a man, is a misguided attempt to reconcile the divinity and humanity of Christ. This theory ultimately denies the full deity of Jesus Christ and makes him something less than fully God. The kenosis theory was first proposed in the nineteenth century, but it has been rejected by classical orthodoxy due to its speculative nature and lack of support from Scripture.

Scriptural Evidence Against Kenosis

The gospel narratives themselves present evidence against the kenosis theory. Jesus' knowledge of things both human and divine was sometimes limited, but this does not mean that he ceased to be fully God. In fact, Jesus accepted worship from his followers, which clearly demonstrates his equality in deity (Matt. 28:17). Furthermore, the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully human, and that his two natures are united in one person (Phil. 2:6-7). The kenosis theory is incompatible with these teachings, and therefore cannot be used to reconcile the divinity and humanity of Christ.

The Incompatibility of Kenosis with Scripture

The kenosis theory is also incompatible with Scripture's teachings on the nature of God and the incarnation. The Bible teaches that God is all-knowing and all-powerful, and that Jesus is fully God and fully human. The kenosis theory, on the other hand, suggests that Jesus gave up some of his divine attributes while on earth, which is incompatible with these teachings. Therefore, the kenosis theory cannot be used to reconcile the divinity and humanity of Christ, and must be rejected in favor of a more biblically faithful understanding of the incarnation.