Skip to the main content

Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.32862/k.15.2.4

The “A-theist” Christ: Kenosis as a Way of an Identification with Atheists in the Theology of Anthony Bloom

Teofil Stanciu orcid id orcid.org/0000-0003-2576-8131 ; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad, Romania


Full text: english pdf 82 Kb

page 195-205

downloads: 468

cite


Abstract

For Metropolitan Anthony Bloom, the kenosis of Christ climaxes with his God-forsakenness on the cross. It is this aspect of kenosis that the present article tries to explore and build upon. One key element will be the meaning of the concept of “a-theist” Christ – coined by Bloom – and how this status of the incarnated Son can function as a basis for our identification and solidarity with today’s atheists. By the way of kenosis, the incarnation brings together in one hypostasis the divine and human nature. This reality endowed both our nature and created order with significant dignity. This paper explores the possibilities from this dignity and how it can serve as a bridge for dialogue with humanists and materialists. As Bloom suggests, this can open the discussion towards the secular world and Christians could take some responsibility for the process of secularization. The objective of this article is to demonstrate that Anthony Bloom’s controversial idea of “a-theist” Christ can become a connection point with the other and a mirror in which western Christians might look at some of their anthropological shortcomings that hamper their solidarity and dialogue with those who do not share the faith in God.

Keywords

atheism; solidarity; kenosis; God-forsakenness; secular world

Hrčak ID:

266775

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/266775

Publication date:

9.12.2021.

Visits: 1.177 *