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164
How did JWs arrive at a clearer understanding of what the Bible teaches than other Christian denominations?
by slimboyfat in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
for jws who believe that jehovah had a hand in reviving the truth in the nineteenth century this is enough explanation for how jws managed to achieve a closer approximation to early christian beliefs and practices than other groups.

but is there an explanation for this phenomenon that doesn’t rely on supernatural intervention?

new testament scholar james dunn explains the difficulty of interpreting the biblical texts in this way:.
aqwsed12345

@Earnest
Your argument, based on the writings of Justin Martyr, hinges on the misrepresentation that Justin saw Christ merely as "another god" or a created angelic being. However, Justin's own writings, when considered in full context, contradict this assertion, showing that Justin recognized Jesus Christ as the fully divine Son of God, who was not merely a created being, but who shares in the divine nature. The claim that Justin referred to Jesus as "another god" or "an angel" is based on a misunderstanding of his use of these terms. Justin uses the terms "angel" and "apostle" to describe Jesus not in the sense of being a mere angelic or subordinate being, but to highlight his role as the messenger (Greek: angelos simply means "messenger") and representative of God. Justin explicitly clarifies that Jesus is the Son of God, and in several passages, he affirms that the Son is divine. In First Apology, Chapter 63, Justin writes:
"The Jews, accordingly, being throughout of opinion that it was the Father of the universe who spake to Moses, though He who spake to him was indeed the Son of God, who is called both Angel and Apostle, are justly charged, both by the Spirit of prophecy and by Christ Himself, with knowing neither the Father nor the Son."
Here, Justin is clear that the "Angel" who spoke to Moses was not a mere created being but the Son of God, who is also God. The term "angel" here does not imply an ontological subordination or creation but is used to denote Jesus' role as a divine messenger. Justin was engaging with Jewish critiques that identified the Father as the one speaking to Moses and correcting them by stating it was actually the pre-incarnate Christ who interacted with humanity in these Old Testament theophanies.
Justin makes it explicit that Jesus is divine and distinguishes him from mere angels or created beings. In Dialogue with Trypho, Justin identifies Jesus as the "only-begotten Son of the Father" and calls Him God: "The first-begotten Word of God, is even God" (First Apology, Chapter 63). This shows that Justin held a Trinitarian view, where the Father and the Son are distinct persons, but both are fully divine. This is far from the subordinationist or Arian-like theology that some try to project onto Justin.
Moreover, Justin’s theology was clearly progressing toward the Trinitarian theology formalized later. His understanding of Christ as fully divine refutes any suggestion that Justin believed Jesus to be a lesser, created god. He argues that the Son is God alongside the Father but distinct in personhood. This demonstrates a high Christology, not a belief in a "created" Christ as the JWs often claim.
The Watchtower Society often quotes early Church Fathers selectively, giving the impression that these figures supported Arian or subordinationist views, but this is a distortion of their teachings. As shown in the excerpt from Dialogue with Trypho and First Apology, Justin explicitly acknowledges Jesus as God, a view entirely incompatible with Arianism or the theology of the JWs. In fact, Justin argues that Jesus was worshipped alongside the Father, indicating that he did not view Jesus as a mere creature but as worthy of divine worship.
Justin's writings were aimed at refuting the Jewish view that denied the deity of the Son. He was arguing that Jesus, the Word of God, had always been present and active in the Old Testament as the one who appeared to figures like Moses. To interpret Justin’s statements about the Son as supporting Arianism or a lower Christology is to ignore the very purpose of his argument: to defend the deity of Christ against Jewish critiques.
In conclusion, Justin Martyr’s writings affirm that Jesus Christ is fully divine, not a mere created angel or subordinate god. While Justin uses the term "angel" (messenger), this term describes Jesus’ role in delivering the message of God, not his nature. Justin’s references to Jesus being "God" and his role in theophanies such as the burning bush underscore his belief that Jesus was indeed God, not a lesser being. The argument that Justin believed Jesus was "another god" or a created angel is not supported by the full context of his writings.
Thus, it is incorrect to claim that Justin's view aligns with Arian theology or the theology of the JWs. Justin recognized the pre-existent, divine nature of Christ and argued for his eternal relationship with the Father.
@peacefulpete
You suggest that Philo, Justin Martyr, and the writer of the Ascension of Isaiah held a belief in the Logos as an "emanation" of the Most High, and that this is fundamentally different from the Christian understanding of the Logos as fully God. However, this is a misunderstanding of early Christian theology. Philo of Alexandria, a Jewish philosopher, did indeed speak of the Logos as a kind of intermediary through which God interacts with the world. For Philo, the Logos was an abstract principle, a divine intermediary that did not possess full personhood or equality with God. Philo’s understanding of the Logos is more akin to a philosophical bridge between the transcendent God and the material world. It was not personal, and it certainly was not incarnate.
The Christian concept of the Logos, particularly in the Gospel of John (John 1:1-3, 14), is fundamentally different. John affirms that the Logos is not merely an emanation or intermediary, but fully personal and fully divine. "The Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). This is not an emanation in the Neoplatonic sense but an ontological statement about the divine nature of Christ. Moreover, John emphasizes the incarnation—"The Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14)—which is entirely absent from Philo’s conception. The Logos in Christianity is not an abstract intermediary; it is the eternal Son of God who took on human nature without ceasing to be fully divine.
While Justin Martyr uses the language of the Logos and defends the pre-existence of Christ, he does not depict the Logos as a mere emanation or lower divine being. In his Dialogue with Trypho, Justin affirms that the Logos is eternal, generated by the Father, and shares the same divine essence (οὐσία) as the Father. Justin’s analogy of fire from fire is crucial: just as one flame kindled from another does not diminish the original, so the Logos, eternally begotten from the Father, shares the same divine nature without being a separate or lesser deity. Justin’s understanding aligns with what later became formalized in the Nicene Creed, even though the specific term "Trinity" was not yet in use.
The claim that Philo’s Logos is fundamentally similar to the Christian Logos does not hold. While early Christian writers, including John and Justin, were influenced by Hellenistic thought, they significantly reinterpreted the concept of Logos in light of the revelation of Jesus Christ.
You mention that Gnostic branches of Christianity regarded themselves as monotheistic and that they were attracted to the concept of divine emanations. It’s important to differentiate mainstream Christian theology from Gnosticism, which was ultimately rejected by the early Church as heretical. Gnostic systems indeed posited multiple emanations (often referred to as aeons) from a singular divine source. These emanations were not seen as co-equal with the source but were increasingly imperfect as they descended. In many Gnostic systems, the material world was viewed as corrupt or flawed, created by a lesser, malevolent being (often identified with the God of the Old Testament), and salvation involved escaping the material world.
Mainstream Christianity, as expressed in the New Testament, holds to a strict monotheism inherited from Judaism. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not emanations in a Gnostic sense, but three distinct persons who share one divine essence. The early Christians rejected Gnostic dualism and the notion that the material world is inherently evil. The incarnation—God becoming flesh in the person of Jesus—was a direct challenge to Gnostic beliefs.
While Gnosticism drew from certain Jewish and Hellenistic traditions, it fundamentally diverged from the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The Christian concept of the Trinity—one God in three persons—is not an emanationist framework but a relational understanding of the one God revealed in Scripture.
You draw a comparison between the Gospel of Mark and Greek mythological dramas like The Bacchae, suggesting that the Gospel of Mark could be a myth or dramatization. This is a misunderstanding of the genre and intent of the Gospel writers. The Gospels, particularly Mark, are written as historical narratives, not mythological allegories. They include concrete references to historical figures like Pontius Pilate, Herod Antipas, and Caiaphas, and they locate events in real places such as Jerusalem and Galilee. These are not the hallmarks of mythological literature but of historical narrative. While the Gospels certainly convey theological meaning, they are rooted in historical claims about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Unlike mythological stories like The Bacchae, which are clearly framed as allegory or symbolic drama, the Gospels present themselves as eyewitness testimony to real events. The early Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus was not based on allegory but on the conviction that Jesus physically rose from the dead, as seen by many witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). This is a claim about historical reality, not myth.
Your suggestion that the Gospels could be myths like The Bacchae is undermined by the fact that early Christians did not treat their texts as mythological but as reliable testimonies to historical events. The early Church, including figures like Justin Martyr, vigorously defended the historical reality of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection against pagan critiques.
You argue that Christianity is rooted in Neo-Platonism and that figures like Paul and the writer of John were influenced by this philosophical tradition. While it is true that early Christian thinkers engaged with Greek philosophy, it is misleading to claim that Christianity is rooted in Neo-Platonism. Neo-Platonism, particularly as developed by Plotinus (3rd century), posited a single, transcendent One from whom all things emanate. However, Christianity does not present God as an impersonal force or as a being from whom the world emanates in a hierarchical chain. Instead, Christian theology teaches that God is personal and relational, that He created the world ex nihilo (out of nothing), and that He entered into history through the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
Early Christian thinkers like Justin, Clement of Alexandria, and Origen did engage with Greek philosophical ideas, but they did so critically, adapting certain concepts while rejecting others. For instance, while they borrowed the language of "Logos" from Greek philosophy, they redefined it in light of the revelation of Christ. The Logos in Christian theology is not an impersonal principle but the second person of the Trinity, eternally begotten of the Father.
While Greek philosophy influenced the intellectual framework of the early Church, the core beliefs of Christianity—creation, incarnation, and resurrection—are profoundly different from Neo-Platonic thought. Christianity is rooted in the historical revelation of God in Jesus Christ, not in the speculative metaphysics of Greek philosophy.
In conclusion, your argument suggests a continuity between Hellenistic philosophical concepts and early Christian theology, but it overlooks the ways in which Christianity fundamentally reinterpreted these concepts in light of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The Christian doctrine of the Trinity, far from being an emanationist or Gnostic system, is a monotheistic understanding of one God in three persons. This is not rooted in Neo-Platonism or Greek myth but in the revelation of God through Christ, as witnessed by the apostles and early Church.
@scholar
Your argument relies heavily on a misunderstanding of what the qualitative force of "theos" means in John 1:1c. The commentary you cited from Sacra Pagina acknowledges that the qualitative "theos" describes the nature of the Word—“what God was, the Word also was.” This means that John is affirming that the Word shares fully in the divine nature of God, but not confusing the Word with the Father. The NWT rendering "a god" misinterprets this qualitative force by suggesting a distinction in divinity between the Word and the Father. The NWT's translation implies a secondary, lesser deity, which is not what the qualitative meaning entails. If the Word possesses the nature of God, then the rendering "a god" diminishes this very nature by introducing a subordinationist framework inconsistent with John's intent.
The NWT introduces a theologically problematic reading by translating "theos" as "a god," suggesting the existence of multiple gods, which contradicts the monotheism presented in John and throughout the Bible (e.g., Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 43:10). The qualitative force means that the Word possesses the very nature of God, not as a second or lesser god, but fully participating in God's divine essence. Trinitarianism holds that the Father and the Word (Son) share the same divine nature without being identical persons, which avoids the confusion that the NWT translation introduces.
The claim that Trinitarianism is “rooted” in Neo-Platonism oversimplifies the development of Christian theology. While some Church Fathers used philosophical terminology to articulate their doctrines, the core concepts of the Trinity are rooted in Scripture and the early Church’s understanding of Jesus' divine identity. The idea that Trinitarian theology simply “adopted” Neo-Platonism ignores the biblical evidence for Christ's deity found in texts like John 1:1, Philippians 2:6-11, and Colossians 1:15-20. Moreover, the Nicene Creed, which affirmed the consubstantiality of the Son with the Father, was not simply a product of Greek philosophy, but of theological debates that sought to remain faithful to the apostolic tradition.
The qualitative rendering, as supported by scholars such as Daniel B. Wallace, emphasizes the divine nature of the Word without introducing henotheism. The NWT's translation "a god" distorts the meaning by suggesting that the Word is not fully God but a lesser divine being. This interpretation is inconsistent with the broader context of John’s Gospel, which consistently affirms the full divinity of the Word (John 1:3, John 1:18) and aligns with the monotheistic faith of Israel.
In conclusion, the NWT translation "a god" misrepresents the qualitative nature of "theos" in John 1:1c by introducing theological confusion and contradicting the monotheistic message of both the Old and New Testaments. The traditional rendering, “the Word was God,” is the most accurate and consistent translation that preserves the full divinity of the Word.
164
How did JWs arrive at a clearer understanding of what the Bible teaches than other Christian denominations?
by slimboyfat in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
for jws who believe that jehovah had a hand in reviving the truth in the nineteenth century this is enough explanation for how jws managed to achieve a closer approximation to early christian beliefs and practices than other groups.

but is there an explanation for this phenomenon that doesn’t rely on supernatural intervention?

new testament scholar james dunn explains the difficulty of interpreting the biblical texts in this way:.
aqwsed12345

@peacefulpete
You suggest that early Christianity emerged from disenfranchised or marginalized Jewish groups and that it drew upon ideas that included a belief in multiple divine powers or intermediaries, such as the Logos, as found in Philo and other "second power" traditions. While it is true that Philo of Alexandria and other Hellenistic Jewish thinkers introduced the concept of the Logos as an intermediary, it is important to note that mainstream Jewish monotheism by the first century was overwhelmingly committed to the Shema, the declaration that "the Lord our God, the Lord is one" (Deuteronomy 6:4). Any departure from strict monotheism would have been met with resistance within this cultural and religious framework.
While it’s true that Christianity emerged from a milieu where various Jewish groups held differing beliefs, it’s important to note that Christianity was deeply rooted in Second Temple Jewish monotheism. The early followers of Jesus, including the apostles and first Christian communities, were Jews who maintained monotheistic beliefs, and they understood Jesus as fulfilling Jewish Messianic expectations.
Even if certain fringe Jewish groups experimented with mystical or esoteric interpretations of scripture, this doesn't mean that early Christianity was detached from mainstream Jewish monotheism. The New Testament authors, particularly in books like Matthew and John, reflect a thoroughly monotheistic worldview, building on Old Testament prophecies. Christianity didn’t arise from syncretistic fringe elements that adopted polytheism or henotheism, but from a strictly monotheistic environment that viewed Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel's Messianic hopes.
The writings of early Christians, including the Gospels and Pauline epistles, are firmly rooted in this monotheistic tradition. Even in the Gospel of John, where Jesus is identified as the Logos (John 1:1), the understanding is not that Jesus is a separate or lesser deity but that he shares fully in the divine nature of the one God. This is why John emphasizes both the distinction ("the Word was with [the] God") and the unity ("the Word was God"). The early Christians, including Paul and John, did not see themselves as departing from monotheism but as expanding the understanding of God's nature to include the incarnate Word, Jesus Christ, as fully God.
The Ascension of Isaiah and other apocryphal texts present complex theological ideas, often in highly symbolic or mystical language. However, these texts were not part of the New Testament canon and represent particular sectarian beliefs that differ from mainstream early Christianity. The canonical Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) present a much more straightforward narrative about Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection, focusing on his historical actions rather than purely mystical interpretations.
The Ascension of Isaiah describes Christ's descent and crucifixion in symbolic terms, which can be seen as part of an apocalyptic worldview that was common in certain Jewish and Christian sects. However, it doesn't negate the historicity of Jesus but emphasizes the theological significance of his incarnation and redemptive mission.
The given interpretation of Justin Martyr's Dialogue with Trypho is problematic. While it is true that Justin Martyr speaks of Christ as "another god" in a sense, it is important to understand the context in which he uses this language. Justin is defending the Christian belief in Christ's divinity to a Jewish audience, and he does so using the language of divine agency that was familiar to his Jewish interlocutors. However, Justin does not propose a separate or lesser god in opposition to the one true God of Israel. Instead, he emphasizes that the Logos is eternally begotten from the Father and shares the Father's divine essence.
For example, Justin's analogy of the Word proceeding from the Father like a fire kindling another fire without diminishing the original source shows that he did not view Christ as a separate or created being but as eternally generated from the Father. This analogy illustrates the relationship within the Godhead: the Father and the Son share the same divine nature, just as a flame kindled from another flame shares the same fire without being lesser. Therefore, Justin's theology aligns with the later Trinitarian formulation, even if the specific terminology of "Trinity" had not yet been fully developed.
You reference Philo's concept of the Logos as a bedrock for early Christian Christology, suggesting that the belief in a "second power" or intermediary influenced Christian beliefs about Christ. While it is true that Philo's Logos concept had some influence on early Christian thought, especially in the Gospel of John, the Christian understanding of the Logos differs significantly from Philo's. Philo's Logos is an abstract, intermediary principle through which God interacts with the world, but it is not fully personal or incarnate in the way that Christ is presented in the New Testament.
In contrast, the Christian Logos is not just an intermediary or abstract principle but the Word who "became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). The incarnation is a key distinction between Philo's philosophical concept of the Logos and the Christian understanding. For Christians, the Logos is not simply a means by which God relates to the world; the Logos is fully God, who took on human nature in the person of Jesus Christ. This belief is central to Christian theology and is rooted in the early Christian experience and proclamation of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
You compare the Gospel of Mark to a play or dramatization, similar to how stories about Greek gods were told through literature and performance. However, this analogy is flawed because the Gospels are not presented as mythological allegories but as historical accounts. While the Gospels are indeed theological texts, they are also rooted in specific historical claims about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. They contain references to real historical figures (such as Pontius Pilate) and geographical locations (such as Jerusalem), which situate the narrative within a recognizable historical context.
While there is a literary quality to the Gospels, it's essential to recognize that they were written within a historical context and aim to present historical events. The Gospels place Jesus firmly within first-century Judea, referencing specific historical figures like Pontius Pilate, Herod, and Caiaphas, and events like the Roman crucifixion. These are not abstract mythological settings but historical markers that ground the narrative in real-world events.
Comparing the Gospels to dramatizations like the Bacchae of Euripides is misleading because Greek tragedies were explicitly allegorical or mythological, while the Gospels present themselves as accounts of real historical events. The inclusion of mundane details, such as the names of Jesus' family members (e.g., James, His brother) and his interactions with well-known historical figures, points to the Gospel writers’ intention to root their accounts in historical reality.
The early Christians did not treat Jesus as a purely mythological figure, like Dionysus in Greek mythology, but as a real person who lived, taught, was crucified, and rose from the dead. This belief in Jesus' historical reality is central to the Christian faith, and it distinguishes Christianity from the mythological traditions of the surrounding pagan cultures.
You mention that early Christianity included a wide range of beliefs, including Gnostic views, and suggest that the development of the Gospels was influenced by this diversity. While it is true that early Christianity was diverse, the Gnostic movements were largely reactionary to the mainstream Christian belief in Jesus' humanity and divinity. Gnosticism typically denied the full humanity of Christ, claiming instead that he was a purely spiritual being who only appeared to suffer and die.
However, the mainstream Christian tradition, as reflected in the New Testament and the writings of the early Church Fathers, affirmed both the full divinity and full humanity of Christ. The development of the New Testament canon, including the Gospels, was not an arbitrary process of selecting texts that fit a particular agenda. Instead, it was based on the recognition of certain texts as authoritative witnesses to the apostolic teaching about Jesus. These texts consistently affirm the historical reality of Jesus' life and his identity as the incarnate Word of God.
Your argument, while engaging with some interesting historical and philosophical ideas, ultimately misunderstands the core claims of early Christian theology and the historical evidence for Jesus' existence and divinity. The Gospels and early Christian writings are not mythological in nature but are rooted in the historical claims about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Justin Martyr and other early Christian writers did not see Christ as a separate or lesser deity but as fully divine, sharing in the essence of the one true God. The development of Trinitarian theology was not a departure from Jewish monotheism but a deepening understanding of God's nature as revealed in Christ.
164
How did JWs arrive at a clearer understanding of what the Bible teaches than other Christian denominations?
by slimboyfat in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
for jws who believe that jehovah had a hand in reviving the truth in the nineteenth century this is enough explanation for how jws managed to achieve a closer approximation to early christian beliefs and practices than other groups.

but is there an explanation for this phenomenon that doesn’t rely on supernatural intervention?

new testament scholar james dunn explains the difficulty of interpreting the biblical texts in this way:.
aqwsed12345
@Earnest
You wrote that you agree with me regarding nomina sacra and that they do not imply that every single use of the term "God" should be capitalized in modern translations. However, the distinction you're trying to make here—particularly regarding John 1:1—is incomplete. While nomina sacra were applied to both the Father and the Son, these sacred abbreviations indicate reverence for the divine name, and this same reverence was applied consistently to both the Father and the Son in the manuscripts. The use of nomina sacra signals that the Word (Logos) shares in the same divine status as the Father.
You claim that context and meaning should determine how the word "God" is translated in John 1:1, and I fully agree. But the context of John 1:1 does not support the idea that the Logos is a lesser god or merely has "qualities" of divinity. John 1:1c, where it says, "and the Word was God" (καὶ θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος), uses the qualitative form of the noun theos, meaning that the Word possesses the full nature of God, not just divine characteristics. The absence of the article before theos does not imply that the Word is merely "a god" in the sense of a subordinate deity but highlights the essential, divine nature of the Word.
Your assertion that people confuse the Word with ton theon (the Father) because of the traditional translation ("the Word was God") is a misunderstanding of Trinitarian theology. The doctrine of the Trinity teaches that the Father, the Son (the Word), and the Holy Spirit are distinct persons who share the same divine essence. John 1:1 makes it clear that the Word is distinct from the Father ("the Word was with [the] God") but is also fully divine ("the Word was God"). It’s not a matter of confusing the persons of the Trinity but rather affirming the unity of the divine essence and the distinct persons within the Godhead.
Your claim that first-century Jews were henotheistic is historically inaccurate. While archaeological finds, such as the synagogue at Dura-Europos, might suggest some degree of syncretism or pagan influence in certain Jewish communities during the third century, this does not reflect the mainstream monotheism of first-century Judaism. Judaism was firmly monotheistic by the time of the Second Temple period, and the idea of henotheism had been largely eradicated, particularly in Palestinian Judaism. The Shema, the central confession of Jewish faith, states: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one" (Deuteronomy 6:4). This confession of monotheism remained foundational to Jewish thought in the first century.
Margaret Barker’s argument in The Great Angel that early Judaism retained vestiges of a "second god" is a minority position among scholars and is not widely accepted. Barker’s thesis is speculative and does not reflect the dominant Jewish monotheism at the time of John’s Gospel. Even if there were remnants of earlier polytheistic or henotheistic beliefs in isolated Jewish communities, they were not representative of mainstream Jewish belief in the first century, especially in the context of John's Gospel, which was written within a strongly monotheistic framework.
You reference Justin Martyr’s Dialogue with Trypho, claiming that Justin acknowledges the existence of "another god" besides the Creator. However, Justin does not suggest that this "other god" is a separate or lesser deity in the way that JWs argue about Jesus. Justin, like many early Christian writers, uses the term "god" to refer to Christ’s divinity, but always within the context of monotheism. He distinguishes between the persons of the Father and the Son, but not in a way that implies Christ is a separate, subordinate god.
When Justin refers to "another god," he is using the language of divine agency to describe Christ's role in the economy of salvation, not to imply a belief in multiple gods. Justin’s theology, like that of the New Testament writers, upholds the belief that Christ shares in the divine essence with the Father. Thus, Justin’s reference to Christ as "another god" is in line with the doctrine of the Trinity, where Christ is distinct from the Father in personhood but shares fully in the divine nature.
You argue that John's audience would have had no problem with the concept of the Word being "a god" or having god-like qualities. This interpretation, however, misunderstands both the linguistic structure of the Greek and the theological intent of the text.
If John's intention in John 1:1 had been to attribute a lesser, ontologically subordinate divinity to the Logos in relation to the Father, he would have likely chosen different terminology. Considering the cultural background of a Hellenic polytheistic audience, there were numerous Greek terms available that could have conveyed the idea of a being with a lower form of divinity or a godlike creature rather than full deity. Words such as θεῖος (divine-like), ἡμίθεος (demigod), ἥρως (hero), θεϊκός, θεϊνός (godlike), or even θεώτερος (more divine) would have been appropriate to signify a lesser status. Additionally, the term δαίμων originally referred to a lower deity, whether good or bad, and not exclusively to an evil spirit. By using θεός (God), John unmistakably communicates the full divinity of the Logos, placing Him on the same ontological level as the Father.
The phrase "καὶ θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος" (and the Word was God) does not imply that the Logos is merely "a god." The lack of an article before theos emphasizes the divine nature of the Word, not a lower or subordinate status. As I mentioned earlier, the qualitative use of theos indicates that the Word shares fully in the divine essence. This understanding is consistent with Trinitarian theology, which holds that the Father and the Son are distinct persons who share the same divine nature. To translate this as "a god" would be a misunderstanding of both the Greek grammar and the theological intent of the passage.
In summary:
- The use of nomina sacra in early Christian manuscripts reflects the same reverence with which early Christians regarded both the Father and the Son, affirming their shared divine status.
- The translation "the Word was God" accurately reflects the qualitative use of theos in John 1:1c, indicating the full divinity of the Logos.
- The claim that first-century Jews were henotheistic is historically inaccurate. Mainstream Judaism at the time of John’s Gospel was firmly monotheistic.
- Justin Martyr’s reference to "another god" in his Dialogue with Trypho does not imply a belief in a subordinate or separate god but is consistent with the early Christian understanding of Christ’s fully divine status within the framework of monotheism.
The consistent use of nomina sacra and the grammatical structure of John 1:1 support the traditional understanding that the Word (Logos) is fully God, sharing in the divine essence of the Father, while remaining distinct in person.
@peacefulpete
You mention a “lazy default consensus” that assumes there must be evidence for Jesus’ existence, but this characterization misrepresents the nature of historical scholarship. The consensus among historians is not based on a “lazy assumption” but on rigorous examination of available evidence, including early Christian writings, non-Christian sources, and the cultural context of first-century Judea. The overwhelming majority of scholars, both religious and secular, affirm that Jesus existed because the documentary evidence, although not perfect, is sufficient to establish his historicity. Scholars like Bart Ehrman, who are critical of Christianity, still affirm Jesus’ existence because denying it lacks solid evidential support.
It is not simply about “arguing semantics about indefinite articles.” Historians use established methods, such as textual criticism, comparative analysis, and historical methodology, to assess the credibility of ancient sources. To dismiss this as mere assumption without providing substantial counter-evidence falls short of engaging in serious historical inquiry.
You claim that Paul’s letters and other early Christian writings lack personal details about Jesus, suggesting that this absence implies Jesus was not a historical figure. However, this overlooks the nature of Paul’s epistles. These letters were written to address specific theological issues and practical concerns within early Christian communities, not as biographies of Jesus. Paul’s writings focus on the implications of Jesus’ death and resurrection, which was central to his mission. Furthermore, Paul explicitly mentions Jesus as a real person, referencing his crucifixion and mentioning people like James, the brother of Jesus (Galatians 1:19). These references to Jesus’ family and his death are consistent with a historical figure, not a mythical one.
You mention that the Christ movement was driven by an understanding of Jesus as an emanation of God and that various Gnostic sects incorporated mystic ideas into their beliefs. While it is true that early Christianity was diverse and included various interpretations of Jesus’ nature, this does not mean that Jesus was not a historical figure. Gnosticism emerged later, and many of its ideas were in opposition to the mainstream Christian understanding of Jesus as a human being who lived and died in first-century Palestine.
The existence of differing theological interpretations, such as Gnosticism, does not disprove Jesus’ historicity. Instead, it shows how early Christians interpreted his life and teachings in different ways. The Gospels, especially the Synoptics, provide detailed narratives of Jesus’ life, which were rooted in oral traditions passed down from those who knew him. This is very different from the mythological speculations found in later Gnostic texts.
You compare the understanding of Jesus with the way readers might understand the gods of Plato or the dramatizations in Greek mythology, implying that Jesus could be a fictionalized character. However, this comparison is flawed. The Gospels and early Christian writings are not presented as mythological allegories or philosophical treatises, but as historical accounts of events that occurred in specific times and places. The Gospels mention real historical figures, such as Pontius Pilate, Herod, and Caiaphas, situating Jesus’ life within the political and religious landscape of first-century Judea.
Moreover, the early Christian movement was persecuted and marginalized, which makes it unlikely that it would have been based entirely on a fictional figure. The rapid growth of the Christian movement, despite persecution, suggests that it was rooted in the teachings and life of a real person.
You suggest that the New Testament, including the Pauline letters and the Gospels, was selectively edited and reworked to fit certain theological agendas. While it is true that the New Testament canon was formed through a process of selection, this does not mean that the core message of the texts was fabricated. Scholars have identified layers of tradition within the Gospels, including earlier oral traditions, and while redaction occurred, it was not to the extent that it created a fictional Jesus.
The formation of the canon involved the exclusion of some texts, like those favored by Gnostics, but the core writings included in the New Testament—Paul’s letters and the Gospels—were widely accepted in the early Christian communities long before the formal canon was established. These texts consistently refer to Jesus as a real, historical figure.
While you mention the concept of the Logos and its connection to Jewish mysticism, this does not negate the historical existence of Jesus. The Gospel of John uses the concept of the Logos to describe the divine nature of Jesus, but it also affirms his incarnation as a human being (John 1:14). The doctrine of the incarnation—the idea that the eternal Logos became flesh in the person of Jesus—was a central tenet of early Christian belief and does not undermine the claim that Jesus was a real historical figure.
In conclusion, while there were diverse interpretations of Jesus in early Christianity, and while some Gnostic sects viewed him in mystical terms, this does not disprove his historicity. The consensus among historians is that Jesus existed as a historical figure, and this view is based on substantial documentary evidence, not mere assumptions. The existence of theological diversity within early Christianity, including Gnosticism, actually supports the idea that there was a real historical figure whose life and teachings were interpreted in various ways.
164
How did JWs arrive at a clearer understanding of what the Bible teaches than other Christian denominations?
by slimboyfat in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
for jws who believe that jehovah had a hand in reviving the truth in the nineteenth century this is enough explanation for how jws managed to achieve a closer approximation to early christian beliefs and practices than other groups.

but is there an explanation for this phenomenon that doesn’t rely on supernatural intervention?

new testament scholar james dunn explains the difficulty of interpreting the biblical texts in this way:.
aqwsed12345
@scholar
Your objection rests on the claim that the anarthrous "theos" (without a definite article) in John 1:1c is qualitative, and you emphasize that the New World Translation (NWT) reflects this understanding correctly by rendering it as "a god." You also argue that calling the Word "divine" is merely describing a quality of the Word rather than identifying Him as God.

It is essential to understand that the absence of the article does not automatically mean "theos" should be translated indefinitely as "a god." In fact, many scholars agree that in John 1:1c, the anarthrous "theos" is best understood qualitatively, which highlights the nature of the Word rather than creating a distinction between a "God" and "a god."

You mentioned that the NWT committee believed the translation "divine" was appropriate. However, even if we accept the qualitative understanding, translating it as "a god" implies a subordination that is not present in the Greek. Translating "θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος" as "the Word was God" conveys that the Word shares in the divine essence without suggesting polytheism or subordination.

Contextually, John's prologue consistently refers to the Word's pre-existence, divine authority, and identity as the agent of creation (John 1:3). The use of "theos" in verse 1:1c cannot be interpreted as introducing a second, lesser deity because the entire passage stresses that the Word (Logos) was intimately involved in the creation, a role ascribed to God alone. Furthermore, John 1:18 emphasizes that no one has ever seen God except the only-begotten Son, who has revealed Him. It would make little sense to speak of a "lesser god" who fully reveals the one true God.

You accuse Catholic theologians of being influenced by Neo-Platonism, suggesting that this influence is what drives their theological conclusions. However, this is a misrepresentation of Church doctrine. The affirmation of the Word's full divinity in John 1:1c is rooted in the biblical and historical understanding of the Christian faith, long predating Neo-Platonism. While some philosophical terms were later adopted to clarify the nature of the Trinity, the core belief that the Word is fully divine (not "a god") comes from the apostolic teaching itself.

The NWT’s translation "the Word was a god" introduces theological confusion by implying that there are multiple divine beings or gods, which is contrary to the strict monotheism of both Old and New Testaments. Isaiah 43:10 clearly states that no god existed before YHWH, nor will there be one after Him. This statement is incompatible with the idea that the Word could be "a god" separate from YHWH.

By rendering John 1:1c as "a god," the NWT conflicts with the broader context of Scripture, which consistently affirms the uniqueness of YHWH as God and the full divinity of Christ.

You mention that the Church's teaching confuses the Word with the Father. This reflects a misunderstanding of the doctrine of the Trinity, which maintains the distinction between the persons of the Father and the Son while affirming that both share in the same divine essence. The Word is fully God, but distinct from the Father as a person within the Godhead. This is precisely why John says that the Word was "with [the] God" (referring to the Father) and "was God" (referring to the Word’s divine nature).

In conclusion, the qualitative understanding of "theos" in John 1:1c should be maintained, but translating it as "a god" introduces unnecessary theological confusion. The traditional rendering "the Word was God" is the most faithful to the Greek text and context, affirming the full divinity of the Logos without equating Him with the Father.
@peacefulpete
The idea that Jesus did not exist as a historical figure is a fringe theory, lacking solid support among professional historians and biblical scholars. While it is true that some scholars, such as Richard Carrier, Raphael Lataster, and Robert M. Price, advocate for "mythicism" (the belief that Jesus was entirely a mythical figure), their views remain outside the scholarly mainstream. It is important to recognize that the overwhelming consensus among historians and scholars is that Jesus of Nazareth existed as a historical figure. This is not simply an "assumption" as suggested but a conclusion based on rigorous analysis of early Christian, Jewish, and Roman sources.
Renowned scholars like Bart Ehrman, an agnostic and a critical New Testament scholar, maintain that mythicism is an extreme and unsupported position. Ehrman, in his book Did Jesus Exist?, asserts that virtually all scholars, regardless of religious affiliation, accept the historical existence of Jesus. He writes: "The view that Jesus did not exist is demonstrably false, and professional scholars generally regard it as having been settled in serious scholarship long ago." This is a key point: mythicism is considered "settled" in mainstream scholarship because it lacks sufficient evidence and relies on speculative interpretations.
Mythicism rests on several flawed premises. Some of the common criticisms against it include:
- Arguments from silence: Mythicists often argue that because certain ancient writers did not mention Jesus, he must not have existed. However, as historians point out, the absence of a mention is not evidence of non-existence. Many other historical figures, especially non-elite individuals, are not mentioned in contemporary writings but are still accepted as real.
- Selective use of evidence: Mythicists tend to dismiss or distort key sources that mention Jesus. For example, they often argue that the references to Jesus in the works of the Jewish historian Josephus are later Christian interpolations, but most scholars agree that, although parts of the text may have been altered, the core reference to Jesus is authentic.
- Misunderstanding historical method: Many proponents of mythicism are not trained historians, and they apply flawed historical methodologies. According to Ehrman and others, mythicists typically lack the necessary expertise in ancient languages, textual criticism, and historical research methods required for making authoritative claims about Jesus' existence.
The historical existence of Jesus is supported by a variety of sources, both Christian and non-Christian:
- Paul's Letters: Paul's authentic letters, written within decades of Jesus' death, make multiple references to Jesus as a real person. Paul knew James, the brother of Jesus (Galatians 1:19), and refers to Jesus' crucifixion. Paul's writings are among the earliest evidence we have of Jesus' existence.
- The Gospels: While the Gospels were written several decades after Jesus' death, they contain independent traditions that can be traced back to earlier oral traditions about Jesus.
- Non-Christian Sources: Roman historians such as Tacitus and Pliny the Younger also mention Jesus (or "Christus"), adding further evidence to the historical existence of Jesus. Tacitus refers to Jesus' execution by Pontius Pilate, and Pliny discusses early Christians who worshipped Christ as a divine figure.
The Christ Myth Theory has been extensively debunked by scholars across a variety of fields. Michael Grant, a prominent classical historian, stated: "Modern critical methods fail to support the Christ myth theory," and added that "no serious scholar has ventured to postulate the non-historicity of Jesus—or at any rate very few, and they have not succeeded in disposing of the much stronger, indeed very abundant, evidence to the contrary."
Graeme Clarke, Professor of Ancient History, similarly said: "Frankly, I know of no ancient historian or biblical historian who would have a twinge of doubt about the existence of a Jesus Christ—the documentary evidence is simply overwhelming." These are not isolated opinions but reflect the broader academic consensus.
While mythicists like Richard Carrier have gained some attention, their arguments remain outliers. Carrier's use of Bayesian probability to argue against Jesus' existence has been widely criticized by historians and scholars for applying a mathematical approach that is inappropriate for historical inquiry. Carrier's work, while peer-reviewed, has not shifted the academic consensus, which continues to affirm Jesus' historical existence.
Carrier and others argue that because some elements of Jesus' story resemble mythological patterns, Jesus must also be mythical. However, historians point out that analogies to mythology do not negate the existence of historical individuals. Mythologizing historical figures after their deaths is common in many cultures, but this does not mean the individuals themselves never existed.
In conclusion, the claim that Jesus did not exist is overwhelmingly rejected by mainstream scholars. The Christ Myth Theory is considered fringe, speculative, and largely unsupported by credible historical evidence. While a few scholars entertain the possibility of mythicism, the vast majority of experts affirm the historical existence of Jesus based on the available documentary evidence. The mythicist position fails to account for the strong textual, archaeological, and historical data that supports Jesus' existence.
164
How did JWs arrive at a clearer understanding of what the Bible teaches than other Christian denominations?
by slimboyfat in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
for jws who believe that jehovah had a hand in reviving the truth in the nineteenth century this is enough explanation for how jws managed to achieve a closer approximation to early christian beliefs and practices than other groups.

but is there an explanation for this phenomenon that doesn’t rely on supernatural intervention?

new testament scholar james dunn explains the difficulty of interpreting the biblical texts in this way:.
aqwsed12345
Peacefulpete’s assertion that the biography of Jesus is entirely mythic, and drawn from Old Testament stories and prophecies, is a position associated with the mythicist view, which argues that Jesus was not a historical figure but a constructed character based on previous myths. However, this view has been widely rejected by the majority of scholars, including secular historians, who affirm Jesus' historical existence.
As slimboyfat correctly pointed out, the mainstream scholarly consensus maintains that Jesus was indeed a historical person. The evidence for Jesus’ existence is strong from multiple sources, including non-Christian references (e.g., Tacitus, Josephus). Bart Ehrman, who is often cited by mythicists for his critiques of Christian doctrine, has written against the mythicist position, affirming that "Jesus certainly existed" in his book Did Jesus Exist?. The existence of Jesus is not a matter of controversy among serious historians; the debate typically centers around the theological claims made about him, not his historicity.
The claim that Jesus is portrayed “as an angel” (?) in Paul’s letters is a position held by some scholars, but it remains a minority view. Scholars like Bart Ehrman have indeed explored this possibility, yet the broader theological and scholarly community does not universally support this interpretation. Let's examine a few key points:
- Galatians 4:14: The passage that suggests, "You received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus," is often used to support the angelic Christ theory. However, interpreting "angel" here in a strict sense (as a created being like Michael the Archangel) may not be accurate. In the biblical context, the term "angel" (Greek: angelos) can refer to any messenger of God, and is sometimes used more metaphorically or exaltedly to describe Jesus as the ultimate messenger or agent of God without implying that Jesus is a created angelic being.
- Philippians 2:6-11: While some scholars have argued that this passage depicts Jesus in angelic terms, the overwhelming majority see it as an expression of Jesus’ pre-existent divinity and incarnation. The passage explicitly states that Jesus "did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant." This text suggests a descent from divine status, not an identity as an angel. The kenosis (self-emptying) theology points to Jesus' pre-existence as God and his voluntary humility, which makes the angel theory less plausible here. I would still like to know where in Philippians 2 Christ's hymn anyone read about any kind "angel", or maybe the person who claims this was taking some kind of hallucinogen?
- Hebrews 1:4-14: This passage decisively refutes the notion of Jesus being an angel. The author of Hebrews explicitly contrasts Jesus with angels, stating that Jesus is superior to them. It says, "For to which of the angels did God ever say, 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father'?" (Hebrews 1:5). The text is clear that Jesus' sonship and authority far surpass that of any angelic being.
Peacefulpete claims that the Pauline letters show a "complete lack of interest" in the life of the Jesus of the Gospels. This is a common critique, but it overlooks a critical aspect of Paul's writings. Paul’s letters are not biographical; they are pastoral letters written to address specific theological issues in the early churches. His focus is on the significance of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and exaltation, which are the central elements of the Christian faith.
Paul does refer to key events in Jesus' life, such as his birth (Galatians 4:4), crucifixion (1 Corinthians 2:2), and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15). He also emphasizes the historical reality of Jesus’ death and resurrection as foundational to the Christian message: "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile" (1 Corinthians 15:17). So, while Paul's letters are not gospel narratives, they are deeply rooted in the historical events of Jesus' life, particularly his death and resurrection.
The development of Christology in the early church was not the product of mythicization or later theological invention. The early Christians, particularly in Paul’s writings, were grappling with the implications of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. The notion that Jesus was divine emerged organically from their experiences, the teachings of Jesus, and the Scriptures.
In conclusion, while some scholars explore alternative theories like the angelic Christology, the majority of biblical scholarship—both historically and theologically—affirms that Jesus was a historical figure, distinct from angels, and that his divinity is clearly attested in the New Testament. The Suffering Servant of Isaiah and the pre-existent Logos of John’s prologue (John 1:1) both point to the divinity of Christ within a monotheistic framework that is consistent with the overall teaching of Scripture.
164
How did JWs arrive at a clearer understanding of what the Bible teaches than other Christian denominations?
by slimboyfat in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
for jws who believe that jehovah had a hand in reviving the truth in the nineteenth century this is enough explanation for how jws managed to achieve a closer approximation to early christian beliefs and practices than other groups.

but is there an explanation for this phenomenon that doesn’t rely on supernatural intervention?

new testament scholar james dunn explains the difficulty of interpreting the biblical texts in this way:.
aqwsed12345
@Earnest
Your argument that the use of nomina sacra (sacred abbreviations) does not justify capitalizing "God" in English translations unless we are consistent and capitalize all instances, even those referring to false gods, overlooks a crucial distinction in theological context and usage. While the uncial manuscripts do indeed capitalize all instances of the word "god" (ΘΕΟΣ) or "lord" (ΚΥΡΙΟΣ) due to the nature of their script, context and meaning determine how the word should be understood and translated in modern languages.
The practice of using nomina sacra was not about creating ambiguity between true and false deities. It was a theological and scribal convention aimed at reverence for divine names, including terms like "God" (ΘΣ) and "Lord" (ΚΣ). The use of nomina sacra does not mean that these terms were treated equivalently when referring to the true God versus false deities. In fact, the early scribes demonstrated care when distinguishing between true and false gods, as seen in manuscripts where false gods are often spelled out in full (e.g., θεοὶ or κύριοι), while nomina sacra was reserved for references to the true God or Christ.
In John 1:1, the context clearly refers to the divine nature of the Word (Logos). The statement "καὶ θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος" ("and the Word was God") affirms the deity of Jesus Christ. The capitalization of "God" in English reflects the qualitative nature of the Greek construction, where "theos" without the article is used to emphasize divine essence rather than to suggest a second, lesser god.
In contrast, passages like 2 Corinthians 4:4 (“the god of this world”) or Acts 28:6 (“a god”) use the term "god" in a different context—referring to false gods or beings wrongly regarded as divine. These instances do not convey the same theological weight as when the term refers to the one true God or Jesus Christ in His divine nature. The use of nomina sacra does not eliminate this distinction.
In the uncial Greek manuscripts, where no distinction is made between uppercase and lowercase letters, every word looks "capitalized" to modern eyes. However, translation into modern languages requires interpreting the text according to its context and meaning. This is where capitalization in English comes into play: to help readers understand the theological significance of the term. For example:
- In John 1:1, "God" is capitalized because the context refers to the divine nature of Jesus as fully sharing in the essence of the Father.
- In 2 Corinthians 4:4, "god" is lowercase because it refers to Satan, a false god or power, not equal to the one true God.
The decision to capitalize "God" when referring to the Father or the Son in passages like John 1:1 or Philippians 2:6 is based on the divine nature attributed to them in those passages. In contrast, false gods or lower beings are rendered with lowercase "god" to distinguish them as inferior or false deities.
If we were to follow your suggestion and capitalize all instances of "god" where nomina sacra occur in those later manuscripts, we would lose the critical theological distinction between the one true God and the false gods mentioned in Scripture. This would obscure the clear biblical teaching that there is one true God, and others are falsely called gods (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:5-6).
Thus the use of nomina sacra in early Christian manuscripts reflects reverence for divine names, but it does not imply that every use of the term "god" should be capitalized in modern translations. The context of each passage determines whether the term refers to the one true God or a false god, and the capitalization in English reflects that theological distinction. In passages where Jesus' deity is affirmed, such as John 1:1, capitalization is appropriate to convey His divine nature. Conversely, when referring to false gods, lowercase is used to reflect their inferior status. Thus, context and theological meaning guide translation decisions, and the distinction between true and false gods remains intact in both the original manuscripts and modern translations.
The suggestion that John 1:1, by using "a god" or "godly," somehow introduces henotheistic overtones misrepresents both John's theological intent and the audience's understanding. Henotheism implies the belief in many gods, with only one being worshipped. However, John's Gospel was written within a strict monotheistic Jewish context. The opening verses of John affirm that the "Word" (Logos) was not merely a lesser deity but was intrinsically divine—sharing in the very nature of God Himself. The phrase "the Word was God" is not a statement that leaves room for multiple gods, nor does it fit into a henotheistic framework. John explicitly establishes that the Logos has the same divine nature as God. Early Christian theologians, including the author of John, were extremely careful to preserve Jewish monotheism, while also affirming Christ's deity. There is no evidence that John’s audience—comprising Jews and early Christians—would have interpreted "the Word was God" as anything other than a monotheistic statement about the nature of Jesus.
You emphasize that because "God" lacks the article in John 1:1c, it must be translated as "a god" or something implying a qualitative aspect ("godly"). However, this interpretation misunderstands Greek grammar. In this context, the absence of the article does not necessarily mean that "theos" should be indefinite. In Greek, when a noun like "theos" is placed before the verb, its article can be omitted to focus on the quality of the noun rather than introducing a new entity. This is known as the qualitative use of "theos" in John 1:1c. Greek scholars widely agree that the lack of an article here does not suggest "a god" in the sense of a lesser deity, but rather emphasizes the Word’s divine essence. The Logos is fully God, though distinct person from the Father.
The translation "What God was, the Word was" (as found in the Revised English Bible) is sometimes offered as a more accurate rendering. While this might be a useful paraphrase to explain the relationship between the Father and the Word, it still affirms that the Word shares in the full divinity of God. This translation emphasizes that the Word possesses the full essence and attributes of God, which aligns with the traditional understanding that "the Word was God." Saying "what God was, the Word was" affirms that the Logos was fully divine, not a separate or lesser being. While this may clarify the qualitative aspect of theos, it does not support an indefinite reading like "a god."
The claim that John's audience, particularly the Jews of the time, were henotheists is historically inaccurate. Judaism was strictly monotheistic, and any references to other gods were either polemical or metaphorical, often referring to false gods or idols worshipped by surrounding nations. John's Gospel was written to affirm Jesus' divine nature in the context of strict Jewish monotheism. The idea that the audience would have been comfortable with a statement suggesting multiple gods ("a god") contradicts the theological background of the Gospel. John was addressing both Jewish and Hellenistic audiences, and his purpose was to affirm the Word’s full divinity, not introduce henotheistic notions.
While John makes a distinction between the Word and the Father (the Word was "with [the] God"), this distinction is about their persons, not their essence. The doctrine of the Trinity resolves this by teaching that the Father and the Son are distinct persons but share the same divine nature. The traditional translation ("the Word was God") does not confuse the Word with the Father. Rather, it affirms the unity of their essence while preserving the distinction of their persons. The Greek construction makes this clear by using "pros ton Theon" (with [the] God) to indicate distinction, and then stating "the Word was God" to affirm the Word’s deity. This affirms the core of Trinitarian theology: one God in three distinct persons.
The claim that John 1:1 introduces henotheistic ideas or implies a separate deity for the Word is unfounded. The qualitative use of "theos" in John 1:1c affirms the Word's full divinity, not a lesser or separate deity. The traditional translation, "the Word was God," properly reflects this without confusing the persons of the Father and the Son.
@slimboyfat
While it might seem, at first glance, that Philippians 2:9-11 indicates an elevation of Jesus from a lower position to a higher one, this interpretation does not fully align with the deeper theological context of both the passage and the entirety of Christian doctrine. When Paul writes in Philippians 2:9 that "God exalted him to the highest place," this is not implying that Jesus was inferior in nature to the Father and then promoted to a higher status after His earthly ministry. The exaltation is a public declaration and a restoration of the glory Jesus already possessed before His incarnation. Consider Jesus' prayer in John 17:5:
"And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."
Here, Jesus clearly indicates that He shared the Father’s glory before the Incarnation and asks for its restoration. The exaltation in Philippians 2:9, then, refers to the acknowledgment of Christ’s divine authority and glory after His humble, obedient mission on earth—not a promotion to a higher status.
Your point that Paul did not know about the Trinity is a common claim, but it does not hold up under closer examination of his writings. Paul clearly distinguished between the Father and the Son, but he also ascribed divine characteristics and titles to Jesus that would be blasphemous if Jesus were not God. Let’s take 1 Corinthians 8:6 as an example:
“Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.”
Here, Paul parallels Jesus Christ with God the Father, ascribing to Him roles in creation and sustenance of life—functions that belong exclusively to God. The term “Lord” (κύριος, kyrios) in this context reflects the same usage in the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint), where it is used as a title for Yahweh. Paul, then, is equating Jesus with Yahweh, affirming His full divinity. The same affirmation is found in Romans 10:9-13, where Paul declares that confessing Jesus as Lord is a confession of His divine status.
Philippians 2:6-8 describes Christ's kenosis, or self-emptying. It is critical to understand that this emptying was not a loss of His divine nature but a voluntary concealment of His divine glory. Jesus, in taking on human nature, did not cease to be God; rather, He chose not to exploit His divine status for His own advantage during His earthly life. The exaltation that follows in verses 9-11 is a vindication of His humility and obedience, as God the Father declares to all creation that Jesus is Lord. Hebrews 1:3 echoes this understanding:
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.”
Jesus did not lose this divine nature during His time on earth. His exaltation is not a promotion, but rather the revelation of the glory that was veiled during His earthly ministry.
In Philippians 2:9-11, Paul says that God “gave him the name that is above every name” and that “every knee should bow... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” This exaltation points to Christ’s universal reign and authority as both God and man. However, it's important to note that the title of “Lord” is already inherent in Jesus due to His divine nature. What happens here is a public recognition and acknowledgment of His universal Lordship by all creation.
The worship of Jesus described in these verses—“every knee should bow”—is drawn from Isaiah 45:23, where God declares that every knee will bow and every tongue will swear allegiance to Him alone. For Paul to apply this text to Jesus without any qualification shows that he understood Jesus to share in the divine identity of Yahweh.
One common misunderstanding is that because Jesus is exalted and subject to the Father, this somehow implies He is ontologically inferior. This is a confusion between functional subordination and ontological equality:
- Functional subordination refers to Jesus’ voluntary submission to the Father’s will during His earthly ministry and in the economy of salvation (John 6:38, Luke 22:42). This does not imply a difference in nature but in role.
- Ontological equality affirms that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are equal in their divine nature. Jesus’ voluntary submission does not mean He is a lesser being than the Father. This distinction is central to understanding the dynamics of the Trinity, where the Son eternally submits to the Father in His role, yet shares the same divine essence.
In 1 Corinthians 15:28, where it says, "the Son himself will also be subjected to Him who put all things under Him," this is describing the end of Christ’s mediatorial role in redemption. Once His work of redemption is complete, He delivers the Kingdom to the Father, not because He is inferior in essence, but because the work of the Son as mediator between God and humanity has been fulfilled.
Finally, Paul’s view of Jesus in Philippians 2 fits squarely within the broader Pauline Christology, where Jesus is repeatedly described as preexistent and divine:
- Colossians 1:15-20 presents Christ as the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, through whom all things were created.
- 1 Corinthians 8:6 presents Christ as the agent of creation, a role attributed to God alone in Jewish monotheism.
- Romans 9:5 explicitly calls Christ “God over all, forever praised.”
Paul consistently views Jesus not as a mere subordinate being, but as the divine Son, fully participating in the divine identity and work.
In conclusion, Philippians 2 does not depict Christ as being promoted from a lower status to a higher one in a hierarchical sense. Rather, it celebrates His voluntary humility, His role as the suffering servant, and His subsequent exaltation as the public acknowledgment of His divine authority and lordship. Jesus is not elevated because He was inferior; He is exalted because He humbled Himself for our sake, while remaining fully God. This passage, far from undermining the doctrine of the Trinity, reinforces the profound mystery of the Incarnation—God becoming man, yet never ceasing to be God.
164
How did JWs arrive at a clearer understanding of what the Bible teaches than other Christian denominations?
by slimboyfat in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
for jws who believe that jehovah had a hand in reviving the truth in the nineteenth century this is enough explanation for how jws managed to achieve a closer approximation to early christian beliefs and practices than other groups.

but is there an explanation for this phenomenon that doesn’t rely on supernatural intervention?

new testament scholar james dunn explains the difficulty of interpreting the biblical texts in this way:.
aqwsed12345

@peacefulpete
Your response raises some important and interesting points regarding the development of the concept of the Logos and its treatment by Philo and early Christians. However, I believe there are key differences between Philo's Logos and Paul's Christ as the divine Logos that are essential for understanding how the two are not the same. Philo’s Logos operates as a conceptual, almost abstract, intermediary between God and the world. He draws heavily from Greek philosophy, especially Stoicism and Platonism, using the Logos as a way to explain the relationship between the divine and the material world without compromising the absolute transcendence of God. Philo never understood the Logos as an incarnate being or one that could die; rather, for him, it is more like an emanation or aspect of God’s rational power and order. Philo’s Logos has no personal identity as a being who could suffer or die, which starkly contrasts with the Christian understanding of Jesus Christ.
Paul’s depiction of Christ, particularly in Colossians 1:16-17, goes far beyond what Philo envisaged. Paul writes not merely about a cosmic principle but about a personal being who is fully divine and fully human. In this passage, Christ is portrayed as the agent of creation, through whom all things were made and in whom all things hold together. This is not just a Logos that orders the universe, but a personal, divine being intimately involved in creation, sustaining it, and redeeming it through incarnation, death, and resurrection.
Unlike Philo's Logos, which is an impersonal intermediary, Paul's Christ is personal and relational, involved directly in the salvation of humanity. Paul declares that Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection were necessary for reconciling the world to God (Col. 1:20). This "innovation" among Christians isn't just a theological novelty but rather a unique claim about God’s intervention in history through the person of Jesus.
Philo’s Logos mediates God’s power in a philosophical sense—an ordering principle of the cosmos. In contrast, Paul's Christ is a mediator in the personal sense, reconciling sinful humanity to God through his sacrificial death. For Paul, the Logos is not merely a force but a person who actively takes on human flesh (Phil. 2:6-8) and enters into human history in order to restore creation.
You raise the question of whether a reader could understand Paul’s Christ as an intermediary, creative, and pervasive force. While Paul certainly presents Christ as the one in whom all things hold together, this is not in the detached, philosophical sense of Philo’s Logos. For Paul, Christ is not a distant intermediary but rather the incarnate Son of God who reconciles and redeems the world through His death and resurrection (Col. 1:19-20). This personal engagement in creation, redemption, and final reconciliation is what makes Paul’s understanding of the Logos fundamentally different from Philo’s.
You mentioned Philo's concept of God and His two powers appearing as a triad. However, Philo's triad is not analogous to the Christian Trinity. Philo's triadic concept reflects an allegorical interpretation of God's powers (beneficence and rulership) rather than distinct persons in one divine essence. Christian Trinitarian theology speaks of three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who are consubstantial and co-eternal, sharing one divine essence, but each is a distinct person with relational roles in creation and redemption.
Philo’s allegorical framework never reaches the level of personal relationships or roles within the Godhead that the Christian Trinity articulates. While Philo might be seen as using triadic language, it lacks the relational and incarnational dimensions central to Christian Trinitarian thought. Thus, any parallels between Philo's triad and the Christian Trinity remain superficial.
In Colossians 1:16-17, Paul describes Christ as not only the agent of creation but also as pre-existent and eternally divine. The Amplified Bible rightly emphasizes that Christ is "before all things" and that "in Him all things hold together." This language goes beyond a simple intermediary force; it ascribes to Christ the active, sustaining role in creation, a role that only God can fulfill. This understanding of Christ as divine is at the heart of Christian belief in His pre-existence and equality with the Father.
So while Philo and early Christians both use the term Logos, they diverge in profound ways. Philo's Logos is a philosophical concept, a mediator in a more abstract sense. Paul's Christ is a personal, divine, incarnate Logos—not just a cosmic force, but the Savior and Redeemer of humanity. The Christian understanding of the Logos as fully divine and personal was indeed a development beyond Philo, but it was grounded in the revelation of Jesus Christ, not in appropriations of pagan or philosophical myths.
@slimboyfat
While the authorship of Colossians is debated among some scholars, it is not universally rejected. Many reputable scholars defend Pauline authorship, citing stylistic and theological continuity with other undisputed letters of Paul. But even if one were to grant, for the sake of argument, that Paul didn’t write Colossians, this does not affect the interpretation of Philippians 2:5-11, which is universally accepted as Pauline. This means that the discussion should focus on Philippians, not on disputed letters like Colossians.
You argue that Philippians 2:5-11 shows Christ as a "heavenly being" distinct from and subordinate to God. While it’s true that Philippians 2 refers to Christ’s pre-existence, it does not support the conclusion that Christ is a lesser heavenly being or an angel. In Philippians 2:6, Paul uses the phrase morphe theou, which refers to Christ being in the "form of God." The word morphe does not merely mean outward appearance but refers to the intrinsic nature of something. This has been demonstrated by various scholars who argue that morphe refers to Christ’s possession of divine attributes. Paul’s use of morphe theou asserts that Jesus had divine status and nature before His incarnation, not that He was a mere spirit or angelic being.
The passage states that Christ "did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped" (harpagmon). This indicates that Christ already possessed equality with God, yet chose not to cling to it for His own advantage. The phrase "equality with God" points to Christ's divine status, not to a subordinate or angelic status. The idea that Christ was subordinate to God in essence contradicts this notion of equality, which Paul affirms.
The term "emptied Himself" refers to the Incarnation, where Christ, though fully divine, chose to take on human nature and become obedient to death. This self-emptying involves the voluntary renunciation of divine privileges, not the divine nature itself. The passage does not imply that Christ was a lesser being who later received a higher status; rather, it speaks of the eternal Son of God humbling Himself and becoming man for the sake of humanity.
You assert that the JW interpretation of Philippians 2 makes the best sense because it portrays Jesus as a subordinate heavenly being who is rewarded for His humility. This interpretation, however, is deeply flawed. While Philippians 2 does describe Christ as pre-existent, the text does not support the notion that He was merely a subordinate spirit or angelic being. The passage explicitly emphasizes Christ's equality with God (isa theo), making it clear that He possessed divine nature before the Incarnation. This equality is not something Jesus sought to exploit but something He voluntarily set aside to take on human form.
The exaltation of Christ in Philippians 2:9-11 is not an indication that He was elevated from a lower status to a higher one in the divine hierarchy. Instead, it reflects the glorification of Christ’s humanity after His death and resurrection. The exaltation is the recognition of Christ’s lordship and the public acknowledgment of His divine authority by all creation. This glorification is given to Christ’s human nature, not His divine nature, which He already possessed. The JW interpretation confuses the exaltation of Christ’s humanity with a change in His divine status, which the passage does not support.
Your argument relies heavily on the interpretation of harpagmos as something that is seized, implying that Christ did not have equality with God but refrained from trying to seize it. However, this is a misunderstanding of the term. The word harpagmos can refer to something that is seized or exploited for personal advantage. In the context of Philippians 2:6, it means that Christ, although equal with God, did not consider His equality with God something to be exploited for personal gain. This demonstrates Christ’s humility, not His inferiority. He did not grasp at divine privileges but emptied Himself by becoming human and humbling Himself to the point of death. This shows Christ's willingness to forgo His rightful divine prerogatives for the sake of humanity’s salvation, which aligns with Trinitarian theology.
You claim that Jesus was exalted to a higher position than He originally had, implying that He was not fully divine before His exaltation. Philippians 2:9-11 speaks of God exalting Christ and giving Him the name above every name. This exaltation does not mean that Christ was elevated to divinity after being a lesser being. Rather, the exaltation refers to the glorification of Christ’s human nature. Christ, as the eternal Son of God, always possessed divine status, but in His incarnation, He took on human nature and, after His death and resurrection, was exalted in His humanity. The exaltation is the recognition and public acknowledgment of Christ’s universal lordship.
The "Name above every name" is the name "Lord" (κύριος, kyrios), which is a divine title. This title signifies that Christ is the ruler over all creation, which aligns with the Old Testament title for God (YHWH). The exaltation of Christ as "Lord" is not a sign of inferiority but an acknowledgment of His divine authority over all creation, further confirming His divinity.
The argument that Philippians 2:5-11 supports a non-Trinitarian reading where Christ is a subordinate heavenly being collapses under closer scrutiny. The passage affirms Christ’s pre-existence, equality with God, and voluntary humility in becoming human. The exaltation of Christ does not indicate that He was inferior to God but rather highlights the glorification of His humanity after His redemptive work.

The Trinitarian interpretation remains consistent with the broader witness of Scripture, affirming that Christ, though fully divine, humbled Himself and took on human nature for the sake of humanity’s salvation. Far from undermining His divinity, Philippians 2:5-11 underscores both Christ’s divine status and His extraordinary humility.
164
How did JWs arrive at a clearer understanding of what the Bible teaches than other Christian denominations?
by slimboyfat in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
for jws who believe that jehovah had a hand in reviving the truth in the nineteenth century this is enough explanation for how jws managed to achieve a closer approximation to early christian beliefs and practices than other groups.

but is there an explanation for this phenomenon that doesn’t rely on supernatural intervention?

new testament scholar james dunn explains the difficulty of interpreting the biblical texts in this way:.
aqwsed12345
@peacefulpete
Philo of Alexandria indeed had some influence on early Christian thought, particularly in his development of the concept of the Logos (Word). However, while some of Philo's language may bear resemblance to later Christian doctrines, there are significant differences that show why Philo's Logos is not the same as the Christian understanding of Christ as the divine Logos.
Philo's Logos is primarily a philosophical concept, heavily influenced by Greek thought, particularly Platonism and Stoicism. For Philo, the Logos was an intermediary between the transcendent God and the material world. It was a tool that helped God create and govern the universe, but it was impersonal, abstract, and did not become incarnate in the way that the New Testament describes.
In contrast, the Christian understanding of the Logos, particularly as presented in John 1:1-14, is that the Logos is not merely an intermediary force or principle but is personal, fully divine, and became incarnate as Jesus Christ. John explicitly states that "the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (John 1:14). This is a clear assertion that the Logos took on human nature, something Philo never suggested. While Philo entertained the possibility of God appearing in human form in legends, this is very different from the Christian doctrine of the Incarnation, where the Logos actually becomes a human being.
Philo may have speculated on legends of God taking human form, but he did not commit to this idea in a theological sense. His Logos remained an abstract mediator, never fully taking on flesh. Philo’s musings about God visiting cities in human form are purely speculative and not central to his philosophy. In contrast, the Incarnation is the cornerstone of Christian belief. The Logos, as understood by Christians, became fully human in the person of Jesus Christ while remaining fully divine. This is a decisive departure from Philo's understanding.
While there are some parallels between Philo’s thoughts and early Christian writings, especially in the use of the term Logos, Philo’s ideas do not directly inform the Christian doctrine of the Trinity or the Incarnation. The Nicene Creed’s statements, such as "God from God, Light from Light, True God from true God," are not quoting Philo but are part of the Church's development of its Christological doctrine in response to heresies like Arianism. These phrases affirm that Christ is of the same divine substance as the Father, fully equal to God, which Philo never claimed about his Logos.
Philo does indeed refer to the Logos as a "high priest" in an allegorical sense, but this is not to be confused with the Christian understanding of Christ as the true High Priest. In Hebrews 4:14-15 and 7:26-27, Christ is described as the High Priest who offered himself as a perfect sacrifice for sins. This is a unique role that Philo’s Logos never assumes. For Philo, the Logos is an abstract principle, whereas for Christians, Jesus Christ, the Logos, is a person who performs a real, historical act of redemption through his death and resurrection.
So Philo's writings, particularly his use of the concept of the Logos, are fascinating, but they require careful interpretation, especially when viewed in light of later Christian theology. While Philo's Logos concept was influential, it is essential to distinguish between Philo's philosophical ideas and the Christian understanding of the Logos, as articulated in the New Testament. Philo’s Logos is not equivalent to the Christian understanding of Jesus Christ as the divine Logos. Philo was a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher who employed the concept of the Logos as an intermediary between the transcendent God and the created world. For Philo, the Logos was more of a philosophical abstraction, a mediator between God and the material world, a divine reason or order, but not a distinct person who took on flesh as Jesus did in Christian theology.
In contrast, the New Testament's portrayal of the Logos (John 1:1) presents the Logos as not only preexistent but as God Himself, who "became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). This identification of the Logos with Jesus Christ is crucial and sets the Christian understanding apart from Philo's. While Philo speaks of the Logos as an intermediary or even a "suppliant" to God on behalf of humanity, Christian theology teaches that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, not just an intermediary or high priest.
The idea of Jesus as the High Priest, as articulated in Hebrews 4:14-16, goes far beyond what Philo suggests in his writings. Philo’s understanding of the Logos as a "suppliant" or intermediary fits more into a philosophical framework, while the Christian understanding of Jesus as the High Priest is deeply rooted in Jewish sacrificial traditions and fulfilled in the New Covenant. Hebrews emphasizes that Christ is the perfect High Priest who not only intercedes but also offers Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 7:27). This role is unique and transcends the role of any human or abstract mediator.
It is true that early Christian theologians were aware of Philo's writings and that his ideas about the Logos may have influenced some of their vocabulary. However, Christian theology developed its own distinct understanding of the Logos, which is deeply Christocentric. The Logos, in Christian theology, is not merely a philosophical intermediary but the Second Person of the Trinity, coequal with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Finally, Philo's Logos remains an impersonal force in his writings, never incarnating or becoming a man. In contrast, the New Testament presents the Logos as a personal, divine being who took on human nature (John 1:14), a key doctrine of Christianity. The High Priestly role of Jesus as presented in the New Testament is deeply relational, tied to the unique identity of Jesus as both God and man. Philo’s abstract Logos never becomes personal in this way.
While Philo’s ideas may have provided some philosophical tools that early Christian thinkers could utilize, his concept of the Logos is fundamentally different from the Christian understanding. Philo’s Logos is an intermediary, impersonal force, while the Christian Logos is a person—Jesus Christ—who is fully God and fully man. The Nicene Creed's language about the relationship between the Father and the Son, and the Incarnation, does not draw directly from Philo but from the biblical revelation and the Church's theological reflection on that revelation.
Thus, while Philo might have paved the way for some intellectual groundwork, his Logos remains a distant, philosophical concept, whereas the Christian Logos is the personal, incarnate Son of God, who is worshipped as one with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
In summary:
- Philo's Logos is a philosophical concept, a mediating force between God and the world.
- Christian Logos (Jesus Christ) is the incarnate Word of God, fully divine, fully human, and the perfect High Priest who offers Himself as the ultimate sacrifice.
- While Philo's writings are intellectually interesting and may have influenced early Christian terminology, Christian doctrine of the Logos, particularly in terms of Christ's role as High Priest, goes far beyond anything Philo suggested. The Christian belief in the Logos is not just about mediation but about the incarnation of God Himself in the person of Jesus Christ, fulfilling the ultimate High Priestly role.
Thus, while Philo’s writings may have “personified” the Logos to some degree, they never approached the full Christian understanding of the Logos as God made flesh, who is not only an intermediary but the Savior and High Priest of the world.
164
How did JWs arrive at a clearer understanding of what the Bible teaches than other Christian denominations?
by slimboyfat in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
for jws who believe that jehovah had a hand in reviving the truth in the nineteenth century this is enough explanation for how jws managed to achieve a closer approximation to early christian beliefs and practices than other groups.

but is there an explanation for this phenomenon that doesn’t rely on supernatural intervention?

new testament scholar james dunn explains the difficulty of interpreting the biblical texts in this way:.
aqwsed12345

@peacefulpete
Thank you for your detailed response. Let me address the points you've raised regarding Yahweh's identity, the "Most High," and how these ideas evolved within the Hebrew and early Christian traditions. I'll provide a clear refutation of the notion that Yahweh was originally viewed as subordinate to El Elyon and that this distinction was foundational for centuries, followed by a discussion on the development of monotheism in the Hebrew Bible.
You mention that the idea of Yahweh being subordinate to El Elyon (the Most High) is a misunderstanding based on passages like Deuteronomy 32:8-9. Let’s clarify this context. Deuteronomy 32:8-9 refers to the division of the nations according to the "sons of God" or divine beings, with Yahweh receiving Israel as His inheritance. This passage does reflect an early worldview where Yahweh was particularly associated with Israel. However, it does not imply that Yahweh was ontologically inferior to El Elyon or that He was merely one of many deities, with El Elyon presiding over Him.
In the broader biblical narrative, especially as monotheism developed, Yahweh is increasingly identified as the one true God—not simply the God of Israel but the sovereign ruler of all nations and the Creator of the universe. This is evident in prophetic books, especially in Isaiah, where Yahweh declares: "I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me, there is no God" (Isaiah 45:5). Such texts unequivocally affirm the supremacy of Yahweh as the only God. What you describe as obfuscation in other texts likely reflects a process of theological development where Israel moved from a form of henotheism (acknowledging the existence of other gods but worshiping only Yahweh) to a fully monotheistic belief, where Yahweh is not just Israel's God but the God of all creation.
You point to examples such as Exodus 23:20-21, where the "Angel of the Lord" is said to bear God's name and authority. This passage and others like it have been interpreted in various ways, but they do not establish Yahweh as subordinate to a higher god, nor do they imply a fundamental duality within the Hebrew understanding of God. The "Angel of the Lord" is often understood as a manifestation of Yahweh Himself, not a separate deity or intermediary.
The notion of the "second power" in early Jewish thought is an intriguing concept, but it is not evidence of a persistent belief in Yahweh's subordination. Rather, the "second power" refers to a divine figure or agent who functions with God's authority, often viewed in hindsight as foreshadowing the New Testament revelation of the Logos (the Word) or Christ. This interpretation does not contradict the monotheism of Deutero-Isaiah or other parts of the Hebrew Bible. Instead, it can be understood as part of the complex and rich theological development that eventually culminated in the Christian understanding of the Trinity.
In early Christian texts, such as Philippians 2:9-11, Jesus is explicitly identified with Yahweh, demonstrating that the New Testament writers did not see a tension between Jesus being the Son of God and being fully divine. The "Angel of the Lord" motif was often interpreted by the Church Fathers as a pre-incarnate appearance of the Logos (the Son), showing continuity between the Old Testament concept of divine agency and the New Testament revelation of Christ's divinity.
You reference Clementine Recognitions and the Ascension of Isaiah as examples of texts that preserve a diversity of theological outlooks, where angels or intermediaries are seen as governing nations. However, these are later apocryphal works that reflect speculative theology rather than mainstream biblical or Christian orthodoxy. While these texts provide insight into various streams of thought circulating in antiquity, they should not be taken as representative of the core biblical or early Christian view of God.
In both of these examples, the role of angels or intermediaries is highlighted, but neither text presents a coherent alternative to the monotheism that was established in the Hebrew Scriptures and fully developed in the New Testament. Instead, they reflect speculative interpretations that ultimately do not challenge the foundational belief that Yahweh is the Most High God. The New Testament and the early Church Fathers made clear that Christ, as the Logos, was co-equal and co-eternal with the Father, a position solidified in the Nicene Creed.
You argue that the monotheism of Deutero-Isaiah was not universally adopted and that early Hebrew thought preserved theological diversity. While it's true that Israel's theological understanding evolved over time, the trajectory of the Hebrew Scriptures points decisively toward absolute monotheism. The development from an early form of henotheism (where Yahweh was seen as one God among others) to monotheism (where Yahweh is the only true God) is well documented.
By the time of the exilic and post-exilic prophets, the belief in Yahweh's exclusive divinity had become firmly established. Passages like Isaiah 44:6 ("I am the first and I am the last; besides me, there is no god") make it clear that Yahweh alone is God, and this belief became foundational for both Judaism and Christianity. The New Testament writers fully embraced this monotheistic framework, while also revealing the triune nature of God in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Your argument that Yahweh was once considered subordinate to El Elyon is based on speculative interpretations of certain texts and does not hold up against the broader biblical canon. The development of Israel's understanding of God moves from a context where Yahweh is the national deity of Israel to one where Yahweh is recognized as the one true God of all creation. This theological evolution does not undermine monotheism but instead affirms it. Additionally, later Jewish and Christian interpretations, particularly the doctrine of the Trinity, are not rooted in polytheism or angelic subordination, but in the consistent biblical teaching that God is one in essence and three in personhood.
The texts you cite, such as the Clementine Recognitions and the Ascension of Isaiah, reflect later theological speculation and should not be confused with mainstream Jewish or Christian theology. They may provide interesting perspectives, but they do not represent the biblical or orthodox Christian understanding of Yahweh as fully divine and the Most High God. The Christian doctrine of the Trinity, as affirmed in the Nicene Creed, maintains that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct persons but share the same divine essence, fully in line with biblical revelation.
Thus, the claim that Yahweh was originally subordinate to El Elyon is not supported by the totality of Scripture or by early Christian doctrine.
164
How did JWs arrive at a clearer understanding of what the Bible teaches than other Christian denominations?
by slimboyfat in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
for jws who believe that jehovah had a hand in reviving the truth in the nineteenth century this is enough explanation for how jws managed to achieve a closer approximation to early christian beliefs and practices than other groups.

but is there an explanation for this phenomenon that doesn’t rely on supernatural intervention?

new testament scholar james dunn explains the difficulty of interpreting the biblical texts in this way:.
aqwsed12345

@peacefulpete
While it’s true that Philo of Alexandria, a Jewish philosopher, introduced the concept of the Logos as an intermediary, the assertion that Philo’s Logos is equivalent to the Christian Logos in the Gospel of John is an oversimplification and misrepresentation of the theological distinctions between the two. Philo’s Logos is rooted in Hellenistic thought, influenced by Platonic and Stoic philosophy. In Philo's system, the Logos serves as an intermediary between the transcendent God (whom Philo calls the Most High God or El Elyon) and the created world. However, Philo’s Logos was not viewed as a personal being, but more as an abstract principle or divine force that represents the rational order and mediation of God’s will in creation. It is an emanation or a bridge between the unknowable God and the material world.
Philo’s Logos was not God in the personal sense but rather a divine agent or intermediary who was a reflection or shadow of the divine. He was inferior to the Most High God and functioned more like an impersonal aspect or an agent that emanated from God, which is far from the Christian understanding of the full divinity of the Logos in John’s Gospel.
In contrast, the Gospel of John presents a Logos that is fully divine and personal. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This is a clear affirmation of the divinity of the Logos. The Logos is not an emanation or abstract intermediary but is identified as God Himself. John’s Logos is not an impersonal force but a personal being who became incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us”).
This personal nature of the Logos in Christianity is crucial: Jesus Christ, the Logos, is co-eternal with the Father, co-equal in essence, and possesses full divinity. The Gospel of John affirms the Logos as not merely an agent of God but God Himself, participating in the divine essence without being separate or subordinate in essence, which differs from Philo’s more abstract, non-personalized concept.
Philo’s Logos cannot be equated with John’s Logos because of the fundamental difference in divine identity. In Philo’s writings, the Logos is never described as sharing in the full essence of God. Philo’s Logos mediates between the unknowable God and creation but is distinctly not the same as the Most High God (El Elyon). John’s Logos, however, is clearly declared to be both with God and God Himself. This is a radical departure from Philo’s concept of an intermediary figure.
The doctrine of the incarnation—God becoming man—is foreign to Philo’s understanding of the Logos. In John 1:14, the Logos becomes flesh and dwells among us, which is central to Christian belief. Philo would have found the idea of God becoming incarnate incomprehensible and incompatible with his philosophical framework. For Philo, the Logos did not become human; it remained a distant mediator, a non-personal force that facilitated the interaction between God and the material world.
In conclusion, while Philo’s Logos and John’s Logos share some similarities in the intermediary role, their differences are far more significant. Philo’s Logos is an abstract principle or divine agent that is clearly inferior to God, while the Christian Logos in the Gospel of John is fully divine, personal, and one with God in essence. The identification of the Logos with Jesus Christ as the incarnate Word is a distinctive Christian teaching that goes beyond anything Philo ever envisioned. Therefore, equating Philo’s Logos with the Christian Logos misrepresents both the philosophical and theological context of these two vastly different conceptions.