The Mistranslation and Misunderstanding in the Portrayal of Jesus and God in Christian Theology

Introduction

The portrayal of Jesus in Christian theology often creates confusion, with many misunderstandings and mistranslations obscuring the true nature of his role and relationship with God. This article aims to clarify some of these misconceptions and delve into the historical and theological contexts that have shaped the modern understanding of Jesus in relation to his Father.

The Trinitarian Doctrine: A False Teaching?

The Trinitarian doctrine, which posits that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three distinct persons in one Godhead, has been the subject of much debate. Many argue that this doctrine is a false teaching, rooted in the influence of the Catholic Church in the 3rd century. The concept of a triune God is not found in early Christian writings or in the Hebrew Bible, and thus represents a later development in Christian theology.

Jehovah God and the Creator

Jehovah, the God of the Hebrew Bible, is the uncreated and eternal Creator of all things. In this context, Jesus is understood as the firstborn of creation and the only begotten son of Jehovah. This relationship is often misunderstood as being on par with that of a father and son, but it is important to note that Jesus himself emphasized his subservient role to God, stating, ldquo;I came down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me.rdquo; (John 6:38)

The Role of Jesus as Son of Man

Jesus often referred to himself as the ldquo;Son of Manrdquo; in the Gospels. This title was a prophetic reference to a figure in Daniel 7, and it emphasized Jesusrsquo; humanity, particularly his mission to bring a message of salvation and to suffer and die for the sins of humanity. Jesusrsquo; role as the Son of Man does not equate to divinity; rather, it speaks to his unique mission as a human being chosen by God for a specific purpose.

Claiming Divinity

Some texts in the Gospels may be interpreted as Jesus making claims that suggest divinity, such as the phrase ldquo;before Abraham was, I amrdquo; (John 8:58) and ldquo;the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sinsrdquo; (Mark 2:10). However, it is crucial to understand the historical and linguistic context. In Jesusrsquo; time, making oneself equal to God was considered a grave offense, and his claims were often misunderstood or misinterpreted by his contemporaries.

Beyond the Human Understanding

Jesusrsquo; disciples, including his closest followers, often struggled to understand his words and actions. This is evident in his teachings, such as his parables and the mysterious reappearances after his resurrection. The accounts suggest that Jesusrsquo; message was meant for a select few and was often hidden from the public eye, as seen in his secrecy and the events leading up to his crucifixion. It is possible that even some of his disciples were kept in the dark to protect the deeper truths of his mission.

Conclusion

The complexity of the relationship between Jesus and God is multifaceted and deeply rooted in historical and cultural contexts. The portrayal of Jesus in Christian theology is often distorted by later interpretations and misconceptions. It is important to approach these texts with a critical eye and a willingness to explore the nuanced meanings behind Jesusrsquo; teachings and actions. Understanding the true nature of Jesusrsquo; role in Godrsquo;s plan requires a thorough examination of the historical and linguistic evidence.

References

1. The New International Version (NIV) of the Bible.

2. The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible.

3. Biblical scholars and theologians such as N.T. Wright and Bart Ehrman.