Interpenetration Logic: Pauline Spirituality and Union with Christ

While definitions of spirituality vary, each contains elements of union, a coming together of humanity and divinity. Scholars agree on the centrality of “union with Christ” in Pauline thought, yet not on a definition of union. Ephesians 5:31–32, however, provides important insight through a quotatio...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Wood, Shane J. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: MDPI 2022
In: Religions
Year: 2022, Volume: 13, Issue: 8
Further subjects:B Spirituality
B Spirit
B Metaphor
B Paul
B Union
B Ephesians 5
B Romans 7
B Galatians 2:20
B interpenetration
B Genesis 2:24
B Pauline Studies
B Mystery
B nuptial
B Marriage
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Summary:While definitions of spirituality vary, each contains elements of union, a coming together of humanity and divinity. Scholars agree on the centrality of “union with Christ” in Pauline thought, yet not on a definition of union. Ephesians 5:31–32, however, provides important insight through a quotation—“…the two will become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24)—and an explanation—“I say this with reference to Christ and the church”. While scholars highlight the preservation of distinct identities, Paul’s emphasis in the marriage metaphor, both here and elsewhere, is union, an interpenetration logic where two become one. Indeed, interpenetration logic is present in our union with Christ (Galatians 2:19–20) and our union with sin (Romans 7:9–25). Both unions harness the same two-become-one logic with drastically different ends: sin intends to obliterate (Rom. 3:23); Christ intends to resurrect (1 Corinthians 15:22). The crux of Pauline spirituality, then, is not ecstatic experiences or ethical imitations but union—reciprocal residence, where we are in Christ and Christ is in us; a mutual indwelling consummated by “the Spirit of life” (Rom. 8:2). Thus, Eph. 5:31–32 provides insight into interpenetration logic, where two become one without the obliteration of either. This is an insight that profits our understanding of Pauline spirituality and the “profound mystery” of union with Christ.
ISSN:2077-1444
Contains:Enthalten in: Religions
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.3390/rel13080680