📘 Lexicon Entry: Kenosis-Plerosis Dynamic

The pattern of self-emptying (kenosis) and fulfillment (plerosis) demonstrated in Christ, establishing a cruciform pattern as paradigm for authentic relationship.

A theological concept describing the pattern of self-emptying (kenosis) and fulfillment (plerosis) demonstrated in Christ, establishing a cruciform pattern as paradigm for authentic relationship between God and humanity and among humans. This dynamic reveals how divine self-emptying and human fulfillment form complementary rather than competitive movements in salvation, challenging both prosperity-oriented theologies that equate blessing with material success and purely penitential theologies that focus only on human limitation. The Kenosis-Plerosis Dynamic provides theological foundation for understanding how Interindependence functions through mutual self-giving rather than competitive self-assertion.

Theological Genealogy

kenosis, plerosis, self-emptying, fulfillment, cruciform pattern, divine-human relationship, theological anthropology

Geevarghese-Uffman, Craig. “Kenosis-Plerosis Dynamic.” *Political Theology Lexicon*. https://www.commonlifepolitics.com/p/lexicon. Accessed [date].

Christological foundation in Philippians 2:5-11

Trinitarian understanding of eternal self-giving among divine persons

Soteriological framework of participation rather than transaction

Eschatological vision of fulfillment through self-giving pattern

Christological studies on kenotic theology and its anthropological implications

Comparative analysis of kenosis-plerosis patterns across theological traditions

Philosophical exploration of self-emptying and fulfillment in human relationships

Psychological research on vulnerability and growth in personal development

Related Primary Concepts: Interindependence through complementary self-giving

Key Alternatives: Being With, Participatory Freedom

Theological Mutations Addressed: Prosperity Materialism, Binary Apocalypticism

Historical Context: Patristic christology, Eastern Orthodox deification, Lutheran cross-glory theology

May 23, 2025

*This entry is part of the Political Theology Lexicon, accessible exclusively to subscribers. View the complete lexicon to explore related concepts and the full theoretical framework.*

Divine self-emptying and human fulfillment as complementary movements

Cross reveals pattern of fulfillment through self-giving rather than self-assertion

Divine abundance manifested through apparent vulnerability rather than domination

Resurrection affirms that self-giving leads to fulfillment rather than loss

Patristic development of kenotic christology emphasizing divine condescension

Eastern Orthodox emphasis on deification through participation in divine kenosis

Lutheran theology of the cross and glory as complementary rather than contradictory

Contemporary recovery of kenotic theology in response to triumphalist distortions

Philippians 2:5-11 as paradigmatic expression of kenosis-plerosis dynamic

Jesus’s teaching about losing life to find it (Mark 8:35)

Paul’s participation in Christ’s sufferings and resurrection (Philippians 3:10-11)

The grain of wheat dying to bear fruit (John 12:24)

Leadership models that embody self-limitation for others’ empowerment

Economic practices that prioritize common flourishing over individual accumulation

Community formation based on mutual self-giving rather than self-protection

Therapeutic approaches that find healing through vulnerability rather than strength display