📘 Lexicon Entry: Divine Self-Emptying

Short Definition
God’s kenotic self-emptying as revelatory of divine character, demonstrating divine nature through vulnerable love rather than coercive power.
Definition
A theological concept describing God’s kenotic self-emptying as revelatory of divine character rather than temporary accommodation, challenging understandings of divine power based on domination or control and revealing divine nature through vulnerable love. This concept demonstrates how divine strength manifests through apparent weakness, providing theological foundation for understanding power as service rather than domination. Divine Self-Emptying supports [Kenotic Love](placeholder-url) and Servant Power, directly challenging Prosperity Materialism by revealing divine presence through vulnerability rather than material success.
Category
Theological Alternative
Keywords
kenosis, divine self-emptying, incarnation, divine condescension, vulnerable strength, christology
Citation Guide
Geevarghese-Uffman, Craig. “Divine Self-Emptying.” *Political Theology Lexicon*. https://www.commonlifepolitics.com/p/lexicon. Accessed [date].
Orthodox Alternatives
Divine self-emptying reveals rather than contradicts divine nature
Kenosis manifests divine love through voluntary vulnerability
Self-limitation demonstrates divine strength rather than weakness
Divine condescension enables genuine relationship with creation
Incarnation reveals eternal divine character rather than temporary expedient
Mutated Position
Divine self-emptying viewed as temporary accommodation rather than character revelation
Kenosis understood as divine weakness rather than strength
Self-limitation seen as divine deficiency rather than love
Divine transcendence defined by distance rather than intimate presence
Incarnation treated as exception rather than paradigm of divine action
Key Characteristics
Self-emptying as revelation of divine character rather than divine limitation
Vulnerability as expression of divine strength rather than weakness
Condescension as divine love rather than divine accommodation
Incarnation as paradigmatic rather than exceptional divine action
Theological Foundations
Philippians 2:5-11 as paradigmatic description of divine kenosis
Trinitarian theology of eternal self-giving among divine persons
Incarnational theology revealing divine commitment to creation
Soteriological understanding of salvation through divine self-giving
Biblical Foundation
Philippians 2:5-11 as paradigmatic description of divine kenosis
John 1:14 describing Word becoming flesh
Christ’s poverty for our enrichment (2 Corinthians 8:9)
Christ’s full participation in human nature (Hebrews 2:14-18)
Contemporary Expression
Theological responses to suffering emphasizing divine presence rather than explanation
Leadership models based on empowerment rather than control
Interfaith dialogue grounded in kenotic rather than triumphalist approaches
Ecological theology emphasizing divine self-limitation in creation
Academic Research
Christological studies on kenotic theology and its implications
Trinitarian theology research on divine self-giving
Comparative religious studies on divine vulnerability across traditions
Political theological analysis of power and authority models
Key Authors
Path Navigation
Related Primary Concepts: Interindependence through divine self-limitation enabling relationship
Key Alternatives: Servant Power, Being With
Theological Mutations Addressed: Prosperity Materialism, Binary Apocalypticism
Historical Context: Patristic kenotic christology, Eastern Orthodox tradition, Lutheran theology of the cross
Last Updated
May 23, 2025
Lex_entry_footer
Footer appended to all lexicon entries in Tana Publish
*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.*
Tana logo