Creation is the act of bringing something into existence from nothing. It can refer to the origin of the universe itself, but it also refers to the act of making new things out of existing matter. Creation involves combining elements, molecules, cells, tissues, organs, organisms, environments, ecosystems, structures, cultures, societies, worldviews, ideas, technologies, and institutions. Inclusive theology recognizes that all creation, including humans, are created by God. The traditional Christian doctrine of creation teaches that God creates everything ex nihilo, meaning 'out of nothing.' According to this view, God is not limited by anything and has no need for preexisting material. This means that God does not depend on anything outside of himself for his power and creativity.
Inclusive theology adds another layer of complexity to creation by acknowledging that God uses what already exists to create new things. Instead of beginning with absolute nothingness, God begins with the raw materials of the physical universe and shapes them into new forms. This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of all creation, as well as God's intimate involvement in each stage of the creative process.
Incarnation refers to the act of becoming human or taking on a human body. For Christians, incarnation refers specifically to Jesus Christ, who was both fully divine and fully human. Incarnation means that God became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). It is the central tenet of Christianity, which distinguishes it from other religions. Traditional Christian theology understands incarnation as a one-time event, when God became human at a specific point in history. This view maintains that God remains separate from creation and cannot fully experience its limitations and suffering. In contrast, inclusive theology sees incarnation as an ongoing process, whereby God continually enters into the messiness and imperfection of human life. Incarnation is not just about God becoming human once but about God constantly entering into our world and experiencing it through us. This perspective challenges traditional exclusivism and emphasizes the importance of relationships between people and their environment. It also recognizes the power of embodied experiences to shape our understanding of God and ourselves.
Inclusive theology offers a fresh perspective on creation and incarnation that challenges traditional views. By acknowledging the role of preexisting material in the creative process and emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things, it opens up new possibilities for understanding God's relationship with the world. By recognizing the importance of embodiment and relationality in incarnation, it expands our understanding of what it means to be human and how we relate to God. Through this lens, creation becomes a dynamic process of co-creation, where humans play an integral part in shaping the physical universe. Incarnation becomes a continuous journey of mutual transformation, where God's presence is experienced through our daily interactions with others and the natural world.
How does inclusive theology alter the religious imagination of creation and incarnation?
Inclusive theology challenges traditional notions about who God is and how God relates to humanity by emphasizing the idea that all individuals are created equal and deserving of divine love and grace. This belief system has been particularly significant in reimagining conceptions of creation and incarnation in modern Christianity.