Athanasius: 'Jesus that I know as my Redeemer cannot be less than God.'

Jesus that I know as my Redeemer cannot be less than God.

The quote by Athanasius, "Jesus that I know as my Redeemer cannot be less than God," carries a profound meaning and holds significant importance in the realm of theology and religious beliefs. At its core, this statement highlights the fundamental belief in Jesus' divinity and the recognition that he is not merely a human being, but rather a deity. This affirmation resonates with the understanding that Jesus, as the Redeemer, possesses divine attributes that transcend human limitations.The straightforward meaning of Athanasius' quote is easily grasped - he firmly asserts that his personal experience and knowledge of Jesus Christ lead him to conclude that Jesus is indeed God. This assertion is rooted in Christian theology, which holds that Jesus is the Son of God and a member of the Holy Trinity. However, to fully appreciate the significance of this quote, we can delve into an unexpected philosophical concept that brings a fresh perspective to our understanding - the concept of paradox.Paradox, as a philosophical concept, involves a seemingly contradictory, yet ultimately true, proposition. In the context of Athanasius' quote, the paradox lies in the concept of Jesus being both fully human and fully divine simultaneously. This idea of a divine-human paradox has been a subject of contemplation and debate within religious discourse for centuries. How can Jesus be both God and man, when these two natures are typically considered distinctly separate?The paradoxical nature of Jesus' divinity and humanity is one of the most fascinating aspects of Christian belief, and it offers a unique lens through which we can explore the richness of Athanasius' statement. While on the surface it may seem contradictory for a human being to be God, the concept of paradox invites us to reflect on the complex nature of divine mysteries that transcend rational understanding.In contemplating this paradox, we can consider the ways in which Jesus' divine attributes and his human experiences intertwine. Jesus' humanity allows him to relate to and empathize with the struggles and joys of being human, while his divinity grants him the power to redeem and provide salvation to all. The paradox of Jesus as both human and divine challenges us to expand our understanding of the divine and to recognize that human logic alone cannot fully comprehend the divine mystery.By emphasizing the divinity of Jesus in his quote, Athanasius invites us to embark on a philosophical journey that challenges our preconceived notions and pushes the boundaries of our understanding. It compels us to contemplate the intersection of the divine and the human, urging us to grapple with the paradoxical nature of Jesus' identity.In conclusion, Athanasius' quote, "Jesus that I know as my Redeemer cannot be less than God," encapsulates the central belief in Jesus' divinity and the recognition of his supreme nature as the Redeemer. While the straightforward meaning of this quote affirms Jesus' divine status, we can further explore its significance through the lens of paradox. The concept of paradox challenges us to contemplate the coexistence of Jesus' divine and human nature, pushing the boundaries of our understanding and inviting us to embrace the enigmatic nature of the divine. In doing so, we gain a deeper appreciation for the profound mysteries that underlie our spiritual beliefs.