Reference

Niels Gregersen's concept of "deep incarnation" intricately weaves the idea of evolutionary continuity into Christological thought. Here's a detailed explanation of how these concepts relate:

Concept of Deep Incarnation

Gregersen's notion of "deep incarnation" suggests that the Incarnation of Christ should not be viewed solely through an anthropocentric lens but rather in a broader cosmic and evolutionary context. This idea extends the traditional Christian belief of God taking human form to encompass the entire evolutionary history of life on Earth.

Relation to Evolutionary Continuity

1. Integration with Evolutionary History: Deep incarnation means that when God became incarnate in Jesus Christ, this act was not an isolated event within human history but one that engages fully with the entire evolutionary history of the cosmos. It implies that the divine has always been involved in the evolutionary process from the beginning, making the incarnation an event in continuity with the long history of life and the cosmos (source).

2. Cosmic Christology: By placing the Incarnation within an evolutionary framework, Gregersen emphasizes that every part of the cosmos is affected by and involved in the divine plan. This approach moves away from a purely human-centered Christology and opens up a more inclusive understanding that the Incarnation touches all of creation, thus recognizing the interconnectedness of all life forms through evolutionary processes (source).

3. Relational Understanding of God: Deep incarnation also correlates to the notion that God's relationship with creation is dynamic and participatory, involving ongoing engagement rather than a one-time intervention. This relational aspect aligns with evolutionary continuity, suggesting that God’s presence and action have been intimately involved in the evolutionary unfolding of life on Earth (source).

Theological Implications

• Holistic Redemption: This perspective implies a holistic view of redemption that includes not just humanity but the entire cosmos, acknowledging that all species and ecological systems are part of the salvific work of Christ.
• Addressing Evolutionary Theodicy: By understanding the Incarnation as deeply connected with evolutionary processes, it can also help address questions of suffering and death within the evolutionary narrative, framing them within the context of a God who is intimately involved with creation's struggles and transformations.

Conclusion

Gregersen’s deep incarnation ties the evolutionary history of life into the fabric of the Incarnation, suggesting that God's work through Christ is not limited to human salvation but encompasses all creation. This integration calls for a Christology that acknowledges the deep continuity between humanity and the rest of the evolutionary process, presenting a broader and more inclusive theological vision.

For further reading, you can access the full essay titled "Deep Incarnation: Why Evolutionary Continuity Matters in Christology" here.