Inter-penetration
October 12, 2005
There are some phrases that we run across in seminary that are funny. others are awkward. Others just leave us…well, confused (or at least that’s how I feel). And then there are others that are just so beautiful because one person might think it’s hilarious and another person may not be able to handle the term at all. Inter-penetration is one of those terms. Even though her blog is called “Groping for God,” Becca just cannot handle the term inter-penetration. And a couple weeks ago, I think I heard it each day of the week, and maybe twice(?) in Systematic Theology. Anyway, it just makes me laugh because I know how much Becca hates that word. Below are two statements where we ran across the word recently:
- “Each of the divine persons penetrates each of the others and allows itself to be penetrated by it. This phenomenon is the property of love, and it is natural in the process of communion. Thus, the divine three are locked from all eternity in an infinite encounter of love and life, each in the direction of each of the others.”
- “We have to understand the relationship of the two natures, as forming a unity in distinction and a distinction with unity. The union is upheld, these two natures interpenetrate one another.”
Do you have any words that just make you cringe?
Tags: Interpenetration, Theology
Posted in Theology
Adam Walker Cleaveland: 
October 12th, 2005 at 10:41 am
Who are those quotes from? “Perichoresis” is fine, but all that ‘penetration’ sounds exhausting… and not too hospitable if you ask me. Whilst its not very theological, calling pants “slacks” has always made me cringe. Also, I’m not so keen on those “x-rated” theological words such as “nexus,” “matrix,” or “crux.”
October 12th, 2005 at 11:10 am
emergent.
October 12th, 2005 at 11:17 am
Heard inter-penetration a few more times today in class. But we also heard penal.
A lot.
Penal.
October 12th, 2005 at 1:03 pm
Someone already got “emergent.” I suppose it would be rude to add “post-modern.” (But only because so many people have no idea what the word means, yet use it anyway. When Adam uses it, it’s perfectly fine.)
October 12th, 2005 at 1:15 pm
I get really confused when Princeton folks talk about some sort of…Holy Spirit. A really foreign concept. Intrigues me, though.
I am much more comfortable and embracing of the more familiar “Ground of Being” (from whom I have been so estranged…).
October 12th, 2005 at 2:14 pm
hmm…
hermes the hermeneut makes me uncomfortable. but then so does lake titicaca and for no apparent reason, the ball-peen hammer.
October 12th, 2005 at 6:49 pm
Exegesis. It’s sounds like I’m saying “extra Jesus.”
October 13th, 2005 at 1:29 am
Wankel rotary engine
October 13th, 2005 at 2:25 am
There’s a street in Dallas called “Munger”. *shudder*
October 13th, 2005 at 9:32 am
i have a friend who hates the word “moist”. i have to second that one.
October 13th, 2005 at 1:11 pm
I laugh every time I hear the phrase “one flesh” at weddings. Especially not good when you are in the wedding, or when it is your own wedding.
October 13th, 2005 at 3:03 pm
It’s amazing how simple things can sound so naughty!
October 13th, 2005 at 3:16 pm
ditty-bag…..The saying “Blow it out your ditty-bag”……makes me cringe. I know it’s an old marine saying, but come on, sounds nasty!
October 15th, 2005 at 7:49 am
crotch… this is a conversation stopper.
October 15th, 2005 at 2:43 pm
the word “moist” has always bothered me.
October 16th, 2005 at 6:18 pm
Hi, What is it that is reborn & then goes on to survive death?
………M