Most pastors are trained to overemphasize the divinity of Christ and to teach “Jesus is God” as an unquestionable doctrine. This teaching, however, aligns more with the Roman gospel than with the original message of Jesus and his apostles. The early church did not preach a doctrine that made Jesus fully equal to the Father in the way later councils and theologians defined it. Instead, Jesus himself consistently pointed to the Father as greater and submitted to His will.
By elevating Jesus in a way that removes his humble subordination to the Father, religious institutions have shaped a version of Christianity that serves worldly power. This teaching became central to the Roman church, reinforcing a structure of authority that aligned with empire rather than with the true gospel. The result is a faith that, instead of calling people to humility and obedience to God, often justifies human rule and institutional control.
Pastors who follow this teaching may believe they are upholding true Christianity, but in reality, they are perpetuating a doctrine shaped by political and philosophical influences rather than by Jesus’ own words. To return to the original gospel, there must be a recognition of Jesus as the obedient Son who forever submits to the Father, rather than as an independent figure of divine authority modeled after earthly rulers.
Stephen D Green with ChatGPT, March 2025
