Reddit mentions of Honoring the Son: Jesus in Earliest Christian Devotional Practice (Snapshots)

Thanks for that long, detailed, and thoughtful reply. I agree that Joseph was self-contradictory throughout his life, and this seemed to not bother him very much. He wasn't particularly concerned whether his current teaching contradicted previous teaching. Whether that's a sign of divine calling or an ambitious (maybe reckless) thinker is open to interpretation.

> But how do we miss, "I Become What I Am" and "I Am What I Become"

I'm not an expert on Hebrew. I rely on the expertise of others. It made me think of this blog post which renders the name as, "He who causes to be." I think you'll enjoy that entire post quite a bit. (And probably that entire blog. His backlog is incredible.)

I personally disagree strongly with Joseph's later theology concerning God, especially the idea that "the glory of God is intelligence," and that the seeking of intelligence and knowledge is precisely what prevents us from being God ourselves. I actually think it is a dangerous theology that leads to Pharisaical behavior, overconfidence in our own righteousness, and a lazy spiritual life. It turns growing in the Godly life into a pursuit of a few secret rituals and discrete tasks which, if fulfilled, automatically confer Godliness.

A perfect example of this is from Nelson's recent BYU devotional where he said, "Let me say it as succinctly as I can: As you abide by God’s laws, you are progressing toward exaltation."

> the concept of God and Christology evolved over time in the early Christian world as well. Bart Ehrman, etc.

I am familiar with Ehrman's work. I think it's oversimplifying things to say "he has the historical evidence to support his claims." His claims are based on one reading of the historical evidence, but it's hardly the only supportable conclusion. Ehrman makes some great points, but sometimes he stretches the evidence too far, imo. (Way too far, in some cases.)

If you're interested in a counter view, I suggest the short volume Honoring the Son by Larry Hurtado, or his more expansive work, Lord Jesus Christ. He makes a convincing case, imo, that Ehrman's thesis of developing Christology is far too simplistic.

Personally, I think it is clear even from the gospels that the disciples were only dimly aware of Jesus's nature during his ministry. The synoptics are clear on this: the disciples didn't grasp Jesus's mission until after his resurrection. The resurrection changed everything. Immediately afterward the conception of God (especially as reflected in their worship) shifted and began to incorporate worship of Christ as God. It's true that the language used to describe Trinitarian theology shifted over time, but it's not at all clear to me that the early Christians held a low Christology. I think that reads too much into the text.