Alleen de God met tranen in de ogen kan helpen. Systematisch-theologische reflecties bij weerbarstige teksten uit de profetie van Jeremia

Samenvatting

The apparent inconsistency of God weeping over the people of Moab after inflicting judgment on them, in fact matches God’s character. The traditional theological understanding of God’s immutability consistently rejects the idea that God has passions, emotions, and is capable of tears. This article argues in favour of God’s immutability understood as consistency with himself, but denies the traditional notion of God’s impassibility, because love implies vulnerability, and because Christ, the God-man, suffered in the human flesh. God is both Judge and Sufferer. The tears God sheds over Moab are a prelude to Pentecost: they demonstrate God’s love not only for Israel, but for all peoples.