A New Beginning in the Paradox of Ecclesial Kenosis: Death and Resurrection

Abstract

This study examines the self-emptying of Christ in Philippians 2:6–11 on the exegetical, dogmatic and ecclesiological levels. It offers a constructive dogmatic proposal, tested against the principal objections.
The hymn is read canonically and intertextually, alongside Isaiah's Servant Songs and several key New Testament passages. From the dogmatic reconstruction that follows we derive a theological criterion, the elaboration of which was made urgent by the Hungarian clemency case of 2024. The study offers a theological interpretation rather than an empirical analysis of the institutional functioning of the Reformed Church in Hungary.
We argue that divine self-emptying leaves God's immutability intact, since it is in kenosis that God's glory becomes historically visible. When the term is applied to the Father and the Spirit, it is used analogically and not univocally.
A separate section addresses the abuse of kenotic language. The kenotic norm is asymmetrical: it binds those who hold power and can never ground a demand for renunciation addressed to the injured.
The closing part draws consequences for liturgy, mission, pastoral care and church governance. Behind these stands the conviction that the Church remains faithful to its calling when it renounces its own unconditional self-preservation.