Expert: Michael Clark, Ph.D. - 3/4/2008

Question
Hi Michael,
Could you explain the form of equality that exists in respect to God with Christians. When I read Philippians 5:6
I am led to believe that Christians are equal to God:
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Who being in the form of God, though it not robbery to be equal with God." Now before Jesus' time in the Old Testament in Isaiah we read 44:8 "Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any." Does this imply that since Jesus' arrival followers of the word are equal.

A site that discusses these quotes and many others is at:
http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/arechristiansequal.htm

It claims that even the professionals (Dr Creflo A Dollar and Kenneth Copeland) have made mistakes in explaining the divine equality between God and Man. Would be nice to hear another opinion of someone with some understanding.  

Jim  

Answer
Jim, we have to remember that for Catholics sacred scripture and tradition go hand in hand and are of equal weight. The best expression of this is found in the catechism, which pretty clearly says:

"No man, not even the holiest, was ever able to take on himself the sins of all men and offer himself as a sacrifice for all. The existence in Christ of the divine person of the Son, who at once surpasses and embraces all human persons, and constitutes himself as the Head of all mankind, makes possible his redemptive sacrifice for all."

See in context: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/616.htm