Unveiling the Divine Council: A Theological Journey with Doug Van Dorn
“ This is why the Divine Council is so important to me because it explains the really the whole storyline of evangelism and why that matters.” - Doug Van Dorn
As the host of this thought-provoking podcast, I had the pleasure of diving deep into the divine council worldview with my co-host BT Wallace and our esteemed guest, Doug Van Dorn.
Doug, a pastor and theologian, brought a wealth of knowledge to our discussion, making it an enlightening experience for us all. In this blog post, I'm excited to share the insights and revelations from our conversation, exploring the divine council's significance and its profound impact on religious traditions and beliefs.
Understanding the Divine Council Worldview
The divine council worldview is a fascinating concept that speaks to the existence of a ruling assembly of heavenly beings. These entities, often referred to as gods, sons of God, watchers, rulers, princes, and authorities, convene to administer the affairs of the cosmos. This idea is not unique to one religious tradition; it finds parallels in Greek mythology and is deeply rooted in ancient texts.
Doug Van Dorn's journey into this worldview began with the writings of theologian Meredith Kline and was further influenced by Michael Heiser's work. Doug's dual expertise as a pastor and theologian allowed him to provide a nuanced perspective on the divine council, drawing from his understanding of biblical passages like Jeremiah 23:18 and Psalm 82.
The Roles and Dynamics of Heavenly Beings
Our discussion with Doug shed light on the complex hierarchy and roles within the divine council. He explained how humanity's authority to rule over the earth sparked jealousy and pride among some heavenly beings, leading to their fall and rebellion. The number 70 emerged as significant, representing the divine council's members and the inheritance of nations.
Prophets and Messengers: Evolving Significance
The conversation took an intriguing turn when BT questioned the evolving roles of prophets and messengers following the heavenly beings' fall from favor. Doug elaborated on how these individuals serve as intermediaries between the divine and earthly realms, highlighting the importance of their messages and the impact of their interactions with humanity.
The Broader Context of Creation and Governance
Doug emphasized the importance of understanding the divine council within the broader context of creation and the governance of the cosmos. He delved into the idea of 70 rulers over the nations, their righteousness or wickedness, and the implications of their actions on the earthly realm. The divine inheritance of the nations and the role of the Son of God in this context were also key topics of our discussion.
Jesus' Role in the Divine Council
A central theme of our conversation was the significance of Jesus as both the Son of God and the Son of Man. Doug highlighted Jesus' role in reconstituting human beings into sons of God through faith, expanding the divine council, and the broader implications of his work for all of creation.
The Divine Council and Church History
Doug's insights extended to the divine council's relevance in church history and its connection to the great commission. He underscored the ongoing job of those inheriting the apostolic gospel and the reconstitution of the divine council, where believers are called to rule alongside Christ.
Engaging with Parishioners on Theological Concepts
One of the challenges Doug addressed was how to introduce the divine council worldview to parishioners who might be resistant to such concepts. He stressed the importance of understanding the audience and engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing personal anecdotes and practical advice on approaching individuals with differing perspectives.
Theological Knowledge and Practical Application
Our dialogue with Doug also touched on the balance between theological knowledge and its practical application in daily life. We discussed the need for a holistic approach to faith, where doctrinal understanding informs how individuals love God and others, emphasizing ethics and God's redemptive plan.
Exploring Biblical Texts and Cultural Influences
As we wrapped up our conversation, we turned our attention to books and commentaries that delve into the divine council worldview. I shared my appreciation for the "Angel of the Lord" book and the author's other works, including a Galatians commentary that I found invaluable for preaching.
Our episode with Doug Van Dorn was a profound exploration of the divine council worldview, offering a wealth of information and insights. As we delved into the complexities of the heavenly and earthly realms, the roles of prophets and messengers, and the broader significance of Jesus' work, we gained a deeper understanding of the supernatural elements present in ancient beliefs and their relevance today. It was a reminder of the importance of engaging with theological concepts with openness and humility, recognizing the transformative power of love and ethical living within the Christian faith.
