Low Anthropology and a Christ who is Lower Still
by Alan Howell
Director of Church Relations
Low Anthropology.
That’s the title of David Zahl’s book.
And what he suggests can have a huge impact on how we find the stamina to participate in God’s mission both locally and globally. It can help us follow Christ who is willing to go to the depths of human experience and meet us where we are... not just where we wish we would be.
So, what does “low anthropology” mean?
For our purposes here, let’s think of anthropology simply as “what we believe about human nature” or our “operative theory” that we carry around with us about what people are like (13). Your anthropology, then, will shape your expectations about relationships, work, marriage, politics, and even church. It can lead you to engage in the world, or it can lead you to shrink back.
Zahl notes that “a high anthropology views people as defined by their best days and greatest achievements, their dreams and their aspirations. A low anthropology assumes a through line of heartache and self-doubt, that the bulk of our mental energy is focused on subjects that would be embarrassing or even shameful if broadcast, and that our ability to do the right thing in any given situation is hampered by all sorts of unseen factors” (17).
While you might think that the high version is the one Zahl (and I) will advocate for, the truth is that the high anthropology operating system often leads to more pressure than compassion (both internally and externally). “This is the great irony of low anthropology: what sounds insulting is actually liberating, and what sounds liberating at first is actually oppressive and embittering” (18). A low anthropology that assumes that humans are limited, double-minded, and self-centered (45). And it “gives us permission to look at ourselves clearly without hiding behind a scaffolding of self-flattery" and it helps us see others with more curiosity and empathy (18).
There’s a statue in the MedRim region that has been on my mind. The Christ of the Abyss, created by Guido Galletti, is a submerged bronze statue of Jesus that stands 17 meters under the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Italy. The statue depicts the Messiah with his hands raised out and he’s facing upwards to the heavens.
Now while we would normally expect to find a beautiful statue like this in a church, a museum, or on top of a hill for all to see, this statue stands underwater at the bottom of the sea. So, in this case, it takes diving down to the depths to see the Christ. What a powerful reminder that Christ stands with us and with others even when we all have sunk to our lowest!
Why are we at MRN so committed to working in the Mediterranean Rim and the Bengal Region?
Why are you and your church willing to invest time, energy, and resources in that part of the world?
What makes us want to serve people from Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist backgrounds, refugees, and all kinds of people whose lives are underwater?
Because Christ is there!
And when we join Christ in the depths to work with him raise them up, we see his face – maybe it’s down there, serving with others in places like that, where we're actually able to see his face most clearly.
There is a section in the song, “Christ is Lower Still” (by DOE, Matt Maher, and The Porter's Gate ‧ 2023) that speaks so powerfully to this:
Let the King descend
Living word made flesh
Lift this heavy heart
To Your throne o God
In Your wounds I find
Room for all of mine
When from grace I fell
Christ was lower
Til the Earth is filled
Christ is lower still
A commitment to partner with God in missions certainly takes us to challenging places. We can easily and quickly feel overwhelmed. It takes commitment and preparation to do this well and we’re so glad to be in this work alongside you.
Thank you, Lord, for meeting us, and others in the depths. Give us courage to keep diving in, the stamina to swim, and the breath that we need to join you and others right where you are.
For more on the beautiful connection between this song and this statue – check the link out here - https://youtu.be/_G5U0NDxdxU?si=3MChtsFSDKgLHQW9
And for some recent stories about some surprising ways Christ is lifting people up, send me a message and I would be happy to share more.
If there is anything we can do to assist or serve you, please let me know. And if your church is interested in being even more invested in what God is doing in the world, we know of some kingdom workers that could be a good partner for you. I’d love to tell you more about that!
May a “low anthropology” help us to remember that “Christ is lower still.” And as he goes to the depths with us and others, may we stand with others down low and all turn our faces together to the Most High!