Kṛṣṇa and Christ

What Kind of Flesh? And Why?

Abstract

This essay probes a theological notion mentioned briefly in my past JVS article entitled “Avatāra and Humanity: Kṛṣṇa, Christ, and the problem of Identification.” Herein we explore (1) the nature of the “flesh” of Kṛṣṇa and of Christ, and (2) why they possess(ed) their types of flesh. I compare the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava tradition with classical orthodox Christianity. Questions: Is Kṛṣṇa subject to the guṇas of material nature as human beings are? Is he ontologically other than human beings? Why so? Are there ramifications for mokṣa? Did Jesus Christ possess a fleshly nature as did the humanity to which he came, or was his humanity of a different nature? Why so? What ramifications does this have for salvation?