Meaning: Eric Butterworth, a prominent New Thought spiritual leader and author, challenges traditional Christian beliefs with his thought-provoking quote, "Fundamentalists believe Jesus was God becoming man. I believe that Jesus was man becoming God." This quote encapsulates a profound perspective on the nature of Jesus and his divinity, offering a unique interpretation that diverges from traditional Christian theology.

In traditional Christian doctrine, Jesus is considered to be the incarnation of God, the second person of the Holy Trinity. The belief in Jesus as the divine Son of God, who took on human form to redeem humanity from sin, is a central tenet of Christianity. This concept is rooted in the Nicene Creed and has been upheld by mainstream Christian denominations for centuries.

However, Eric Butterworth's quote challenges this traditional understanding by proposing a different perspective. He suggests that Jesus was not God descending to become a man, but rather a man who attained a divine consciousness, thus becoming God-like. This interpretation aligns with the principles of New Thought, a spiritual movement that emphasizes the power of the mind, positive thinking, and the interconnectedness of all beings.

Butterworth's quote invites contemplation on the nature of divinity and the potential for human beings to embody and express divine qualities. It reflects a shift from a hierarchical and hierarchical view of divinity to one that emphasizes the inherent divinity within every individual. This perspective resonates with the New Thought belief in the "Christ consciousness," which posits that Jesus was a spiritual teacher who exemplified the potential for all individuals to awaken to their innate divinity.

From a New Thought perspective, the quote can be understood as emphasizing the transformative power of human consciousness and the capacity for individuals to realize their divine nature. It reframes the conventional understanding of Jesus' identity and challenges the notion of a singular, exclusive incarnation of God in human form. Instead, it invites a broader understanding of divinity as a universal potential inherent in all human beings.

In essence, Butterworth's quote prompts a re-examination of traditional Christian dogma and invites a more expansive and inclusive understanding of spirituality. It encourages individuals to explore the idea that the journey towards divinity is not confined to a single historical figure, but is a path open to all who seek to awaken to their higher nature.

This quote has sparked discussions and debates within religious and spiritual circles, as it challenges deeply held beliefs about the nature of Jesus and the meaning of divinity. It encourages individuals to question established doctrines and explore alternative perspectives on the life and teachings of Jesus.

In conclusion, Eric Butterworth's quote offers a thought-provoking and unconventional perspective on the nature of Jesus and his divinity. It challenges traditional Christian beliefs by proposing a view of Jesus as a man who attained a divine consciousness, rather than as the incarnation of God. This quote invites contemplation on the nature of divinity and the potential for all individuals to realize their inherent connection to the divine. It has sparked discussions and debates within religious and spiritual communities, prompting a re-examination of traditional doctrines and the exploration of more inclusive and expansive understandings of spirituality.