Williams’ Co-Inherence, Paul’s Admonition, and Christ’s Teaching

As I’ve begun to descend into the cauldron of perplexity that is Charles Williams, I have been intrigued by his notions of co-inherence. Descent into Hell leaves me with the sense that I will best be able to say something intelligent about the text if I wait until a few more pieces of the story come together. Still, Williams’ notions of co-inherence and substitution are profoundly illustrated by the story, and as our class discussion today indicated, we are somewhat baffled by this idea of “sharing each other’s burdens.”

What are we to make of this notion, particularly in light of Biblical teaching? If there were any doubt in the position of this idea within Scripture, Paul unequivocally clarifies the matter in Galatians 6:2: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” In this way we will fulfill the law of Christ? Paul states “carry” as an imperative command, making this idea of shared burdens seem like a non-negotiable. Incidentally, this idea of shared burdens is first set by Christ, who commands us to “cast [our] burden upon Him.” In turn, Christ’s promise is to “sustain” us. If we are commanded to imitate Christ, it would seem that obedience to Christ includes following his example in this instance, as well. Though Williams closely threads co-inherence with substitution, Christ’s example suggests not so much a trading of burdens as a mutual sustaining beneath burdens. While the distinction may seem minute, I think it important.

Despite the Christological model and Pauline admonishment to carry each other’s burdens, Western society places all burdens on the shoulders of the individual. As a result of this individualist mindset, the ability to handle burdens independently is seen as something to be praised. Ironically, this way of thinking flies in the face of Christ’s command. Though it seems a sign of strength to forgo help and a marker of selflessness to not burden another with one’s own baggage, a greater indication of strength and humility is in revealing need. If anything, Williams’ complex dealing with the notions of co-inherence and substitution challenge us to re-examine our thinking and to see more clearly how we realize – or fail to realize – the teaching of Christ.