Exclusion and Embrace, Revised and Updated: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness, and Reconciliation

by Miroslav Volf

The older brother did not like the music and dance around the prodigal’s return. He was angry and would not come in (15:28). The spatial distancing was an outward sign of inner exclusion. The prodigal is no longer his brother; he is “this son of yours”