ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the development of Leibniz's metaphysics of the Incarnation in the context of his philosophy. Leibniz accepts the mystery of the Incarnation as a truth above reason, defending this key traditional dogma against charges of logical impossibility and endeavouring to present a possible metaphysical model of the union of human and divine natures in Christ. The metaphysical model vindicates the possibility of the Incarnation as well as providing a possible explanation of the union of mind and body. In Leibniz's view the communication of properties between the divine and the human natures of Christ, a doctrine which he opposes most explicitly in the texts belonging to his middle-period. The union in Christ of divine and human natures, could be accommodated by his general metaphysical doctrines. Such an investigation will uncover some of the deepest commitments in Leibniz's theory of substance as well as detect in it some unresolved tensions.
