Synopses & Reviews
In this fully revised and updated second edition of his accessible account of systematic Christology, Gerald O'Collins continues to challenge the contemporary publishing trend for sensationalist books on Jesus that are supported neither by the New Testament witness nor by mainline Christian beliefs.
This book critically examines the best biblical and historical scholarship before tackling head-on some of the key questions of systematic Christology: does orthodox faith present Jesus the man as deficient and depersonalized? Is his sinlessness compatible with the exercise of a free human will? Does up-to-date exegesis challenge his virginal conception and personal resurrection? Can one reconcile Jesus' role as universal Saviour with the truth and values to be found in other religions? What should the feminist movement highlight in presenting Jesus? This integral Christology is built around the resurrection of the crucified Jesus, highlights love as the key to redemption, and proposes a synthesis of the divine presence through Jesus. Clear, balanced, and accessible, this book should be valued by any student reading systematic theology, anyone training for the ministry in all denominations, as well as interested general readers.
Review
"A Christological accounting that is breathtaking in scope....Carefully and lucidly written, the book is appropriate for anyone interested in Christology."--Choice
"The present book represents the distillation of years of study, reflection, and writing. It is a work of informed scholarship, careful critique, and mature theological insight. It shows how deep fidelity to the tradition can stimulate, not constrict, creativity....Gerald O'Collins has thought Christological truth anew, thereby displaying its vital power."--Commonweal
"[O'Collins'] years of teaching, lecturing and writing on various aspects of Christology have borne fruit in a tightly argued volume....This book should be required reading for all students of Catholic theology..."--AMERICA
"An ambitious and scholarly work....A worthy contribution to a discussion that will end only with the return of its subject in glory."--First Things
"This mature and insightful systematic work reflects O'Collins' capacity both for critical reflection and for personal commitment..."--Christology
Review
"This new edition strengthens the case for the reliability of the gospels ... The content and tone is ecumenical and critical but conservative, lending itself to use ina variety of denominational settings. Summing up: Highly recommended." --Choice
Synopsis
Recent years have seen the publication of a number of sensationalist books on Jesus that are supported neither by the New Testament witness nor by mainstream Christian beliefs. This important new book critically examines the best biblical and historical scholarship before tackling some of the key questions of systematic christology: How could Jesus be fully a man and yet truly divine? How could he be sinless and yet exercise free human will? How can his role as universal savior be reconciled with other religions? Can his maleness be reconciled by the just demands of feminism? Clear, balanced, and accessible, this book offers an invaluable interpretation of these and other controversial issues for students, general readers, and clergy.
About the Author
Gerald O' Collins is Research Professor of Theology at St Mary's University College, Twickenham, and Honorary Adjunct Professor of Australian Catholic University. He has published, alone or with others, 47 books, including Jesus Our Redeemer, Salvation for All, and Catholicism (all OUP). Author of hundreds of articles in professional and popular journals, he has lectured at many universities and colleges in the British Isles, India, New Zealand, the United States, his native Australia, and elsewhere.