Synopses & Reviews
This is a study of Spirit-Christology--a contemporary theological model of the relationship between Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Del Colle measures this christological model against trinitarian theology and tests its viability. He investigates in particular the development of a Roman Catholic Spirit-Christology, which has arisen from within the modern neo-scholastic theological tradition. Contrary to other interpreters, Del Colle argues that an incarnational christology and a Spirit-Christology are not conflicting but complementary and that this is recognized by the older and deeper tradition. In conclusion, he seeks to demonstrate the productivity of the Spirit-Christological model in reference to three major areas of concern for contemporary systematic theology: cultural pluralism and diversity, emancipation and social praxis, and inter-religious dialogue.
Review
"Del Colle's thesis--that a full-blooded Trinitarianism and a firm insistence on the complete humanity of Christ are entirely compatible--is of immense significance to Christian theology today. The author's technical competence in presenting the historical material, his subtle constructive reflections, and his concluding demonstration of the fruitfulness of his solution for other problems are all signs of a first-rate mind. With this book Del Colle could emerge as one of the most powerful figures in the rising generation of Christian theologians in the U.S."--Geoffrey Wainwright, Robert E. Cushman Professor of Christian Theology, Duke University
"[Christ and the Spirit] unfolds within the world of scholastic theology. Del Colle is a brilliant expositor of that world; he has mastered the distinctions and the arguments; he works within its logic. As a historical theologian Del Colle is objective, fair, and completely irenic in laying out the positions he considers."--Theological Studies
"Ralph Del Colle's study is an important book."--Theology
"This is a remarkably fine and interesting study....It is one of those books whose promise and direction are evident from the beginning."--Modern Theology
"Del Colle's work is an important contribution."--Journal of Ecumenical Studies
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 227-235) and index.