Synopses & Reviews
Who was Jesus? A prophet? There have been many of those. A miracle-worker? A radical revolutionary? A wise teacher? There have been many of these, too. In his latest book, renowned Scripture scholar Gerhard Lohfink asks, What is unique about Jesus of Nazareth, and what did he really want?
Lohfink engages the perceptions of the first witnesses of his life and ministry and those who handed on their testimony. His approach is altogether historical and critical, but he agrees with Karl Barth's statement that "historical criticism has to be more critical."
Lohfink takes seriously the fact that Jesus was a Jew and lived entirely in and out of Israel's faith experiences but at the same time brought those experiences to their goal and fulfillment. The result is a convincing and profound picture of Jesus.
Review
Fr. Laurance writes from the summit of his scholarship, gathering a lifetimes reflection and research in this masterful exploration of the Eucharist. It provides an up-to-date review of sources for the scholar, but is straightforward enough to be accessible to anyone wishing to deepen their experience of the Eucharist.David Fagerberg, University of Notre Dame
Review
The merits of this work are many and significant: the research is first-rate; the text is accessible and informative; and the gift and challenge of the Eucharist for the Christian community emerge unambiguously. The theology developed in the first half of the bookfrom Christology to ecclesiology, and on to liturgical theologyis a fine synthesis; it also lays an excellent foundation for the study of the Eucharistic celebration in the books second half. This is a text that RCIA groups in parishes, no less than diocesan presbyterates, could explore to their great enrichment.Richard Lennan, Professor of Systematic Theology, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
Review
Calling into question the overlooked reality of women as creators and interpreters of beauty, [this book] opens new dimensions in the developing area of theological aesthetics as well as the traditional field of theological anthropology
. Its contribution to theology lies in the way it knocks on the door of theological aesthetics, showing the enrichment that could ensue if it opened to include women, their imaginative work of critique and their constructive work of interpretation. More broadly, it takes its place in the growing body of work that contributes to the struggle for human dignity and spiritual self-determination for women that is a hallmark of our time. Read it with anticipation of bracing critique and constructive ideas, especially regarding the linkage of beauty with justice.From the Foreword by Elizabeth A. Johnson, author of Quest for the Living God and She Who Is
Review
Some have said that this book will become a classic. Indeed, it should be so considered. But much will depend on whether or not scholars will dismiss it as lacking uniqueness and innovation, and whether or not non-professionals will invest the energy in reading a scholarly treatment of Jesus. May both groups stretch themselves and give it the attention it so richly deserves!Michael J. Bowling, The Englewood Review of Books
Review
Grounded in the most careful study of the historical Jesus and enlivened by a deep faith in the Risen Christ, this book will be of inestimable use to everyone from scholars to seekers and will most likely become a classic. It is that rarest of books on Jesus in which the author combines solid exegetical work with a profound sense of the spiritual. On top of that, it's beautifully written (and here, translated). Lohfink's book is in every way a joy.James Martin, SJ, Author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything
Review
Lohfinks Jesus of Nazareth is the best Jesus book I know. It is solidly based on sound biblical scholarship, full of fresh theological insights, respectful of the Gospels and their portraits of Jesus, and beautifully expressed. It is especially effective in highlighting the centrality of Gods reign and Israel as Gods people in Jesus life and work.Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, Professor of New Testament, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
Review
For several decades Jerome Murphy-OConnor has been one of New Testament scholarships most engaging interlocutors. Never one to mince his words or fail to engage in dialogue with those who disagree with him, Murphy-OConnor never ceases to offer intriguing and often novel points of view. His work advances scholarship by challenging others to rethink their positions. This collection of essays is classic Murphy-OConnorcrystal clear and thought provoking.Raymond F. Collins, Visiting Scholar, Brown University
Review
The subtitle of this book could well be Collected Essays Old and New. Accompanying each of his previously published articles on Galatians, Murphy-OConnor has added a postscript, each often comparable in length to the original essay. In each postscript, with characteristic incisiveness and wit, Murphy-OConnor considers later scholarly attempts to grapple with the questions that had engaged him in his original essays. What the reader will discover is that many of Murphy-OConnors original insights and explanations have stood the test of time! Fortunately, they have been collected in this handy volume.Maria Pascuzzi, St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens, FL
Review
This reviewer has read many books on the historical Jesus, but this one is the best. Why? Lohfink states, "The Jesus tradition is grounded in the interpretive community that is "church."
Father Mark G. Boyer, The Priest
Review
"Crisp and very readable prose. . . .Lohfink has fresh things to say about Jesus' teaching through parables, about his sayings about judgment and, especially, about understanding Jesus' miracles. . . . Having read and studied, Jesus of Nazareth (and squirreled it away as a rich resource for future preaching and having been truly moved spiritually by it), I can agree with Daniel Harrington, S.J. [author of Jesus: A Historical Portrait]: "Lohfink's Jesus of Nazareth is the best Jesus book I know."
John A. Coleman, America: The National Catholic Review
Review
The reader closes this book struck by the Spirit in whom this Jesus keeps working on the -- some would say -- now shrinking, endangered community he left behind. . . .There still may be hope.
Raymond A Schroth, SJ, National Catholic Reporter
Review
The thread connecting what Jesus wanted, who he was, is the reign of God. Lohfink is concerned with this new thing that came into the world with [Jesus]. The consistency between this reign of God and the revelation of who Jesus is, is the chief message and controlling method of this book. The importance of another book on Christ and on Jesus in the New Testament in particular cannot be ignored or underestimated. . . . Lohfink gives the lie to any separation of what Jesus wanted from who he was. Ultimately, Christology consists in clarifying his relationship to God and humanity.
Kevin O'Gorman, The Furrow
Review
Lohfink's portrait of Jesus is very much worth reading. Because he looks to the Gospels with a sympathetic yet critical eye, he gives a faithful interpretation of Jesus. And because he is faithful, Lohfink offers a portrait that is challenging-especially for the church today.
Thomas D. Stegman, SJ, America Magazine
About the Author
Gerhard Lohfink was professor of New Testament exegesis at the University of Tübingen. Since 1986, he has lived and worked as a theologian for the Catholic Integrated Community. His many books include Jesus of Nazareth and Does God Need the Church?, both from Liturgical Press