Synopses & Reviews
In this book Paul Zahl seeks a broader understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus. What was it within his message that burst his first-century Jewish context? What was creative, fresh, and universal about his message? What did Jesus maintain, within his own setting and period, that is still true and applicable today?In pursuing these questions, Zahl swims against the current of modern scholarship, arguing that Jesus was more Christian than Jewish. Jesus' teaching concerning the kingdom of God is replete with Christian perspectives on human nature and salvation, and his insights into original sin and grace are closer to core Christianity than much recent literature acknowledges. Drawing from both Jewish and Christian thinkers, Zahl shows Jesus to be a saving figure, a christological figure, even a radically Protestant figure. Zahl also brings his fresh perspective into present-day focus by showing how Jesus' dynamic teachings still have worldwide impact.Zahl writes both as a highly trained theologian and as a pastor who recognizes that scholarship stands in the service of discipleship. In "The First Christian" he renders the contemporary quest for the historical Jesus not only "accessible" but also "relevant" to the life of faith. Students of the Bible and general readers alike will be enriched by his compelling portrait of a Christian, universal Jesus.
Synopsis
A Bible-centered approach to bioethics. With books like Remembering Jesus: Christian Community, Scripture, and the Moral Life, Allen Verhey has become one of today's most trusted Christian voices in contemporary ethics, including the moral challenges that new medical technologies pose to Christian faith and decision-making. With this new book Verhey brings contemporary bioethical concerns in dialogue with the biblical tradition. Drawing on an unmatched depth of insight in these two realms, Verhey explores how the Bible can illuminate and guide bioethics. Arguing that the church has a vocation to think and speak clearly about bioethical concerns, Verhey here gives them the scriptural tools to do so. After firmly grounding Christian ethical discourse in Scripture, Verhey demonstrates how the Bible can be brought to bear on such pressing questions as suffering, genetic intervention, abortion, reproductive technologies, end-of-life care, physician-assisted suicide, and more. Filled with faith-based wisdom and exceptional illustrations of the moral dilemmas discussed, this book is a must-read for Christian grappling with the ethical dimensions of medicine today.
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. 133-134) and indexes.
Table of Contents
Introduction -- The historical-Jesus problem -- Jesus the Jew -- Jesus and John the Baptist -- Jesus the Christian -- The centrifugal force of Jesus the Christian -- Epilogue: A meditation at Christmas.