Synopses & Reviews
The
New Testament doctrine of the dual nature of Jesus Christ--his historical existence as a man and his simultaneous reality as a god--has stimulated a resurgence of christological studies by twentieth-century scholars and theologians. This bibliography is the first work to provide a thorough critical examination of this important body of modern scholarship. Containing more than 1,900 annotated entries, it will be an essential reference guide for anyone with an interest in early Christianity, Christian doctrine, or biblical studies.
In his introduction, Hultgren summarizes trends in New Testament christology as reflected in twentieth-century European, British, and American works. Sensitively arranged in subject categories, the bibliography begins with nine chapters relating to the foundations of christological studies. The remaining forty-one chapters are divided into three sections dealing with specific topics: the titles given to Christ, the treatment of Christ by New Testament writers, and primary christological themes. Many of the entries include extensive commentary as well as passages quoted from the sources. Authors, titles, and subjects are listed in comprehensive indexes. Reflecting both the depth and breadth of Dr. Hultgren's scholarly analysis, this new bibliography is an appropriate choice for New Testament scholars as well as library reference collections.
Review
The strength and particular value of this bibliography is that Hultgren keeps his focus on the doctrine of Christology and does not introduce extraneous material about Jesus. After a critical introduction, which assesses `Literature and Trends in the Study of New Testament Christology,' the material is arranged in four categories: `Orientation and Christological Foundations' `Christological Titles' (i.e., Messiah, Son of Man, etc.); `Christologies of New Testament Writers'; and `Christological Themes' (e.g., the preexistence of Christ, Incarnation, etc.). These four major categories have sub-sections in which entries are arranged alphabetically by author. Citations include periodical articles as well as books. Each of the 1,917 entries is annotated. The clear, concise annotations are descriptive rather than evaluative, but Hultgren's summarizes the material in such a way that readers will understand the value of the item for the study of the topic. Hultgren's selection is thorough and balanced, representing many different theological perspectives. Most of the material is from the 1950s through the 1980s, with emphasis on recent work. Author/editor/compiler, title, and subject indexes complete the volume. Highly recommended for seminary libraries and for college libraries that support study of the New Testament or of Christian doctrine at either graduate or undergraduate level.Choice
Review
New Testament Christology is a monumental achievement. Hultgren obviously has command of the scholarly literature and of the topic. The selection of materials includes items as current rent as 1988 (Larry Hurtado's One God, One Lord). The arrangement of the bibliography is excellent; annotations are clear and helpful. Highly recommended for all appropriate reference collections.ARBA
Review
This specialized, annotated bibliography contains references to twentieth-century material that deals with the question of what the New Testament writers thought about Jesus Christ. Hultgren starts the book with an essay describing the major concerns of New Testament Christology and then uses the major points of the article as major topical sections of the bibliography, a technique that enriches the work. The bibliography contains 1,917 references to books and articles. It covers the major movements and authors in this field during the twentieth century. Catholic and Protestant theologians of varied persuasions are included. The annotations are good. There are indexes for author, title, and subject. Although the entries are arranged topically, the subject index is necessary to find all entries on a given topic. The author index includes authors mentioned in the annotations as well as the authors of the articles . . . this book does an excellent job of covering the field.RQ
Synopsis
The New Testament doctrine of the dual nature of Jesus Christ--his historical existence as a man and his simultaneous reality as a god--has stimulated a resurgence of christological studies by twentieth-century scholars and theologians. This bibliography is the first work to provide a thorough critical examination of this important body of modern scholarship. Containing more than 1,900 annotated entries, it will be an essential reference guide for anyone with an interest in early Christianity, Christian doctrine, or biblical studies. In his introduction, Hultgren summarizes trends in New Testament christology as reflected in twentieth-century European, British, and American works. Sensitively arranged in subject categories, the bibliography begins with nine chapters relating to the foundations of christological studies. The remaining forty-one chapters are divided into three sections dealing with specific topics: the titles given to Christ, the treatment of Christ by New Testament writers, and primary christological themes. Many of the entries include extensive commentary as well as passages quoted from the sources. Authors, titles, and subjects are listed in comprehensive indexes. Reflecting both the depth and breadth of Dr. Hultgren's scholarly analysis, this new bibliography is an appropriate choice for New Testament scholars as well as library reference collections.
About the Author
ARLAND J. HULTGREN is Professor of New Testament at Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary, St. Paul.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Orientation and Christological Foundations
Christological Titles
Christologies of New Testament Writers
Christological Themes