Author: C. Stephen Evans
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 9780199283224
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 378
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Book Description
This collection of essays, by a team of Christian philosophers, theologians, and biblical scholars, explores the viability of a kenotic account of the incarnation. Such an account is inspired by Paul's lyrical claims in Philippians 2:6-11 that Christ Jesus, though God in nature, 'emptied himself' or 'made himself nothing' by becoming human. The biblical support for such a view can be found throughout the four gospels and the book of Hebrews, as well as in other places. A kenotic account takes seriously the possibility that Christ, in becoming incarnate, temporarily divested himself of such properties as omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. Several of the contributors argue that this view is fully orthodox, and that it has great strengths in giving us a picture of a God who is willing to become completely vulnerable for the sake of human beings, and one that is completely consistent with the very human portrait of Jesus in the New Testament. The proponents of kenotic Christology argue that the philosophical accounts of God's nature that have led to rejection of this theory ought themselves to be subjected to criticism in light of the biblical data. Some essays test the theory by raising critical questions and arguing that traditional accounts of the incarnation can achieve the goals of kenotic theories as well as kenotic theories can. The book also explores the implications of a kenotic view of the incarnation for philosophical theology in general and the doctrine of the Trinity in particular, and it concludes with essays that examine the validity of the ideal of kenosis for women, and a challenge to traditional Christology to take a kenotic theory seriously. Book jacket.
Author: David Brown
Publisher: Hymns Ancient and Modern Ltd
ISBN: 0334043808
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 282
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Book Description
For almost a century British understanding of the life of Christ was dominated by one particular way of interpreting the incarnation: as a kenosis or 'self-emptying' that involved real change in God. In this controversial and ground-breaking work David Brown argues that the sharp decline in the popularity of such ideas in more recent years is undeserved. There is in fact a rich strain of creative thinking in its original advocates that needs to be re-assessed, not least in the light of the wider intellectual challenges of time to which they were responding. But, going further than this, Brown also attempts a defence of his own. Even if readers disagree with the author's conclusions, they are likely to be impressed by the range of issues considered in pursuit of a fully human incarnate Christ. David Brown is Professor of Theology, Aesthetics and Culture and Wardlaw Professor at St Mary's College School of Divinity in the University of St Andrew's. 'Trying to think of a book to recommend to students on the subject of kenoticism, I read David Brown's Divine Humanity-and my problem was solved. Not only does it provide a clear and often intriguing narrative of the development of modern kenotic Christologies, it also gives a compelling account of why kenoticism makes an important contribution to our own time's attempts to think about the meaning of the Incarnation. The sweep and depth of learning is, as ever, impressive and it is good to see the distinctiveness of Scottish and English contributions to this modern tradition emphasized-without, of course, neglecting the key continental thinkers or the constant but elusive role of Hegel. Characteristically, Brown ends with quotations from John Donne and Christopher Smart and one is left with a sense of the imaginative force of the kenotic Christ as much as with the cogency of the often complex arguments with which the theologians have attempted to argue his case.' George Pattison, Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity, Oxford 'David Brown's return to mainstream Christian theology and metaphysics is greatly to be welcomed. We are given here a fascinating survey of the British tradition of kenotic Christology, finely contextualised, and then related to the prevalence of Kenoticism in virtually all contemporary theologies of creation and incarnation, Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox. The idea of divine self-emptying is not to be contrasted with 'two natures' Christology. It is crucial to any attempt to spell out the doctrine of God's own identification with the human world in the person of Jesus Christ.' Brian Hebblethwaite, Queens' College, Cambridge
Author: Samuel J. Youngs
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1532661908
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 176
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Book Description
Despite his vast importance to twentieth-century theology, Jürgen Moltmann’s Christology has yet to receive the same level of in-depth exploration as other topics in his thought. Samuel Youngs addresses this lacuna, providing the first exhaustive analysis of Moltmann’s doctrine of Christ, including its key developments and controversial elements. Youngs argues that Moltmann’s doctrine of Christ is best understood as a unique variation of kenotic Christology. This vision of Christ encapsulates not only a series of vibrant ethical and eschatological points, but also serves Moltmann’s overarching theological goal of empowering a church that lives and ministers “under the cross.” Part I highlights key facets of Moltmann’s theological method before unfolding the range of diverse themes that characterize his Christology. Part II explores Moltmann’s use of the “kenosis hymn” of Philippians 2, before interrogating Moltmann’s relationship to christological tradition. Part III engages in an original systematization of Moltmann’s Christology, centered on the theme of manifold, relational kenosis.
Author: David R. Law
Publisher: OUP Oxford
ISBN: 019161212X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 328
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Book Description
The orthodox doctrine of the incarnation affirms that Christ is both truly divine and truly human. This, however, raises the question of how these two natures can co-exist in the one, united person of Christ without undermining the integrity of either nature. Kenotic theologians address this problem by arguing that Christ 'emptied' himself of his divine attributes or prerogatives in order to become a human being. David R. Law contends that a type of kenotic Christology is present in Kierkegaard's works, developed independently of the Christologies of contemporary kenotic theologians. Like many of the classic kenotic theologians of the 19th century, Kierkegaard argues that Christ underwent limitation on becoming a human being. Where he differs from his contemporaries is in emphasizing the radical nature of this limitation and in bringing out its existential consequences. The aim of Kierkegaard's Christology is not to provide a rationally satisfying theory of the incarnation, but to highlight the existential challenge with which Christ confronts each human being. Kierkegaard advances 'existential kenoticism', a form of kenotic Christology which extends the notion of the kenosis of Christ to the Christian believer, who is called upon to live a life of kenotic discipleship in which the believer follows Christ's example of lowly, humble, and suffering service. Kierkegaard thus shifts the problem of kenosis from the intellectual problem of working out how divinity and humanity can be united in Christ's Person to the existential problem of discipleship.
Author: John B. Lounibos
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1498273335
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 122
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Book Description
This collection wrestles with a profusion of questions about kenosis. What is the original meaning and purpose of the self-emptying of Jesus? How can today's Christians emulate it, replacing our own selfish designs with the mind of Christ? How is the current interest in "servant leadership," as a model in the modern church, related to the self-sacrificing servant of Philippians 2? Does this practice have any meaning in our present secular age? Does it imply deconstructing the content of Christian faith and morals in contemporary culture? Is it a possible bridge between Eastern and Western spiritual traditions? Using the key theme of Jesus' emptying of himself in the Philippians hymn, John Lounibos explores the mysteries of kenosis in three strikingly different essays. The first, using extensive exegesis of the text, opens up the poetic, theological, and spiritual depths of this Christian mystery. The second essay establishes a philosophical grounding for kenosis in the work of Paul Tillich on the estrangements of finite human freedom. The third enters into dialogue with the Buddhist tradition and its intriguing notions of "nothingness" and "no-self." The attentive reader will be rewarded with a wealth of information and insights for further reflection and personal application.
Author: J. C. Polkinghorne
Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
ISBN: 9780802848857
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 228
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Book Description
The development of kenotic ideas was one of the most important advances in theological thinking in the late twentieth century. Now a diverse group of acknowledged experts brought together by the Templeton Foundation presents a stimulating interdisciplinary evaluation of these controversial ideas.
Author: Simon J. Gathercole
Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
ISBN: 0802829015
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 357
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Book Description
In this challenging book, rising New Testament scholar Simon Gathercole contradicts a commonly held view among biblical scholars -- that the Gospel of John is the only Gospel to give evidence for Jesus' heavenly identity and preexistence. The Preexistent Son demonstrates that Matthew, Mark, and Luke were also well aware that the Son of God existed with the Father prior to his earthly ministry. Gathercole supports his argument by considering the "I have come" sayings of Jesus and strikingly similar angelic sayings discovered in Second Temple and Rabbinic literature. Further, he considers related topics such as Wisdom Christology and the titles applied to Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels. Gathercole's carefully researched work should spark debate among Synoptic scholars and extend the understanding of anyone interested in this New Testament question.
Author: Paul T. Nimmo
Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
ISBN: 1467461008
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 441
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Book Description
Seventeen distinguished scholars from the fields of biblical studies, historical theology, and systematic theology engage with the past and present significance of the doctrine of kenosis—Paul’s extraordinary claim in Philippians 2 that Jesus Christ emptied and humbled himself in obedience on his way to death upon the cross. In the “Christ-hymn” of Philippians 2, the apostle Paul makes a startling claim: that Jesus “emptied himself” in order to fulfill God’s will by dying on the cross. The self-emptying of Christ—theologically explored in the doctrine of kenosis—is a locus within Christology and factors significantly into understandings of the Trinity, anthropology, creation, providence, the church, and even ethics. As such, it has been debated and reflected upon for centuries. The present volume draws together some of the finest contemporary scholars from across the ecumenical spectrum to expound the doctrine of kenosis—its biblical roots, its historical elaborations, and its contemporary implications. With original essays from John Barclay, Beverly Roberts Gaventa, David Fergusson, Katherine Sonderegger, Thomas Joseph White, and more, this indispensable resource offers an extensive overview of this essential affirmation of Christian faith. Contributors: John M. G. Barclay, Matthew J. Aragon Bruce, David Fergusson, Beverly Roberts Gaventa, Kevin W. Hector, Keith L. Johnson, Cambria Kaltwasser, Han-luen Kantzer Komline, Grant Macaskill, John A. McGuckin, Paul T. Nimmo, Georg Pfleiderer, Rinse H. Reeling Brouwer, Hanna Reichel, Christoph Schwöbel, Katherine Sonderegger, and Thomas Joseph White.
Author: Lucien Richard
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780819121998
Category : Kenose - Jésus-Christ
Languages : en
Pages : 334
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Book Description
Author: Jeffrey F. Keuss
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1630876860
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 180
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Book Description
Freedom of the Self revitalizes the question of identity formation in a postmodern era through a deep reading of Christian life in relation to current trends seen in the Emergent and Missional church movements. By relocating deep identity formation as formed and released through a renewed appraisal of kenotic Christology coupled with readings of Continental philosophy (Derrida, Levinas, Marion) and popular culture, Keuss offers a bold vision for what it means to be truly human in contemporary society, as what he calls the "kenotic self." In addition to providing a robust reflection of philosophical and theological understanding of identity formation, from Aristotle and Augustine through to contemporary thinkers, Freedom of the Self suggests some tangible steps for the individual and the church in regard to how everyday concerns such as economics, literature, and urbanization can be part of living into the life of the kenotic self.
