[PDF] Exploring Kenotic Christology eBook

Author : C. Stephen Evans
Publisher : Oxford University Press, USA
Page : 378 pages
File Size : 19,91 MB
Release : 2006
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9780199283224

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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 T. Williams
Publisher : iUniverse
Page : 382 pages
File Size : 15,18 MB
Release : 2009-04-10
Category : Religion
ISBN : 1440132240

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My first impression of the title Kenosis of God was that this was going to be an academic book replete with boring, complex and difficult exegetical and theological arguments. On the contrary, I found out after reading that it was very engaging, exciting and very refreshing book on Christian Theology. The major strengths of this book are [that it is] (1) thoroughly biblical, (2) historically and theologically consistent with evangelically Christianity, (3) philosophically logical and coherent, and above all (4) relevant to the Christian life. I enthusiastically commend this book not only to Bible students and academic theologians but to Christians who desire not only to know the truth of Christian Theology but its implications on the Christian life. Professor Samuel Waje Kunhiyop, PhD, Head of Postgraduate School, South African Theological Seminary The book argues that the kenosis of Jesus is not an isolated act in the history of incarnation but is embedded in the very nature of his divinity. The entire Trinity operates in kenosis, a deliberate choice to self-limitation in order to relate with one another and with the powerless. The book shows that each person of the Trinity, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, participates and works in a kenotic way in their relation to the humanity. The creator who accepts to give dominion to the people He created, Jesus who limits himself by becoming a human being and the Spirit who dwells in and works through the Church accepting the risk of being grieved by the human fallen nature. Dr. Lubunga wEhusha of the Evangelical Seminary of Southern Africa

Author : J. C. Polkinghorne
Publisher : Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
Page : 228 pages
File Size : 47,24 MB
Release : 2001
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9780802848857

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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 : David Brown
Publisher : Hymns Ancient and Modern Ltd
Page : 282 pages
File Size : 50,59 MB
Release : 2010-12-17
Category : Religion
ISBN : 0334043808

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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 : Simon J. Gathercole
Publisher : Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
Page : 357 pages
File Size : 27,71 MB
Release : 2006-10-05
Category : Religion
ISBN : 0802829015

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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 : Samuel J. Youngs
Publisher : Wipf and Stock Publishers
Page : 176 pages
File Size : 43,51 MB
Release : 2019-10-25
Category : Religion
ISBN : 1532661908

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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
Page : 328 pages
File Size : 45,27 MB
Release : 2013-01-10
Category : Religion
ISBN : 019161212X

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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
Page : 122 pages
File Size : 32,70 MB
Release : 2011-05-01
Category : Religion
ISBN : 1498273335

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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 : Paul T. Nimmo
Publisher : Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
Page : 441 pages
File Size : 44,91 MB
Release : 2022-07-19
Category : Religion
ISBN : 1467461008

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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 : David E. Fredrickson
Publisher : Fortress Press
Page : 213 pages
File Size : 34,81 MB
Release : 2013-06-01
Category : Religion
ISBN : 0800698231

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The self-emptying of Christ (kenosis) in Philippians 2 has long been the focus of attention by Christian theologians and interpreters of Paul's Christology. David E. Fredrickson sheds dramatic new light on familiar texts by discussing the centuries-old language of love and longing in Greek and Roman epistolary literature, showing that a "physics" of desire was related to notions of power and dominance. Paul's kenotic Christology challenged not only received notions of the power of the gods but of the very nature of love itself as a component of human society.