This book explores a number of closely related logical and metaphysical questions relating to the identity of Jesus Christ. In particular it considers: ‘What does “Jesus Christ” name?’ and ‘How may Jesus Christ be the subject of both divine and human attributes, given their apparent incompatibility?’. The author draws on analytic and scholastic influences and integrates them into a rehabilitation of the neglected habitus theory of the hypostatic union. The theory maintains a real identity between Christ and the Word and emphasises the instrumental or possessory dimension of Christ’s relationship to his human nature. This approach allows for an account of the hypostatic union that is true to the indispensable articles of classical Christology and which satisfies the demands of logical coherence. Yet, at no point is the mystery of the Incarnational event reduced to the strictures of creaturely comprehension. The book will be of particular interest to scholars of Christology, analytic theology and the philosophy of religion.

In Christian theology, the teaching that Christ possessed both a human and divine will is central to the doctrine of two natures, but it also represents a logical paradox, raising questions about how a person can be both impeccable and subject to temptation. This volume explores these questions through an analytic theology approach, bringing together 15 original papers that explore the implications of a strong libertarian concept of free will for Christology. With perspectives from systematic theologians, philosophers, and biblical scholars, several chapters also offer a comparative theology approach, examining the concept of impeccability in the Muslim tradition. Therefore, this volume will be of interest to scholars and graduate students working in analytic theology, biblical scholarship, systematic theology, and Christian-Islamic dialogue.

In 1927 C.A.A. Scott, while commenting on the apostle Paul's Christology, remarked that the "history of the word Glory in the Bible has yet to be written." By using methodology developed in semantics, semiotics, and, more generally, literary theory, Newman examines the origin and rhetoric of Paul's Glory-Christology. The investigation involves three distinct tasks: (1) to plot the tradition-history of Glory which formed part of Paul's linguistic world, (2) to examine Paul's letter, in light of the reconstructed tradition-history of Glory, in order to discern the rationale of Paul's identification of Christ as Glory and, (3) to map out the implications of such an identification for Paul's theological and rhetorical strategy. On the basis of this study, four conclusions are reached for understanding Paul. First, Paul inherited a symbolic universe with signs already "full" of signification. Second, knowing the (diachronically acquired) connotative range of a "surface" symbol (e.g. Glory) aids in discerning Paul's precise contingent strategy. Third, knowing the "surface" symbol's referential power defines and contributes to the "deeper structure" of Paul's theological grammar. Finally, the heuristic power within the construals of the Glory tradition coalesce in Paul's Christophany and thus provide coherence at the "deepest" level of Paul's Christology.

This book explores a number of closely related logical and metaphysical questions relating to the identity of Jesus Christ. In particular it considers: What does Jesus Christ name?' and How may Jesus Christ be the subject of both divine and human attributes, given their apparent incompatibility?'. The author draws on analytic and scholastic influences and integrates them into a rehabilitation of the neglected habitus theory of the hypostatic union. The theory maintains a real identity between Christ and the Word and emphasises the instrumental or possessory dimension of Christ's relationship to his human nature. This approach allows for an account of the hypostatic union that is true to the indispensable articles of classical Christology and which satisfies the demands of logical coherence. Yet, at no point is the mystery of the Incarnational event reduced to the strictures of creaturely comprehension. The book will be of particular interest to scholars of Christology, analytic theology and the philosophy of religion.

This book surveys the ways analytic theologians have sought to understand the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. Applying the tools of recent analytic metaphysics, logic, and epistemology, they seek to provide a self-consistent and orthodox way to understand the trinitarian claims of catholic traditions. This issue goes to the heart of Christian belief, and is central to theological disagreements between Christians, Jews, and Muslims.Supplementary discussions survey the history of Trinity theories, unitarian Christian theologies, and Judaic and Islamic objections to Trinity theories.There is an extensive bibliography.This book is an authorized reprint of the article "Trinity" and its supplementary documents, from the online Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. http://plato.stanford.edu/

In Christology and Scripture leading biblical scholars and theologians explore the relation of theological thought to the reading of Scripture. The focus is on three inter-related issues. The first is how theologians appropriately read Scripture around Christ, and what contribution, if any, historical-criticism makes to this endeavour. The second is that of the person and work of Christ in relation to Scripture. In interaction with specific texts, contributors engage with the related questions of who Christ is and how his benefits are communicated. This leads on to the final issue of responsiveness to our current context of reading, and contributors reflect on how Christological models relate to contemporary cultural and political concerns.

In Analyzing Doctrine Oliver Crisp carefully considers the relationship of systematic theology to analytic philosophy, arguing that the tools of analytic philosophy can be fruitfully applied to traditional systematic theology. Doing so, as Analyzing Doctrine reveals, creates a distinct and rich analytic theology. Analyzing Doctrine employs traditional themes of systematic theology to structure Crisp's analytic theological analysis. Crisp examines the doctrine of God, the mystery of the Trinity, and God's intention in creating and relating to the world. He then addresses the incarnation, original sin, the virgin birth, Christ's two wills, salvation, and, finally, the resurrection. In the process of making his constructive case, Crisp engages a range of historic theological voices from the tradition, as well as contemporary biblical studies and systematic theology. Clear, accessible, and engaging, Analyzing Doctrine establishes analytic theology's place in the architecture of systematic theology while also challenging some of its misconceptions. By seamlessly weaving together Christian tradition and analytic philosophy to construct his theology, Crisp argues for the integral role that analytic theology plays in the theological imagination.

An exploration of discipleship in Mark's gospel relating to Jesus' own mission and purpose.

Contrary to the portrayals of Chrysostom as a theologically impaired, moralizing sophist, this book argues that his thinking is remarkably coherent when it is understood on his own terms and within his culture. Chrysostom depicts God as a teacher of philosophy who adaptably guides people toward salvation. Since the theme of divine adaptability influences every major area of Chrysostom's thought, tracing this concept provides a thorough introduction to his theology. It also explains, at least in part, several striking features of his homilies, including his supposed inconsistencies, his harsh rhetoric and apparent political naïveté, his intentionally abridged and exoteric theological discussions, and his lack of allegiance to an "Antiochene school." In addition to illuminating such topics, the concept of adaptability stands at one of the busiest intersections of Late Antique culture, for it is an important idea found in rhetoric and discussions about the best methods of teaching philosophy. Consequently, adaptability is an ingredient in the classical project of paideia, and Chrysostom is a Christian philosopher who seeks to transform this powerful tradition of formation. He gives his Christianized paideia a theological foundation by adapting and seamlessly integrating traditional pedagogical methods into his reading and communication of Scripture. David Rylaarsdam provides an in-depth case study of one prominent leader's attempt to transform culture by forming a coherent theological discourse that was adapted to the level of the masses.

Throughout the book Thiselton shows how perspectives that arise from hermeneutics shed fresh light on theological method, reshape horizons of understanding, and reveal the relevance of doctrine for formation and for life. --