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Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective: An Introductory Christology
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Product Description
Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective features six highly respected scholars from schools such as Erskine Theological Seminary, Talbot School of Theology, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. These scholars address an issue that has a significant impact on the way Christians should approach everyday evangelism but is often ignored: the fundamental fact that the Savior who died on the cross and rose from the dead is the eternal second person of the Trinity.
The Christian church has confessed this truth since the early centuries, but many modern theologies have denied or ignored its implications. To clarify the complex issue, these writers approach “post-Chalcedonian” (451 AD) Christology from a variety of disciplines—historical, philosophical, systematic, and practical—thoroughly examining the importance of keeping Jesus Christ in trinitarian perspective.
Major chapters include: “Introduction to Christology: Chalcedonian Categories for the Gospel Narrative,” “The Eternal Son of God in the Social Trinity,” “The One Person who is Jesus Christ: The Patristic Perspective,” “Metaphysical Models of the Incarnation: Person, Nature, Mind, and Will,” “The Atonement: A Work of the Trinity,” and “Jesus’ Example: Prototype of the Dependent, Spirit-Filled Life.”
This introductory Christology book is written for advanced undergraduates and entry-level seminary students.
Endorsements:
Timothy George (Th.D., Harvard), founding Dean and Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School of Samford University, executive editor of Christianity Today, and author of Theology of the Reformers
“The doctrine of the Trinity, as expressed in the classic creeds of the early church, was the necessary theological expression of two non-negotiable biblical affirmations—the Old Testament declaration, “God is One” and the New Testament confession, “Jesus is Lord.”~ This superb collection of essays by evangelical scholars unpacks this great truth by giving the lie to the false dichotomy between the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith.~ A great primer in historical theology!”
Don Thorsen (Ph.D., Drew), Professor of Theology, Haggard Graduate School of Theology, Azusa Pacific University, author of An Invitation to Theology: Exploring the Full Christian Tradition
“The study of Jesus Christ is obviously important to all Christians. However, it is not obvious that he must be understood in light of the trinity. We must reflect upon Jesus' life and ministry in relationship to God, the Father, if we are rightly to appreciate and apply what scripture says about him. Likewise, we need to consider the person and work of the Holy Spirit throughout Jesus' life. Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective helps Christians to understand and appreciate the importance of the trinity in considering Jesus--the life he lived, the salvation he provided, and the role model for how we should live and minister. The book provides clear-cut axioms for investigating the dynamics and significance of Jesus' relationship to the Father and the Holy Spirit. Christians will benefit greatly from the variety of ways Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective explores who Jesus is, especially in light of who he is in relationship to God the Father and the Holy Spirit."
Darrell Bock, (Ph.D., Aberdeen) Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary, author of Jesus According to Scripture, Studying the Historical Jesus, and commentaries on Luke (2 vols) and Acts
“For a careful look at how Jesus has been understood theologically in the church, Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective is a solid walk through what is often dense terrain. There is much to ponder here. I am pleased to recommend it.”
J.P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Biola University, author of Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview and Kingdom Triangle
“In recent years, intense research has been directed at christological and trinitarian themes with exciting and insightful results. Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective is on the cutting edge of this research because it is the only volume to approach these themes in a multi-disciplinary perspective. Faithful to scripture and Chalcedon yet creative and fresh, Sanders and Issler have given the church a theologically rich and devotionally practical guide to the person and work of Christ. Pastors and informed laypeople will profit greatly from this book. Moreover, it would be my first choice as a text in Christology.”
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #346497 in Books
- Published on: 2007-10-01
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Binding: Paperback
- 244 pages
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Fred Sanders is assistant professor of Theology in the Torrey Honors Institute at Biola University in La Mirada, California.
Klaus Issler is professor of Christian Education and Theology at Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, California.
Customer Reviews
A Robust Intro to Christology for the Disciplined Reader
Some doctrines require the full breadth of the theological disciplines for adequate treatment. Fred Sanders and Klaus Issler, as editors of Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective, deem Christology a prime example of such a doctrine. Sanders begins with a substantial introductory essay that delineates the basic elements of Christology and the design of the rest of the book. Convinced that "to say the truth about Jesus, we must keep him in Trinitarian perspective," Sanders explains how this volume explores "the implications of Jesus' identity as one of the Trinity" (3). He also demonstrates how the logical progression among the six chapters attempts to trace "the long arc" of the biblical metanarrative "from God's eternal being to humanity's redemption" (3). After Sanders' introduction, five scholars from various disciplines contribute an essay investigating a topic along this Christological storyline. J. Scott Horrell defends a social model of the Trinity. Donald Fairbairn analyzes the Christological reflection of the early church. Garret DeWeese investigates the philosophic precision of the "one person, two natures" language. Bruce Ware exposits the atonement in light of the Trinity, and Klaus Issler highlights the example that Jesus' life provides for believers.
A clear strength of this volume is the depth and detail of its introductory elements. Sanders and Issler intentionally shape the book in "a method-transparent way" in order to "model the work of theology" for their readers (40). To this end, each contributor begins with a succinct chapter summary, followed by three "Axioms for Christological study," which are concise propositions related to relevant concepts. The next section contains a systematized list of key terms developed in the chapter. Each essay also ends with a brief annotated bibliography of works recommended for further reading, which is particularly helpful as the contributors indicate both strengths and weaknesses of these volumes. A set of study questions designed for further reflection ends each chapter.
Another fundamental strength is the dual achievement of introducing and contributing to the study of Christ. Seeking to avoid a "purely descriptive work" (40), the editors strive to craft a text that is "safe and trustworthy" but also "filled with a sense of project" (40). This interdisciplinary project is one that views the Council of Chalcedon as a proper guide to the confessional parameters of Christological reflection and champions Cyril as the most important figure in patristic developments. For the contributors of this volume, the language of Chalcedon should be interpreted in light of Cyril's insight that "the one person of Christ is in fact God the Logos, the second person of the Trinity" (80). Convinced that Trinitarian and Christological speculation should remain tethered to Scriptural language, their proposal also argues for a nuanced view of the social Trinity and the legitimacy of holding that the one person of the incarnate Christ had two natures but only one will (a contemporary monothelite model). They also understand the atonement as a Trinitarian work and Christ's human life as a genuine model for Christian living.
Despite the clarity of the essays, a reader unfamiliar with the terminology of Christological discussion will perhaps be intimidated. For example, the reader encounters the terms "anhypostatic" and "enhypostatic" on the first page, and later "dyophysites" and "kenosis" without immediate clear definitions (28, 74). Also, a few of DeWeese's specific logical syllogisms may remain oblique to one unfamiliar with this type of argumentation (e.g., 134-35, 140).
However, these instances are exceptions, as the contributors are careful to define and explain difficult terminology as it is introduced. Further, these minor concerns do not detract from the fact that, both in substance and in methodology, Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective provides a robust introduction to Christology that will not disappoint the disciplined reader.
Also in Trinity Journal 29.2 (Fall 2008), 341-42.
A hearty theological meal
Jesus in Trinitarian perspective is a challenging, but thoroughly rewarding read. The book is designed as an introduction, but it is obvious that as an introduction it is meant to expand your knowledge and pull you up to a higher level of understanding of the issues, not to merely state the issues and leave you as you were with new categories that you still don't understand. The book seems to demand multiple readings to grasp and I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn the issues. As far as the content goes, each of the six essays has final study questions, axioms for Christological study, and chapter summation that does a good job of briefly reiterating the essay. For convenience sake, all eighteen of the axioms are published again at the end for quick reference.
Fred Sanders' chapter deals with the first four ecumenical councils, up to the Chalcedon council. His essay briefly goes through the various heresies that the councils convened to refute and the conclusions that each reached. For those only interested in this part of the book, Dr. Sanders gives this information in lecture form at str.org under the title of God in a box: Drawing Proper Lines for Orthodoxy.
J. Scott Horrell's chapter covers the social model of the Trinity and why ontological equality does not equate with equality of role. Moreover, that there is a legitimate eternal structure to the Trinity.
Donald Fairbain's chapter goes in depth on the Chalcedon council and why some of the historical understandings of the warring factions of the council are misguided, namely that Chalcedon was a compromise between two large factions of the church.
Garrett DeWeese does a fine job of outlaying a philosophical understanding for the issues that all these councils deal with, what is a person, a nature, etc... As well as putting forth his view of Christology. This is almost identical to the one that William Lane Craig lays out in Philosophical foundations for a Christian Worldview.
Bruce Ware covers the argument that Jesus life and ministry are incomprehensible outside of a Trinitarian life; moreover, Jesus would have been unable to accomplish his mission aside from the working of the Trinity.
Finally, Klaus Issler argues for the idea that Jesus is our perfect exemplar, to the degree that Jesus was operating out of his human nature, is the degree that he can be our exemplar. Stated another way, how much of what Jesus did was he able to do because he is God, or because he was a human dependent upon the same Spirit that resides within us all.
Even if you do not end up agreeing with the book, it is dense with much to consider, and the relative brevity of each essay (around 40 pages) makes this a wonderful book to go through in stages and contemplate. I highly recommend it.
A Must Read on Trinitarianism
This book is "a superb collection of essays" from scholars who are the best in their fields. This book bridges the truth of a triune God from the Old Testament, New Testament, Early Church Fathers, and the Universal Church's understanding of Christ. It is a "solid walk through of what is often dense terrain." I recommend this to those who seriously desire to know Jesus and have a understanding of the Trinity.
