Product Description

"Who do you say that I am?". Jesus of Nazareth posed this question to his followers nearly two thousand years ago, but the question still hangs in the air, requesting an answer from every person. Indeed, the question of the identity of Jesus Christ is the most important theological issue of all human history, because he claimed to be the human Son of the one true God. In this 680 page biblical research book, ONE GOD & ONE LORD, the authors carefully re-examine the biblical evidence in light of modern textual research and a thorough survey of scholarly opinion. They argue that the biblically accurate answer to the question of his identity is provided by Peter, John, Mary, Paul and other first-century believers who unanimously proclaimed him to be "the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Building an impressive and compelling case for the unity of the biblical testimony concerning the true humanity of Jesus, "the last Adam," the authors reveal the profound significance of the two aspects of his coming: suffering and glory. They seek a view of Christ that allows for a total appreciation of his steadfast obedience to God in the face of temptation, suffering and even a humiliating death. Vindicated by his resurrection, he entered into glory and now sits in a position of functional equality with God, analogous to the relationship of Joseph and Pharaoh in the Book of Genesis. ONE GOD & ONE LORD shows how the traditional view of Jesus Christ actually demeans both his accomplishments and his heroism by attributing to him "intrinsic deity" that essentially eliminates the possibility of either authentic temptation or failure.

Because the Gospel of John is often isolated and magnified to establish and fortify orthodox Christology, the authors explore in depth the unique depiction of Christ in "the Fourth Gospel". They succeed in placing John's testimony harmoniously and understandably within the margins of the prophetic portrait of the Messiah. This portrait had already been drawn out in detail in the Hebrew Scriptures and was then fleshed out in the Synoptic Gospels. Nowhere in this portrait is it clear that Messiah was "God incarnate," "God the Son," or a pre-existent divine visitor.

Appealing primarily to scriptural authority and logical reasoning, ONE GOD & ONE LORD also thoroughly examines the historical process by which traditional Christian orthodoxy came to be established. A combination of misguided Christian piety and pagan speculation are shown to be responsible for the intrusion of unbiblical concepts into basic Christian thought and doctrine.

ONE GOD & ONE LORD is challenging, but profoundly encourages both Christian devotion and a deep appreciation for the integrity of the Bible. It will reward the careful attention of the critic of Christianity, the new Christian, students of the Bible, pastors, teachers and scholars.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #720158 in Books
• Published on: 2000-12-31
• Binding: Textbook Binding
• 680 pages

Customer Reviews

After reading this book you will know who Jesus is.
Most non-trinitarians know who Jesus is not. Very few know who Jesus is. This book fully explains who Jesus is and why he is not "GOD the SON" or a "mere" mortal (as the trinitarians would like you to think all non-trinitarians believe). You will learn why believing he is the "highly exalted" Son of God is the truth.

These authors explore a subject that for most orthodox Christians is not to be questioned. However, anyone who seriously studies the Scriptures cannot reconcile the Jesus revealed in the churches with the Jesus revealed in the Scriptures. This book reveals the truth about Jesus and where and when the error crept into the Christian faith.

It is a must read for any believer who truly wishes to know who the only begotten Son of God is.

Popularist statement of a non-Trinitarian view
This book probably fills a need in being one of the few populist appeals for a non-Trinitarian view of God and Christ. ... The book is definitely enthusiastic but is a bit thin on substance.

There are three other books available from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk which might be a better buy. (Be aware that both Amazon sites ship across the Atlantic at very reasonable rates)
[1] Richard Rubenstein: When Jesus became God - a Jewish historian of conflict resolution examines how the early church controversies lead to the adoption of the Trinity. Not much related to the New Testament but fascinating reading all the same.
[2] Anthony Buzzard: The Doctrine of the Trinity - an appeal for a non-Trinitarian view of Christ, with good section on the history of early Trinitarianism.
[3] James Broughton, Peter Southgate: The Trinity True or False? Much more thorough and complete than Buzzard on the scripture sections, but very brief on the historical side.

Concise and Logical...Providing answers to questions of Faith
Warning: Do not read this book if you do not have an open mind or are not willing to question what the Word of God (the Bible) says about God's Son Jesus Christ.

This book is a full seven course meal when it comes to feasting upon the TRUTH evident within the scriptures. Graeser, Lynn, and Schoenheit do an awesome job of examining scripture in a quest to discover who/what Jesus Christ is/was. The appendices alone are worth the money. The whole of the book is like a large research paper quoting outside sources as well as its primary source, the Bible, to successfuly display that Jesus Christ is not GOD the Father who is spoken about throughout the Word. Christ does not share the same essence or substance with God and has not existed since the beginning of time. The book presents beautifuly that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, exalted above all others, sits at the right hand of God in heaven, and is worthy of our praise; the Word does say all this but it explicitly leaves out any mention that Jesus is God. Trinitarian arguements are presented and explained why they are in error, either from a scriptual perspective and/or evidence that the beliefs were influenced from outside sources.

Honestly I would recomend this book to each and every Christian, if it doesn't convince you that Jesus is not or cannot be God then at least it will prove your heart is hardened beyond considering anything you haven't been taught on Sundays (perhaps it could be read only on Sundays). Also another warning, this book and the tenants of faith taught within are considered well outside the Christian mainstream and could cause dissention within individual groups of believers...simply ask yourself, "How important is the Truth?"

Joshua R. Lee
____________________
Ever question life?
Yeah, me neither,
just in case you get
curious though:

(...)