Christology: A Biblical, Historical, and Systematic Study of Jesus Christ [Paperback]

Gerald O'Collins S.J. (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0198755023 | ISBN-13: 978-0198755029 | Publication Date: July 27, 1995

Recent years have seen the publication of a number of sensationalist books on Jesus that are supported neither by the New Testament witness nor by mainstream Christian beliefs. This important new book critically examines the best biblical and historical scholarship before tackling some of the key questions of systematic christology: How could Jesus be fully a man and yet truly divine? How could he be sinless and yet exercise free human will? How can his role as universal savior be reconciled with other religions? Can his maleness be reconciled by the just demands of feminism? Clear, balanced, and accessible, this book offers an invaluable interpretation of these and other controversial issues for students, general readers, and clergy.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A Christological accounting that is breathtaking in scope....Carefully and lucidly written, the book is appropriate for anyone interested in Christology."--Choice

"The present book represents the distillation of years of study, reflection, and writing. It is a work of informed scholarship, careful critique, and mature theological insight. It shows how deep fidelity to the tradition can stimulate, not constrict, creativity....Gerald O'Collins has thought Christological truth anew, thereby displaying its vital power."--Commonweal

"[O'Collins'] years of teaching, lecturing and writing on various aspects of Christology have borne fruit in a tightly argued volume....This book should be required reading for all students of Catholic theology..."--AMERICA

"An ambitious and scholarly work....A worthy contribution to a discussion that will end only with the return of its subject in glory."--First Things

"This mature and insightful systematic work reflects O'Collins' capacity both for critical reflection and for personal commitment..."--Christology

About the Author

Gerald O'Collins is at Gregorian University, Rome.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (July 27, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198755023
• ISBN-13: 978-0198755029
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,008,362 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb - balanced, thorough, and original, June 14, 2001

By 

Elizabeth G. Melillo "gloriana" - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Christology: A Biblical, Historical, and Systematic Study of Jesus Christ (Paperback)

Gerald O'Collins' impeccable scholarship presents the reader with a critical view of 2,000 years of thought regarding Jesus, and draws conclusions that are both fresh and orthodox. He is particularly talented in clarity of expression, and of explaining how ideas of various great theologians were useful or were misinterpreted in light of later historical developments.

I personally read this work as one of many studies in Christology, and anyone pursuing graduate study in theology knows how ideas can begin to all sound alike when the volume is high. Though I was new to Gerald O'Collins work, I found it so absorbing and stimulating (amazing, when one is wading through volumes) that it opened new doors of consideration in my own pursuit.

Though O'Collins's presentation of doctrine could not offend the Grand Inquisitor himself, this is no stale "fidelity to the magisterium" approach - the explanations are detailed, often including original insights, and refute any ideas which O'Collins sees as spoiling the integration of Christology and spirituality in the life of the Church. Whether it is Macquarrie, Schilebeecx, or Thomas Aquinas with whom he has a point of disagreement, the reasoning is excellent, and, whether one holds the same viewpoint or not, one can only greet the result with a certain degree of awe.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Christ - verily God and verily man, November 27, 2000

By 

"lnfulton" (Phoenix, AZ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Christology: A Biblical, Historical, and Systematic Study of Jesus Christ (Paperback)

Professor O'Collins offers us a clear presentation of one of the most central topics to an orthodox Christian faith - the diety and humanity of Christ. This systematic presentation is fairly easy to read and its presentation is understandable to clergy and layman alike.

The author attempts to answer fundemental christological questions such as: How could Jesus be totally man and totally God? How could he be sinless and yet exercise free human will? How can his role as universal savior be reconciled with other religions?

O'Collins takes us through the beliefs and arguments from the earliest Christians, the Councils of Constantinople, Ephesus and Chalcedon, the Middle Ages and present. Subjects include Christ's resurrection, virgin birth, sinless life, and his role as savior and redeemer.

Very well written and highly recommended.

10 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The vitality of orthodox Christology, August 19, 2000

By 

matt - See all my reviews

This review is from: Christology: A Biblical, Historical, and Systematic Study of Jesus Christ (Paperback)

O'Collins, Professor of Systematic and Fundamental Theology at the Gregorian University in Rome, has written yet another timely book on this central aspect of our faith. As C.C. Newman writes on the back cover:"O'Collins has produced a Christological accounting that is breathtaking in scope...[He] successfully balances the academic search for truth with practical concerns for justice and equality, all the while preserving the center of liturgical celebration...this book is steeped in, though not encumbered by, a thorough knowledge of all the problematic epistemological and hermeneutical issues. Carefully and lucidly written...this is mature book from a seasoned scholar on an important subject."

Contents include: 1:Some Major Challenges 2:The Background 3:The Human History 4:The Resurrection 5:The Son of God 6:Lord, Savior, God, and Spirit 7:To the First Council of Constantinople 8:Ephesus, Chalcedon, and Beyond 9:Medieval and Modern Christology 10:Divine and Human 11:Faith, Holiness, and Virgin Conception 12:Redeemer 13:Universal Redeemer 14:The Possibilities of Presence Bibliography, Index of Names, Biblical Index.

Other books of interest include: Trinity and Incarnation by Basil Studer, Incarnation-Myth or Fact? by Oskar Skarsaune, An Introduction to New Testament Christology by Raymond Brown, The Mystery of the Trinity by Boris Bobrinskoy, Trinitarian Theology East and West by Meyendorff and Fahey, The Gospel Image of Christ by Veselin Kesich. Enjoy!