Let's Start with Jesus: A New Way of Doing Theology (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This book presents a new way of doing theology proper. Instead of starting with the usual philosophical arguments for the existence and nature of God, Dennis Kinlaw proposes and shows what it means to start theology with Jesus.

From the Back Cover

In Search of a New Paradigm Who is God? Most of the gods that so-called unbelievers reject have never had any objective reality and are simply the goblin constructions of their own minds. Likewise, the god before whom the sincere believer bows may be a caricature that does little justice to the reality one believes oneself to be worshiping. Error— whether for the believer or the unbeliever—always carries unfortunate consequences. Jesus—the historical person—is the "stone of stumbling" that separates Christianity from all other religions, both monotheistic and polytheistic. That separation affects every aspect of Christian doctrine. But the paradigm for constructing theology usually begins with philosophical arguments for the existence of God and logical constructions to determine God’s nature. In Let’s Start with Jesus,author Dennis Kinlaw, a well-read biblical scholar, pursues a different mode for doing theology: he starts his theological work with looking at Jesus.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (November 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310262615
• ISBN-13: 978-0310262619
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #306,550 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Relevant and rewarding to every reader, March 28, 2006

By	Christian Book Previews.com "Christian Book P... - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Scholarly and spiritually insightful, this book views theology through the Person of Jesus Christ. This approach allows an incisive look at the uniqueness of Christianity by quickly getting to the heart of the Gospel. The often-quoted philosophical arguments about the existence of God are bypassed for an intimate revelation of the reality of Jesus.

Christ literally stands at the crossroads of the world's religions. While the concept of God seems to merge with other beliefs, the ministry of Jesus stands alone. There is no parallel in other religions, which makes an ideal starting point for defining theological ideas. The author's penetrating reflections will cause readers to think deeply on this issue.

By using familiar Christian convictions and filtering them through the Person of Jesus, there is a renewed appreciation and understanding of vital doctrines. The nature of God, the problem of sin and the means of sanctification come into sharper focus when viewed through this lens. The divine association of the Trinity is also revealed in a marvelous and majestic way.

This book needs to be read slowly and carefully. It's obvious the author has a brilliant mind, filled with spiritual wisdom. These pages literally overflow with excellent thoughts, enabling the diligent reader to uncover some amazing insights. This is a serious study; however, it's more than just an intellectual pursuit. By starting with Jesus, there is a profound blending of theology and worship. The author, who is a respected biblical scholar, has both the intelligence and the spiritual sensitivity to make this subject relevant and rewarding to every reader! - Joyce Handzo, Christian Book Previews.com

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Refreshing, Christ-centered Approach, June 20, 2006

By	Brian Shelton (Cornelia, GA, USA) - See all my reviews

This popular, long time college president writes a book for those who want a fresh approach for studying Christian theology. His starting point is not the traditional category of God's attributes, but instead "starts with Jesus" as the initial way to understand God. The Incarnation embraces the obedience to the OT law intended for God's people, and makes personal the divine attributes of love, joy, patience, and faithfulness that ought to characterize the Christian life. This Christological approach to understanding God would certainly please Karl Barth, as it underscores Jesus' words "whoever has seen me has seen the Father."

Kinlaw uses three insightful metaphors to explain how Jesus reveals the nature of God: royal, familial, and nuptial. These especially explain God's design for intimacy with his creation. Next, the author considers the human problem of sin and need for salvation, as thus features the extent to which the Lord demonstrates intimacy: by actual personal identification with his creation through the Incarnate Son. The effect of rereading about God's love this way this is spiritually refreshing. The consequential role of the Spirit in the Christian life is also highlighted.

The scholarly ability of the author finds its best expression by his interesting and impressive ancient world and biblical contextual explanations. He writes with brevity and simplicity that resonates with the heart like a devotional but inspires the mind like a good systematic theology should.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Used as a Sunday School study book, March 17, 2006

By	M. D. G., Marketing, Inc. "D. Gallaway" (Madison, MS) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Our Sunday School class is utilizing this for our current study, so it is mostly non-seminary students using this book. While it has been very difficult to read and grasp everything (I have to underline a LOT and read and re-read), it has made for a very interesting and interactive Sunday School! It has been VERY beneficial to me personally. Unfortunately, in my years in the church, I learned more about WHO Jesus was than how I should relate to him. This is really helping me clarify that. The only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars is because it can be challenging reading. I definitely recommend it though!