The Incarnation

This interdisciplinary study follows an international and ecumenical meeting of twenty-four scholars held in New York at Easter 2000: the Incarnation Summit. After an opening chapter, which summarizes and evaluates twelve major questions concerning the Incarnation, five chapters are dedicated to the biblical roots of this central Christian doctrine. A patristic and medieval section corrects misinterpretations and retrieves for today the significance of the Councilof Chalcedon (AD 451) and its aftermath, as well as clarifying Aquinas' enduring metaphysical interpretation of the Incarnation. The volume then moves to theological and philosophical debates: threescholars take up such systematic issues as belief in the Incarnation, the self-emptying that it involves, and its compatibility with divine timelessness. The remaining four essays consider the place of the doctrine of the Incarnation in literature, ethics, art, and preaching. There is a fruitful dialogue between experts in a wide range of areas and the international reputation of the participants reflects and guarantees the high quality of this joint work. The result is a well researched,skilfully argued, and, at times, provocative volume on the central Christian belief: the Incarnation of the Son of God.

“'thoroughly professional theology. ... Here, in these essays, we haveChristian theology at its best, intellectually demanding and engaged with issuesof central importance - a good combination.'The Tablet”

Review from previous edition The first section of this collection contains three remarkable essays which show that dialogue between systematic theologians and biblical scholars is possible and important.'Natalie K. Watson, Reviews in Religion and Theologymuch of this book provides some long-over-due demythologising of what have become common places of recent theology. For this alone it deserves a warm welcome ... the final essay by Marguerite Shuster on trinitarian preaching is a superbly original (and often witty) survey of the eyebrow-raising oddities that pass for sermons on the Trinity in an uncomfortably large number of respectable organs of mainstream churches.'Rowan Williams, The TabletO'Collins's introduction is a masterly account of the state of the question, offering some judicious remarks on the difficult issue of gener-specific language.'Rowan Williams, The TabletDavid Brown's piece on artistic representations of the Trinity gives a taste of his magisterial book on revelation and imagination ... Plenty to welcome then.'Rowan Williams, The Tableta symposium of high quality ... highly stimulating ... often probing current interpretations.'Regent's ReviewsThe international reputation of the participants reflects and guarantees the high quality of this joint work. The variety of disciplines represented, the ecumenical character of the participants, and procedures adopted... set the volume somewhat apart from earlier joint works on the Trinity.'Gregorianuma stimulating and challenging read, well suited to the needs of the minister seeking some fresh insights and approaches to a doctrine at the heart of life and faith ... There is a helpful introductory summary of each essay provided at the start of the book. Here is a high quality and accessible fare on which to dine, an excellent buy for the minister to keep up to date and glean ideas for preaching and pastoral insight.'Regent's Reviewsencourages further reflections on the mystery which lies at the heart of our faith.'Maryanne Traylen, Catholic Heraldthoroughly professional theology. ... Here, in these essays, we have Christian theology at its best, intellectually demanding and engaged with issues of central importance - a good combination.'The Tablet... it succeeds in demonstrating that a comprehensive rational case for the orthodox tradition can still be made, and remains a significant element of inter-Christian dialogue.'The Journal of Theological StudiesA valuable collection of reflection on the origins of Christian belief in the incarnation, and of its consequences and presentation in the modern world ... its division into manageable-sized essays makes it possible for the busy preacher to pick it up and read it in stages.'Church of England NewspaperThis is a weighty and richly rewarding book, worthy of a place alongside the best twentieth-century monographs and volumes of essays on the greatest mystery of all.'Brian Horne, The Tablet`Impressive not only in its unity but also in its depth of scholarship.'Brian Horne, The Tablet

Stephen T. Davis is Professor of the Philosophy of Religion, Claremont McKenna College, California. Daniel Kendall, SJ is Professor of Theology, University of San Francisco. Gerald O'Collins, SJ is Professor of Systematic and Fundamental Theology, Gregorian University, Rome.

This interdisciplinary study follows an international and ecumenical meeting of twenty-four scholars held in New York at Easter 2000: the Incarnation Summit. After an opening chapter, which summarizes and evaluates twelve major questions concerning the Incarnation, five chapters are dedicated to the biblical roots of this central Christian doctrine. A patristic and medieval section corrects misinterpretations and retrieves for today the significance of the Council of Chalcedon (AD 451) and its aftermath, as well as clarifying Aquinas' enduring metaphysical interpretation of the Incarnation. The volume then moves to theological and philosophical debates: three scholars take up such systematic issues as belief in the Incarnation, the self-emptying that it involves, and its compatibility with divine timelessness. The remaining four essays consider the place of the doctrine of the Incarnation in literature, ethics, art, and preaching. There is a fruitful dialogue between experts in a wide range of areas and the international reputation of the participants reflects and guarantees the high quality of this joint work. The result is a well researched, skilfully argued, and, at times, provocative volume on the central Christian belief: the Incarnation of the Son of God.

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