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

by Gerald O'Collins S.J.

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 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.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Christianity, Nonfiction, Philosophy, History, Christian

352 pages, Paperback

First published July 27, 1995

Reviews

[Pishowi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book critically examines the best biblical and historical scholarship before tackling head-on some of the key questions of systematic Christology: does orthodox faith present Jesus the man as deficient and depersonalized? Is his sinlessness compatible with the exercise of a free human will? Does up-to-date exegesis challenge his virginal conception and personal resurrection? Can one reconcile Jesus’ role as universal Saviour with the truth and values to be found in other religions? What should the feminist movement highlight in presenting Jesus? This integral Christology is built around the resurrection of the crucified Jesus, highlights love as the key to redemption, and proposes a synthesis of the divine presence through Jesus. Clear, balanced, and accessible, this book should be valued by any student reading systematic theology, anyone training for the ministry in all denominations, as well as interested general readers.

Download:

[Ian Grantham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having recently concluded Gerald O'Collins SJ's "Christology: A Biblical, Historical, and Systematic Study of Jesus," I find myself further along the path of deepening my understanding and, consequently, my relationship with Jesus Christ. This exploration marks my third foray into Christological studies this month, following "Who is Jesus?: An Introduction to Christology" and "Christology: A Global Introduction" These texts collectively have deeply enriched my appreciation for the person and work of Jesus in profound ways.

Despite not being an academic by training, I feel a calling to engage with theological study at this juncture of my life. O'Collins' work, I must admit, presented a considerable challenge, particularly due to its academic rigor which contrasts with the more accessible nature of the other two books I've engaged with. Yet, it is precisely this scholarly depth that emerges as the book's most significant virtue.

"Christology" by O'Collins does what exemplary theology ought to do: it stimulates thought, broadens perspectives, and introduces novel ways of understanding, all while steadfastly adhering to orthodoxy. The book navigates the complex terrains of biblical exegesis, historical scrutiny, and systematic theology with an erudition that, rather than obfuscating the subject matter, illuminates the multifaceted persona and mission of Jesus Christ.

In sum, Gerald O'Collins' "Christology" stands out as an indispensable resource for those intent on a serious theological inquiry into Jesus. Its academic intensity not only challenges but also rewards the reader with a richer, more nuanced appreciation of Christology.

[Ryan Jankowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

While there are certainly some redemptive aspects to this book; overall, O'Collins liberal leanings often undermine much of what he has to say. This is strange, because he identifies as a Jesuit and I've never read a Jesuit this liberal.

Some examples: O'Collins doesn't believe all of the words in the Bible attributed to Jesus are necessarily an accurate reflection of what Jesus really said (p.74). How he comes to this conclusion is beyond me as it assumes some higher standard to evaluate what is attributed to Jesus (which he doesn't disclose). As such, it leads to conclusions like Jesus never claimed to be pre-existent Creator (he qualifies the Gospel of John as a later theological reflection, and not a historical tradition that goes back to Jesus himself).

Chapter 12 offers his universal view of salvation - where all religious paradigms have some value.

The historical summary of Christological development through the patristics, councils, and surfacing of various unorthodox views was thorough and helpful.

[Viggo van Uden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gerald O’Collins, SJ, a renowned theologian and prolific author, offers a highly commendable and comprehensive work on Christ's 'being' and 'doing' in his Christology (2nd edition: 2009). The book thoroughly addresses the biblical, historical, and systematic dimensions, as outlined in its subtitle, presenting a rich and well-rounded treatment of Christology. O’Collins’ approach is not limited to doctrinal matters alone; he skillfully situates these within broader contexts, including historical settings, the significance of language and philosophy, theological critics, and Jesus’ identity as a Jew. His "primary interpretive key for Christology" (p. 16) is the resurrection of the crucified Jesus. Yet, this central focus does not preclude engagement with historical and philosophical questions, as O’Collins thoughtfully addresses and critically examines such issues. He does justice to (the arguments of) critics, while refuting their objections with well-reasoned arguments.

This book is not a Christology in a narrow sense but also delves into salvation through Christ (soteriology) and—distinctively—a discussion on the "possibilities of presence" (particularly explored in chapter 14). It is, therefore, far from a dry theological textbook merely cataloging christological debates and councils. Instead, it represents a personal and reflective engagement with these topics. O’Collins takes clear positions on key issues, such as the reliability of the witnesses to Christ’s appearances, the meaning of personhood, the scope of (universal) salvation, and a Christology of "presence".

Having read other systematic-theological (hand)books, I find O’Collins’ work refreshingly distinct. He succeeds in challenging conventional thought and demonstrating that certain matters may be more nuanced than commonly assumed. His reasoning is clear, strong, and convincing. Although written in an academic style, this book is accessible and useful for a broad readership. To mention one point of criticism, a clearer summary of what the councils specifically taught regarding Christ could have been helpful. O’Collins places greater emphasis on the individuals (such as Cyril and Nestorius) rather than on the conciliar confessions themselves

[Deirdre Clancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you're serious about learning about the subject matter of this book (christology), it may not be exactly an easy read in terms of flow. Stopping to look up biblical verses mentioned and passages from certain Church Fathers has been a major feature of my reading experience, so it typically took me a day to read a chapter whenever I picked it up. However, O'Collins is highly methodical and thorough, and backs up everything he says with references from Scripture or other authoritative sources. The book is a highly comprehensive source of information on the subject of how thinking on christology has evolved from the early Christians to the present day. It outlines many different christological themes that have emerged throughout history for possible further exploration. The chapter on the theology of presence at the end of the book is particularly interesting.

Those who like highly organized writing will enjoy this book, as its author is highly prone to splitting themes into lists. This book is a very good tool for self-education from someone who is clearly an acknowledged expert in the field.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Final two chapters were excellent and very thought provoking..

[RAD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straightforward Overview

Gerald O'Collins' Christology offers a thorough survey on the topic. The book is organized into 14 chapters, perhaps appropriately beginning with "Some Major Challenges." Most, if not all, of the major topics are covered, including not only the historicity surrounding the person of Jesus Christ, but also theological issues surrounding Christ's divinity. Christology itself as a topic is also addressed in a historical context.

O'Collins' book is published by Oxford University Press, and as one would expect from an academic publisher, numerous footnotes provide support for further research on important topics. This second edition also includes an index on Biblical references (apparently absent in the first edition), and there is a solid bibliography as well.

Christology is aimed at not only students of historical Christian theology, but also those who are interested in the history of relgion more generally.

[FatherSwithin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and readable book on Christology. Christians of virtually all persuasions (and I speak as an Anglican clergyman who was raised Baptist) would find an orthodox explanation of Who Christ is and what He did.

[This is one of the assigned texts in Fr Russell's "Dogmatic Theology" course (2010) at St Joseph of Arimathea Anglican College.:]

[Robert Tessmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book, which was referenced in a recent book I finished by Polkinghorne. I probably would have rated it a 5, except the last two chapters did not "deliver the goods" as well as anticipated. The following review sums up my feelings well:

http://www.ibr-bbr.org/files/bbr/BBR_...

[Adriane R. Wunderlich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a tough one to get through. In the beginning I had trouble following along, but O'Collins does a great job developing the chapters to build upon one another. By the end, I did feel I had a good grasp on the subject matter.