Inhabiting the Cruciform God: Kenosis, Justification, and Theosis in Paul's Narrative Soteriology

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Inhabiting the Cruciform God: Kenosis, Justification, and Theosis in Paul's Narrative Soteriology

4.04 of 5 stars 4.04 · rating details · 23 ratings · 4 reviews

This richly synthetic reading of Paul offers a compelling argument that the heart of Pauls soteriology lies in theosis the incorporation of Gods people into the life and character of the God revealed in the cross. Michael Gorman deftly integrates the results of recent debates about Pauline theology into a powerful constructive account that overcomes unfruitful dichotomies...more

Paperback, 194 pages

Published March 1st 2009 by William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company

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Aug 03, 2011 James Korsmo added it

In this study of Pauline soteriology, Gorman focuses on Paul's "grand narrative" of kenosis, justification, and theosis as key themes for understanding Paul's view of salvation in Christ. The key text for explicating the narrative is Phil 2:5-11, where the kenosis and exaltation of Christ form the key movements in the description of Christ's incarnation. For Gorman, this narrative is key to understanding Christ, and salvation, and even more, it is key to understanding God. He sets as one of the...more In this study of Pauline soteriology, Gorman focuses on Paul's "grand narrative" of kenosis, justification, and theosis as key themes for understanding Paul's view of salvation in Christ. The key text for explicating the narrative is Phil 2:5-11, where the kenosis and exaltation of Christ form the key movements in the description of Christ's incarnation. For Gorman, this narrative is key to understanding Christ, and salvation, and even more, it is key to understanding God. He sets as one of the book's key agendas the claim that "cruciformity is theoformity, or theosis," built on the foundational claim that "kenosis (self-emptying) reveals the character of God" (2). This key element of the thesis is worked out in the first chapter of the book, with a careful study of Philippians 2 and it's implications for Paul's master story. He then turns to an extended study of justification as co-crucifixion, a participation in the life and death of Christ, and specifically in Christ's covenant fulfillment. (Thus, the pistis christou debate features prominently in the chapter, as the subjective genitive reading there is an important element in the argument, though it doesn't stand or fall solely on that point.) He then turns to holiness as the actualization of justification (not some subsequent and separate movement) and closes with an argument for nonviolence as an essential part of Paul's entire viewpoint.

I greatly enjoyed Gorman's important work. It is well written and clearly argued throughout, and he demonstrates a thorough familiarity with Paul and his letters. I am extremely sympathetic to the core theological argument of the book, that kenosis not only pertains to Christ but also reveals something of the character and manner of working of God the Father as well. His chapter on justification is likewise illuminating, and I think he is convincing that theosis (as he carefully defines it) is an element in Paul's soteriology, one that is often neglected in the Western tradition. Whether "justification by co-crucifixion leading to theosis" is the one soteriological model for Paul is most certainly a more difficult argument to pull off, but at the least Gorman has demonstrated how the "crucified with Christ" language and thought patter is an important one for Paul. His chapters on holiness and nonviolence are similarly thought-provoking and challenging, and I have no doubt that this work overall provides an argument to be reckoned with. Gorman constantly brought me back to the text of Paul's letters to notice details I had previously missed while at the same time making a synthetic argument for an overarching framework that is helpful in thinking like Paul thought. So while I may not agree with him in all particulars, this is clearly a great work, and I am glad to recommend it.(less)

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Aug 01, 2011 Jacob McGill rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was an interesting read. I agree with his conclusions about theosis and incorporating different analogies of justification together. His view of theosis is that God is revealed to be a God of sacrifice and suffering in the cross, and so his body is likewise to be identified with sacrifice and suffering. These are much needed words for an evangelical community that has harbored an attitude of eye-for-an-eye attitude in the name of justice for far too long. Books like this are refreshing as t...more

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Nov 16, 2012 Chuck rated it 4 of 5 stars

The follow up to Cruciformity. This much smaller book puts the concepts of Theosis and ongoing sanctification into understandable terms. Living the Christ life--"Although this, not this, but this" is the challenge.

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Apr 23, 2011 Bonnie Grove is currently reading it

Just diving in to this one.

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Books by Michael J. Gorman

Apostle of the Crucified Lord: A Theological Introduction to Paul and His Letters

Cruciformity: Paul's Narrative Spirituality of the Cross

Reading Revelation Responsibly: Uncivil Worship and Witness: Following the Lamb into the New Creation

Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers

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