God of Jesus - by Stephen J Patterson (Paperback)

About the Book

This book is the result of the author's involvement with the Jesus Seminar. The premise is that the quest for the historical Jesus has always been closely related to the Christian search for God, and that this is both good and necessary, provided that one properly understands the relationship between history and theology and does not confuse the two.Patterson develops s theology that might properly be called a "Jesus Theology" and it is here that his contribution to the discussions of and about Jesus makes it a most distinctive contribution.

Book Synopsis

This book's title conveys its general premise, that is, that the quest for the historical Jesus has always been closely related to the Christian search for God. The author says that this is both good and necessary, provided that one properly understands the relationship between history and theology ("the Jesus of history" and "the Christ of faith") and does not confuse the two. An opening chapter explains the history of the quest for the historical Jesus and how it has always been related to the search for God. It also proposes a scheme for understanding the relationship between history and theology. The remaining chapters focus on various aspects of Jesus' life and teachings, related in large measure to the work of the Jesus Seminar. Patterson also develops a theology that might properly be called a "Jesus theology," and it is here that his input to the discussions of and about Jesus makes its most distinctive contribution. The accessible style of writing in the book makes it useful for lay study groups. It is also suitable for college and seminary classrooms as a beginning book on the historical Jesus. Stephen J. Patterson is Associate Professor of New Testament at Eden Theological Seminary and author of The Gospel of Thomas and Jesus.

From the Back Cover

This Book explains, in an accessible manner, the history of the quest for the historical Jesus and how this quest has always been related to the search for God. In addition, the book proposes a scheme for understanding the relationship between history and theology that avoids confusing the two. Finally, in what is arguably the book's most distinctive contribution, it presents what could be called a "Jesus theology" based on aspects of Jesus' life and teachings.

Review Quotes

"In this book, Steve Patterson brings together the two worlds in which he lives: the academy and the church. With great clarity and informative content, he combines the insights of contemporary Jesus scholarship with the perspective of a seminary professor committed to the life of the church." Marcus J. Borg--Sanford Lakoff

"Patterson's liberal theological stance and the minimalist historical results of the Jesus Seminar are coordinated with grace and wisdom in this book." Edgar V. McKnight, Furman University, SC (Interpretation, Jan 99)--Sanford Lakoff "Interpretation "

"This is an excellent book for anyone who wants to see the relevance of current Jesus research for theology. The running commentary on the Jesus Seminar alone is work the book's price." Fred W.--Sanford Lakoff "Religious Studies Review "

"This work should not be consigned to the theologians exclusively. Persons knowledgeable of the Holy Scriptures should give careful consideration to this work as a means of understanding the Historical Jesus and the Christ of History. Adult classes would do well to select this as a text for special weekly study beyond the Sunday School lesson. A truly valuable work!" Raymond B. Knudsen, Editor, The Counselor, June 7, 1998--Sanford Lakoff "Professional Counselor "

"Very well written in a style that is clear and accessible to non-professional readers." Thomas E. Hosinski, Encounter.--Sanford Lakoff

"When Jesus was born, Augustus was Son of God. When Jesus was executed, Tiberius was Son of God. And the Kingdom of their God bestrode the Mediterranean like a colossus. But Jesus proclaimed the different Kingdom of a different God, and Christians proclaimed him as the different Son of that different God. Stephen Patterson's powerful book brilliantly explores that difference, that question of divine character, that question about The God of Jesus. Its strong, serene, and irenic tone compels us to recall the time when "Jesus Is Lord" was a statement of high treason. If it is such no longer, it asks forcibly, what exactly has changed?" John Dominic Crossan--Sanford Lakoff

About the Author

Stephen J. Patterson is Associate Professor of New Testament at Eden Theological Seminary and author of The God of Jesus: The Historical Jesus and the Search for Meaning (Trinity Press).