Who Is Jesus? - (Michael Glazier Books) by Thomas P Sj Rausch (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Who is Jesus? This is the fundamental question for christology. The earliest Christians used various titles, most of them drawn from the Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures, to express their faith in Jesus. They called him prophet, teacher, Messiah, Son of David, Son of Man, Lord, Son of God, Word of God, and occasionally even God. In Who Is Jesus? Thomas Rausch, S.J., focuses on the New Testament's rich variety of christologies.

Who Is Jesus? covers the three quests for the historical Jesus, the methods for retrieving the historical Jesus, the Jewish background, the Jesus movement, his preaching and ministry, death and resurrection, the various New Testament christologies, and the development of christological doctrine from the New Testament period to the Council of Chalcedon.

Chapters are "The Three Quests for the Historical Jesus," "Methodological Considerations," "The Jewish Background," "Jesus and His Movement," "The Preaching and Ministry of Jesus," "The Death of Jesus," "God Raised Him from the Dead," "New Testament Christologies," "From the New Testament to Chalcedon," "Sin and Salvation," and "A Contemporary Approach to Soteriology."

Thomas P. Rausch, SJ, PhD, is the T. Marie Chilton Professor of Catholic Theology at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. A specialist in ecclesiology, ecumenism, and the theology of the priesthood, he has published eight books including the award-winning Catholicism at the Dawn of the Third Millennium, The College Student's Introduction to Theology, and Reconciling Faith and Reason: Apologists, Evangelists, and Theologians in a Divided Church, published by Liturgical Press.

Review Quotes

Who is Jesus? deserves to get priority placing on the reading programme of teachers and students of Christology. It cannot but stimulate the reflection and interest of all who amid the plethora of current religious opinions genuinely seek to find an answer to the question: Who is Jesus?The Furrow

In a clear and accessible style, Thomas Rausch offers a judicious sifting of a wide variety of modern authors and ancient sources. His 'introduction' is comprehensive and coherent. It serves as an effective tool for those seeking to understand christology both then and now.Michael L. Cook, S.J., Gonzaga University

In this lucidly written book, Thomas Rausch . . . offers an introduction to the discipline of Christology that surveys the best of recent Jesus research, engages with Evangelical theology, and proposes a contemporary soteriology . . . Rausch's book will serve as an excellent textbook for upper-level undergraduate courses in Christology.Catholic Books Review

Rausch has written a wonderfully clear, faithful, and reliable christology in the light of contemporary Scripture studies and the early tradition of the Church. Particularly helpful is his approach to the saving work of Christ in the light of other recent christological studies. I recommend this volume to college and seminary professors as an excellent textbook that will guide their students through the complexities of Western Catholic reflection on the mystery of Jesus Christ.Brian O. McDermott, S.J., Georgetown University

Seeks to take seriously both the work of historical-critical scholarship and the faith and life of the church.New Testament Abstracts

An ideal textbook for college students and a helpful resource for parish education.Interpretation

Clearly written and well organized, this work provides readers with a sound and reliable introduction to Christology.Interpretation

This is a good introductory text in christology. . . . I highly recommend its use for a college or adult education course.New Theology Review