The Consciousness of the Historical Jesus - (T&t Clark Studies in Systematic Theology) by Austin Stevenson (Hardcover)

About the Book

"In this new book, Austin Stevenson argues that it is not the 'divinity' of Jesus that causes problems for historians, but his humanity. To insist that Jesus was fully human, as both theologians and historians do, still leaves us with the question of what it means to be human. It turns out that theologians and historians often have different answers to this question on both a philosophical and a theological register. Furthermore, historians frequently misunderstand the historiographical implications of classical Christology, and thus the compatibility between traditional beliefs about Jesus and critical historical inquiry. Through close engagement with the thought of Thomas Aquinas (c.1225-74), this book offers a new path toward the reconciliation of these disciplines by focusing on human knowledge and subjectivity, which are central issues in both historical method and Christology. By interrogating and challenging the normative metaphysical assumptions operative in Jesus scholarship, a range of possibility is opened up for approaches to Jesus that are genuinely historical, but not naturalistic"--

Book Synopsis

In this book, Austin Stevenson argues that it is not the 'divinity' of Jesus that causes problems for historians, but his humanity. To insist that Jesus was fully human, as both theologians and historians do, still leaves us with the question of what it means to be human. It turns out that theologians and historians often have different answers to this question on both a philosophical and a theological register.

Furthermore, historians frequently misunderstand the historiographical implications of classical Christology, and thus the compatibility between traditional beliefs about Jesus and critical historical inquiry. Through close engagement with the thought of Thomas Aquinas (c. 1225-74), this book offers a new path toward the reconciliation of these disciplines by focusing on human knowledge and subjectivity, which are central issues in both historical method and Christology. By interrogating and challenging the normative metaphysical assumptions operative in Jesus scholarship, a range of possibility is opened up for approaches to Jesus that are genuinely historical, but not naturalistic.

Review Quotes

"This work argues that Thomas Aquinas's participatory metaphysics and epistemology -- including his understanding of prophecy and of Jesus's beatific vision -- can assist powerfully in the resolution of certain potent puzzles about the apocalyptic Jesus, as well as in the development of a historical biblical scholarship that is appropriately critical in facing its own philosophical premises. Persuasive in its applications to Jesus scholarship and sure-handed in its interpretations of Aquinas, the book represents a major advance. It will be of significant help to theologians and biblical scholars seeking ways to enable the erudition of the each discipline to instruct the other." --Matthew Levering, University of St Mary of the Lake, USA

"This remarkable book constitutes a significant contribution to contemporary Christology. The author offers a deeply insightful analysis of the relationships that obtain between conciliar Christology and modern historical-critical scholarship. He does so while advancing scholarly understanding of Aquinas' philosophy and theology in reference to Christology, in ways that have real significance for Christian ecumenism. The treatment of the knowledge of Christ in historical context is seminal and provides a reference work for future reference and debate. A first rate theological work." --Thomas Joseph White, The Angelicum, Italy

"This book compellingly argues that research into the identity of Jesus is tied up with metaphysical commitments of some sort, though the nature and function of these commitments is often hidden from view. Austin Stevenson brings them clearly into the light of day. Only an author who understands the issues deeply could have written so lucidly about them. This book is anything but a facile rejection of historical research. Rather, it challenges its readers to think about what history means and to bring history and theology into dialogue with one another." --Darren Sarisky, Australian Catholic University, Australia

"Austin Stevenson's The Consciousness of the Historical Jesus is a stellar monograph contribution to these ongoing debates on the knowledge of Christ, greatly expanding the scope of the discussion ... Both the maximalists and non-maximalists will have much to consider in light of The Historical Consciousness of Jesus." --Joey Belleza, University of Cambridge, UK, Thomistica

About the Author

Austin Stevenson is Assistant Professor of Theology at Palm Beach Atlantic University, USA.