Marc Cortez - Christological Anthropology in Historical Perspective: Ancient and Contemporary Approaches to Theological Anthropology

PRAISE FOR

CHRISTOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY

IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

In this book, one of todays foremost experts on theological anthropology reintroduces some neglected thinkers and launches an intriguing new research angle. Marc Cortez has some surprises in store for those who think they know the exact parameters of what counts as Christology or what it means for Jesus to embrace our humanity.

DANIEL J. TREIER,
Blanchard professor of theology,
Wheaton College Graduate School

What makes us human? And how does Jesus make a difference? Marc Cortez offers a stimulating and convincing tour of the role of Christology in theological anthropologies from Gregory of Nyssa to James Cone, via Mother Julian of Norwich and Martin Luther, amongst others. The reader is invited to explore the varied ways in which major thinkers have made Jesus the key to being human, and to ask the crucial questions that will decide between their accounts. The readings are persuasive and the expositions lucid and the whole is a compelling tour of the ways in which belief in Christ might change our vision of our common humanity. This is a quite excellent book; I commend it unreservedly.

STEPHEN R. HOLMES,
senior lecturer in theology,
University of St Andrews

As is the case in every sphere of Christian existence, theology must learn to listen before it speaks. Following this rule requires that we listen to tradition with openness toward its gifts and alertness to its potential missteps before we endeavor to engage in the work of constructive theology. In this fine book, Marc Cortez lends his well-trained ear to the often wonderful (and occasionally weird) tradition of Christian teaching about human beings, specifically, what it has to say about how the person and work of Jesus Christ shapes our understanding of human being and action. The result is a clear, exceptionally learned, and rewarding overview of different approaches to christological anthropology in the Christian tradition. This book will prove to be a useful resource for anyone seeking to develop a theological anthropology that honors the supremacy of Jesus Christ.

SCOTT R. SWAIN,
professor of systematic theology and academic dean, Reformed Theological Seminary,
Orlando, Florida

Many scholars talk about doing theology of retrieval, but Marc Cortez actually does it. Employing several fascinating case studies, he looks wide and digs deep for insights into a theological anthropology that is properly christological. The result is a work of erudition that sets the table for Cortezs own much-anticipated offerings.

THOMAS H. MCCALL,
professor of biblical and systematic theology,
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

At different periods in Christian history, different doctrines have ascended to the center of theological debate. In the early decades of the twenty-first century, the doctrine of humanity seems to be near the epicenter. Im grateful to Marc Cortez for this helpful, judicious survey of how different theologians have grounded their anthropology in their understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christological Anthropology in Historical Perspective is a welcome contribution to ongoing discussions of human nature. As in many doctrinal discussions, we need to look to the past for wisdom for the present and future. Cortez helps us to do just that in this timely book. Highly recommended.

NATHAN A. FINN,
dean of the School of Theology and Missions,
professor of Christian thought and tradition,
Union University

Marc Cortez has established himself as one of the more important thinkers around what it means to be human in theological perspective. His theological acumen, sense of humour, and ability to adeptly navigate large swathes of the Tradition result in a work that is as profound as it is useful. In an age when the centrality of Christ is too often replaced by a cultural sentimentality, Cortez reminds us that what it means to be human can only be defined in relation to Jesus Christ; and knowing that makes all the difference in the world. A christological anthropology will challenge, on the one hand, those who opt for a Trinitarian anthropology and on the other hand, those who seek to define what it means to be human simply with reference to some notion of humanity in general. Cortezs case study approach makes for enlightening reading from across the Tradition, providing a further resource for reflecting upon a theological anthropology.

MYK HABETS,
head of Carey Graduate School,
Carey Baptist College,
Auckland, New Zealand

As he leads readers through important historical figures, Marc Cortez makes a valuable contribution to the doctrine of the human being and to Christology. He demonstrates how key biblical themes have been taken up in the tradition and, in doing so, points readers to what it means to be human in Christ. This book will be valuable to students and professionals alike.

BETH FELKER JONES,
associate professor of theology,
Wheaton College

In what way does Gods entering history in the fully and truly human Jesus serve to ground or establish a Christian anthropology? How does christological warrant for anthropological claims extend beyond ethics to offer a fuller picture of what it means to be human? With careful and insightful analysis, Marc Cortez engages key theological voices from the history of the church and unfolds a striking breadth to the ways that Christology informs anthropology. This book unearths the essential starting points to continued constructive work in Christian anthropology with unparalleled clarity and comprehension.

KEVIN DILLER,
associate professor of philosophy and religion, Taylor University

For those who take seriously the fact that there is one truly human being for and with us by the Spirit Jesus Christ, Son of Mary and God this is a helpful book. It seats us with saints through the ages who have also considered the implications of Christs humanity for our own. Cortez is a gracious host, inviting us to listen and hear, that we might hear more clearly when visiting these saints in their original homes. This makes for the best kind of resource book one that welcomes, engages, and ultimately serves a critical need in the life of the church.

CHERITH FEE NORDLING, associate professor,
Northern Seminary

Good theologians listen before they speak, and this volume provides a master class in learning how to listen well. Marc Cortez shows us what it looks like to hear the voices of the churchs greatest theologians clearly and interpret them charitably. The diverse cast of characters and provocative topics make for absorbing reading, and we learn how to speak of Jesus Christ, human beings, and our life in relationship with God better than before. This book comes highly recommended for students and scholars alike.

KEITH L. JOHNSON, associate professor of theology, Wheaton College

ZONDERVAN

Christological Anthropology in Historical Perspective
Copyright 2016 by Marc Cortez

ePub Edition December 2015: ISBN 978-0-310-51642-2

Requests for information should be addressed to:

Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Cortez, Marc (Marc Allen), 1972

Christological anthropology in historical perspective : ancient and contemporary approaches to theological anthropology / Marc Cortez.

pages cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-0-310-51641-5 (softcover)

1. Theological anthropology Christianity History. 2. Jesus Christ Person and offices History. I. Title.

BT701.3.C673 2016

233 dc23

2015024056

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version,