Who is Jesus?: An Introduction to Christology (Michael Glazier Books)

If like me you believe that Christology is at the epicenter of the study of Christian theology, then you cannot do better than Rausch's book as an excellent introduction to this always fascinating subject. Rausch touches all the important topics, from his well-written explanation of the three quests for the historical Jesus to his explanation of the Jesus movement and beyond. The helpful glossary in the book gives straightforward definitions of theological terms such as "eschatology" and "soteriology," a great help for those just beginning to delve into a structured study of Christ.Rausch is a Jesuit priest. I had the benefit of Jesuit education in both high school and college, and I couldn't help thinking while reading the book that Rausch must be a great teacher, as so many of my Jesuit teachers were, and I admit to being a bit envious of the students fortunate enough to have Rausch as a teacher now. Despite his Catholic pedigree, however, Rausch never favors Catholic interpretation or Catholic biblical scholars over Protestant and Jewish interpretation and scholars. He gives a fair, balanced, and comprehensive survey of Christology, and if he didn't have "S.J." (i.e., Society of Jesus) after his name, the reader would be hard pressed to know that a Catholic priest had authored the book.In addition to the excellent writing and the logical organization of the book, Rausch provides well chosen cites to his sources. He doesn't overdo the citations--something that can often numb the eyes and stunt the flow of a scholarly text--instead, as one newsprint reviewer of the book has said, Rausch makes the reader eager to explore the sources as the next level of inquiry into Christology.While the question "Who is Jesus?" can never be answered with certainty or in full, Rausch has provided a very worthwhile introduction to Christology and a very helpful overview of the state of current thought about the subject. Even the seasoned student of theology will know more about Christ after reading this book than he or she knew before.

I Love the condition of the book. better than described online

Thomas P. Rausch, an author with another great release. Recommended Christology book for you to read, study and reflect on.

I was introduced to this work as a textbook for a graduate course in Christology, but it's not a terribly difficult read even though it covers some pretty dense theology. Rausch provides some excellent historical background and comes at the subject from different perspectives so that it's a pretty good reference work. However, because it challenges the reader to consider somewhat deeper concepts beyond the simple, classical "Christ died for our sins" it may not be appropriate for people who are not already well grounded in their faith. Certainly a fine college level text book, I could see how it might also be used by a small faith group whose members want to challenge themselves to understand more deeply the Jesus of history, and how the church came to understand the meaning of the Incarnation over its first five centuries.

Thank you.

Very pleased with the book and speedy delivery.

I had to read this book for a class, and I wasn't sure what to expect. However, I found this work to be very helpful.

The text seems to express an over-riding historic-critical orientation. The author consistently quotes/references a relatively small group of scholars to support his thinking. One begins to wonder if we are reading the author's opinion or that of his references. I found the book to be spiritually dry. For me, it was an experience at the opposite end of the continuum of the Jesuit instruction I have been blessed to experience. I was quite disappointed.

This book is a lucid exposition of Jesus as God who became man for saving men from sin.

There may be some areas that are taken for granted if you have not been rooted in the Roman Catholic Christian tradition, but that could lead to a bit more research. Nonetheless I found it a well written and valuable academic book, that got my creativity flowing. It would be especially useful for anyone studying Christology (Who is (was) Jesus).

I used this book for a uni essay about why Jesus was killed. I found this book very useful as it contained useful information for that kind of question. found it well written and easy to read.HOWEVER if you are at uni and looking for ONE book on Jesus then I would recommend the cambridge companion to jesus.