The Way of the Kenotic Christ: The Christology of Jürgen Moltmann
Ebook
Despite his vast importance to twentieth-century theology, Jurgen Moltmann's Christology has yet to receive the same level of in-depth exploration as other topics in his thought. Samuel Youngs addresses this lacuna, providing the first exhaustive analysis of Moltmann's doctrine of Christ, including its key developments and controversial elements. Youngs argues that Moltmann's doctrine of Christ is best understood as a unique variation of kenotic Christology. This vision of Christ encapsulates not only a series of vibrant ethical and eschatological points, but also serves Moltmann's overarching theological goal of empowering a church that lives and ministers "under the cross." Part I highlights key facets of Moltmann's theological method before unfolding the range of diverse themes that characterize his Christology. Part II explores Moltmann's use of the "kenosis hymn" of Philippians 2, before interrogating Moltmann's relationship to christological tradition. Part III engages in an original systematization of Moltmann's Christology, centered on the theme of manifold, relational kenosis.
“Although Jesus stands at the heart of Jürgen Moltmann’s
theology, systematic study of his Christology has been sorely
lacking—until now. Drawing on the full range of Moltmann’s vast
theological output, Samuel Youngs’s compelling identification of
kenosis, or self-emptying, as the leitmotif of
Moltmann’s Christology makes The Way of the Kenotic
Christ required reading for all students of the late
twentieth century’s most influential Protestant theologian.”
—Ian A. McFarland, Regius Professor of Divinity, University of
Cambridge
“Youngs helps to fill an unfortunate gap in Moltmann studies. He
has given us a fair assessment of the German theologian's
Christology, sorting through the plurality of interpretations and
offering an interpretive key in the concept of kenosis. This
is a clear, lucid, and eminently readable introduction.”
—Adonis Vidu, Professor of Theology, Gordon-Conwell Theological
Seminary
“Sam Youngs persuasively asserts that Jurgen Moltmann’s Christology
is the center of his whole theological project, and rightly
recognizes that it has not been the subject of sufficient scrutiny.
Moltmann’s work has arguably done more than any modern theologian
to lodge kenotic notions in the imagination of the church at large
and the theological academy in particular. Youngs shows a sure hand
across a wide range of subtle, passionate, and intense debates,
bringing clarity, order, and plausibility where confusion and
oversimplification have often reigned.”
—Sam Wells, Vicar, St. Martin-in-the-Fields
“With unusual breadth and clarity, Samuel Youngs puts together a
convincing case for why Paul’s use of kenotic language in the book
of Philippians is the key to unlocking Jürgen Moltmann’s
Christology. Youngs’s book will be required reading for anyone
studying the thought of one of the most brilliant and influential
theologians in the modern age.”
—Jonathan Yeager, Associate Professor of Religion, University of
Tennessee at Chattanooga
- Title: The Way of the Kenotic Christ: The Christology of Jürgen Moltmann
- Author: Samuel J. Youngs
- Publisher: Cascade Books
- Print Publication Date: 2019
- Logos Release Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781532661921, 9781532661907, 9781532661914, 1532661924, 1532661908, 1532661916
- Resource ID: LLS:9781532661921
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T13:25:23Z
Samuel J. Youngs is Associate Professor of Christan Studies at Bryan College, Adjunct Professor of Church History and Theology at Richmont Graduate University, and Academic Dean of the Mission School of Ministry (missionschoolofministry.com). He lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with his wife and three children.