The Human Being: A Theological Anthropology

by Hans Schwarz

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 2013

Overview

This overview of Christian anthropology by Hans Schwarz uniquely emphasizes three things: (1) the biblical testimony, (2) the historical unfolding of Christian anthropology through the centuries, and (3) the present affirmation of Christian anthropology in view of rival options and current scientific evidence. Schwarz begins by elucidating the special place occupied by human beings in the world, then ponders the complex issue of human freedom, and concludes by investigating humanity as a community of men and women in this world and in the world beyond. While maintaining a strong biblical orientation, Schwarz draws on a wide range of resources, including philosophy and the natural sciences, in order to map out what it means to be human.

Schwarz’s Human Being will interest anyone who is concerned with how in the face of fascinating scientific insights we can intelligently talk today about human sinfulness, human freedom, and human beings as children of the God who created us.

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Key Features

• Explores what it means to be human
• Ponders the complex issue of human freedom
• Draws on resources such as philosophy and the natural sciences
• Investigates humanity as a community of men and women in this world and in the world beyond

Contents

• The Biblical Perspective
• The Biological Perspective
• The Philosophico-Religious Perspective
• The Perspective of the Sciences
• The Biblical View of Human Evil
• The Understanding of Sin in the Tradition of the Church
• Distinction and Unity of Man and Woman
• Human Destiny

Praise for the Print Edition

With a teacher’s wisdom and deep learning worn lightly, Hans Schwarz discusses biblical, theological, and scientific perspectives on human life. The Human Being is a wonderfully clear presentation of Christian theology, covering all the main points and never failing to present a contemporary perspective on what it means to be human.

—Alan G. Padgett, professor of systematic theology, Luther Seminary

This theological anthropology is a remarkable accomplishment. Hans Schwarz has given us a true interdisciplinary work that deals with every possible dimension and topic that one hopes to find in such a volume. . . . Scholars and students will find this book a rich and exciting resource.

—J. Wentzel van Huyssteen, professor of theology and science, Princeton Theological Seminary

‘Christians are Easter people living from and toward that Easter experience of a new creation,’ Schwarz concludes. The anticipation of new creation makes life as a human being exciting and joy-filled. In this detailed and comprehensive theological description of the human person-in-community, Schwarz prophesies that we are who we are because of God’s future.

—Ted Peters, distinguished research professor of systematic theology, Pacific Lutheran University

What does it mean to be human? With his usual encyclopedic coverage of current and historical knowledge, Schwarz addresses this question from a theological perspective incorporating material from biblical studies as well as the life and social sciences while addressing the challenging questions of sustaining human community today. Very readable and accessible.

—Ernest Simmons, professor, Concordia College

Product Details

• Title: The Human Being: A Theological Anthropology
• Author: Hans Schwarz
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Publication Date: 2013
• Pages: 416
• Christian Group: Evangelicals
• Resource Type: Topical
• Topic: Theology

About Hans Schwarz

Hans Schwarz (DrTheol, Erlangen University), one of the major Lutheran theologians of the last half-century, is the author or editor of more than fifty books, including a critically acclaimed series of texts in systematic theology. He is professor emeritus of systematic theology and contemporary theological issues at the University of Regensburg and previously taught at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Ohio. He is ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche in Bayern.