Let's Start with Jesus: A New Way of Doing Theology

by Dennis F. Kinlaw

“If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” (John 14:7)Jesus is the great stumbling block of faith. It is in him that Christianity finds its uniqueness among the religions of the world. He is the Incarnate Son of God, the unique revelation of the Father. Yet so often, we begin the process of theological formulation not with the person of Jesus, but rather, with philosophical arguments about God’s existence and logical constructions to determine God’s nature.How would our understanding be affected if we instead took Jesus as our starting point for doing theology? In Let’s Start with Jesus, respected biblical scholar Dennis Kinlaw explores this question, revealing answers that are profound. In seeking to describe the nature of the relationship God desires with us, he explores three metaphors―royal/legal, familial, and nuptial―which serve as motifs for his reflection. Taking familiar theological categories, Kinlaw views them through the primary lens of the person and work of Jesus, and finds that Jesus reveals rich pictures of the nature of God, the nature of personhood, the problem of sin, the way of salvation, and finally, the means of sanctification via perfect love. The distilled wisdom of one of this generation’s greatest thinkers. Dr. Kinlaw leads you deep into the inner sanctuary of the Holy Trinity and shows you three distinct persons relating to each other in pure reciprocal love.―Robert E. Coleman, Distinguished Professor of Evangelism and Discipleship, Gordon-Conwell Theological SeminaryEvery time I read something written by Dennis Kinlaw my mind is stimulated and my heart strangely warmed. Let’s Start with Jesus is another important book from a truly gifted man.―Lyle W. Dorsett, Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism, Beeson Divinity School, Samford UniversityKinlaw’s revolutionary approach to doing theology is much more than that―it’s a revolutionary approach to life. Kinlaw locates ultimate purpose in a place the church has almost totally neglected, and he does so graciously, with powerful, tightly reasoned biblical argumentation.

Genres: Theology, Christian Non Fiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2005

Reviews

[Shane Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read Theology

Tremendous insight into theology forming the basis of our conclusions on Christ and the Trinity. Deep, challenging, and reassuring. A good start to any study of theology.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's Start with Jesus by Dennis F. Kinlaw is an immensely helpful book in providing an in-depth description of the loving relationship between the three persons of the Trinity and how God is at work to correct our selfish bent and restore within us self-sacrificial “agape” love.

It's so commonplace today to think of sin as a list of bad habits and banned behaviors. Kinlaw makes it clear our core problem is primarily our choice "to turn [our] relationship of other-oriented, self-giving love into a self-centered inversion ('incurvature' . . .)." In other words, the habits and behaviors we indulge in and exhibit are an outward expressions of turning away from God and turning inward (with the hope of pleasing ourselves).

Kinlaw provides a fully developed and biblical perspective on how God is at work to do for us what we are unable to do for ourselves: transform us into beings fully capable of “agape” love--the same love that God expresses in the life of Jesus.

I would call the style and level of language/vocabulary "challenging" but not "difficult." As with any in-depth look at Christian theology, the book takes some concentration and persistence. There were a few times I needed to pause after reading a passage and reflect. A couple of times, I re-read passages to make sure I got it. The rewards were well worth the level of effort I had to put in.

Having finished this book, I come away with a greater appreciation for the loving relationship between the persons of the Trinity and how the Spirit is at work in me to remake me in the image of God, capable of self-sacrificial love toward God and for others.

[Donner Tan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dennis Kinlaw in this book invites us to streamline our systematic theology through the lens of Christology. That is to say, if you want to get a sharper focus on God, Jesus is the place to start. I do not think by doing so, he is denigrating the traditional full-orbed approach that typically begins with the Prolegomena, the Existence of God and his attributes before dealing with Christ, Spirit, Salvation, Church and Eschatology. Nor is his approach all that fresh or unconventional. What I think Kinlaw seeks to do and does so reasonably well is to go to the heart of the Christian revelation in Jesus the Christ, who reveals the Father and in so doing illuminates the human problem ( which he identifies as 'eritheia' - self-interest) and its remedy in the cross ('agape' - God's self-giving love). The trinitarian shape of his theology is clear as is his emphasis on the intimacy with which God seeks to restore with his people. The book is quite simple to read, without much fanfare or ponderous ideas. The discussion on 'personhood' is quite lucid and the metaphors (legal, familial, nuptial) he chose for the divine-human relations are apt in bringing across the relational thrust of the redemptive motif in scripture. It makes for a good accessible read on basic Christian theology through the Christological/Trinitarian lenses but I have not found anything particularly new or exciting here by way of biblical exegesis or theological insights. In matters of theology, this is not by itself a weakness; just that it does not quite deliver what the subtitle had let me to expect. As it is written at the popular level, Kinlaw could also have livened up his essays with greater interaction with the existential issues of our time. This helps at least the average reader to make the connections between good theology and life.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was nothing less than I would expect from Dr. Kinlaw.

Dr. Kinlaw delivers truth in a way which makes the reader wrestle to really grasp it. Deep, yet not so deep as to lose the reader. Challenging, but with the result of leading the reader to profound insights that transform lives and to hope and believe Christ for what so many tell us is unattainable. I highly recommend this book to all Christians.

[Brennen Schmitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as a church staff. tbh, I loathed this book at points yet I loved it too. Kinlaw’s way of talking theology takes everything through the lens of Jesus which was beautiful. He can get distracted and can confuse at times, but there’s many a diamond in the rough here.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for Christian Theology II: Salvation and Holiness at IWU, Fall 2022.

[Steve Lee Sr · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What a gospel, and it is for the likes of me!"

This is theology as it should be taught. More than just concepts; it is a practical view of reality to be lived out. This book has led me closer to God and His intention for my life. It is not a long book, but be prepared to spend considerable time reading it and prayerfully applying what you learn.

[Muriel Hammond-teusink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Working my way through this. Great to also be studying Isaiah at the same time.
Finally finished this yesterday. Wanted to finish it before studying Hebrews in BSF. A great read--great learning.

[Nathan Metz · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better theology books I've come across. Fantastic resource for entry level Christian theology.

[Nathan Whitley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good insights from Kinlaw. Too much emphasis on trinitarian views of the Godhead, which effects his view of Israel and Judaism.

[Dale Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kinlaw has an interesting take on doctrine. Rather than building arguments defending his favourite doctrines and putting down those of alternate opinions, he builds a doctrinal framework with Jesus at the center. Who is Jesus? Why did he come? Why did he have to die? What does it mean for us?

It is an excellent read, and although not everyone will agree with his conclusions, they are worth considering.