ReSourcing Theological Anthropology: A Constructive Account of Humanity in the Light of Christ

by Marc Cortez

Theologians working in theological anthropology often claim that Jesus reveals what it means to be "truly human," but this often has little impact in their actual account of anthropology. ReSourcing Theological Anthropology addresses that lack by offering an account of why theological anthropology must begin with Christology. Building off his earlier study on how key theologians in church history have understood the relationship between Christology and theological anthropology, Cortez now develops a new proposal for theological anthropology and applies it to the theological situation today. ReSourcing Theological Anthropology is divided into four sections. The first section explores the relevant Christological/anthropological biblical passages and unpacks how they inform our understanding of theological anthropology. The second section discusses the theological issues raised in the course of surveying the biblical texts. The third section lays out a methodological framework for how to construct a uniquely Christological anthropology. The final section builds on the first three sections and demonstrates the significance of Christology for understanding theological anthropology by applying the methodological framework to several pressing anthropological gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, and death and suffering.

Genres: Theology, Anthropology, Sexuality

304 pages, Paperback

Published January 9, 2018

About the author

Marc Cortez (PhD, St Andrews) is professor of theology at Wheaton College. He is the author of Resourcing Theological Anthropology, Christological Anthropology in Historical Perspective, Theological Anthropology: A Guide for the Perplexed,and Embodied Souls, Ensouled Bodies.

Reviews

[David Haines · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author gives us lots to think about, however, as I was reading through the arguments in each chapter, I found that he provided few (if any) reasons for rejecting traditional approaches to the questions he was addressing. Often his counter-arguments amounted to something along the lines of: “each of these positions holds their own, but, some of the arguments in favor of some of them seem somewhat ad hoc, so, I am inclined to lean in direction x.” Sometimes he simply suggests that a position should be accepted based upon a majority of contemporary scholars who lean in that direction. Having decided on the basis of a whim, or a majority, that he will lean in a certain direction, he then continues as if that direction has been proved. At the end, we have an elaborately built house of cards, but very little evidence that it is in inhabitable, and plenty of reason to doubt that it can even withstand a slight breeze. At the end, having worked carefully through this book, we are left with the “impression” that we know less about mankind than we did before starting, and are inclined, based upon a whim, to disregard the author’s opinions (just kidding, I will be writing a more substantive interaction with the author for an article).

I would suggest that the author’s desire to not depend upon classical metaphysics has forced him into a position of wanting to have his cake, and eat it too. He uses the language of classical metaphysics, but repeatedly rejects the metaphysics towards which the language points. It is, thus, robbed of its power. We are left repeatedly suggesting, “I do not think that word means what you think it means.”

[Carmen Imes]

Cortez lays out helpful categories for thinking through ways in which Christ is the foundation for theological anthropology. He does not present a fully-worked out approach, but rather key considerations for each relevant category. Those looking for the "bottom line" may find themselves impatient working through theoretical possibilities, but Cortez' goal is not to think for readers, but rather to teach readers how to think.

[Tom Greentree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful, deep dive into the centrality of Jesus Christ to understanding and living in our shared, broken humanity.

As Marc concludes his book: “Nonetheless, the basic conviction of a christological anthropology remains. Only the person and work of Jesus Christ offer the necessary vantage point for understanding humanity. He is the paradigm and the revelation of true humanity, the one who radically reorients all anthropological claims, reshaping our understanding of what it means to be truly human.”

I appreciated his work on the question of incarnation (would Jesus have come in the flesh even if we had not sinned?) as well as his “fleshing” out Christological anthropology in terms of sexuality, race, and death.

[Jordan J. Andlovec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some fascinating and pinpoint constructive theology going on here, especially in regards to the claim that “Jesus reveals what it means to be human.” Cortez drills down deep on this claim, examining it from multiple perspectives and using a rich collection of scriptural passages to do so.

This isn’t just speculation though, this book tackles some of the biggest and most controversial issues today from a fresh Chrisocentric perspective, one I am glad to have engaged.

[Todd Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong book by Cortez. His writing is engaging and easy to read. The strength is in making complex ideas understandable and approachable. Marc’s humor is an added bonus. Theology should be written this way. Cortez dealt with difficult anthropological issues, but he writes with humility and a self-deprecating humor that never alienated the reader. Jesus Christ should be the starting point in any theological anthropology. Cortez lays a good foundation in the opening chapters and then applies it to significant issues like race , gender, and death. The only drawback is that it raises more questions than it answers. But Marc told us that would happen at the outset.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots to agree and disagree with. The book is useful as a survey and discussion of different perspectives on many facets of christian anthropology.

Cortez addresses:

1. nature/grace
2. incarnation anyway
3. imago dei
4. revelation
5. what it means that Christ is male?
6. race
and 7. death.

[Daniel Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

At his trial before Pilate, Jesus is brought out to the crowds and Pilate introduces him: "Behold, the man!" (John 19:5). Like Caiaphas before him (John 11:49-52), Pilate spoke better than he knew. Jesus is the man, the model of what it means to be human. That is Marc Cortez' argument in this book, where he seeks to show exegetically this is how the Bible itself suggests that we are to understand Jesus' humanity. If we want to understand the fundamental nature of humanity as God created and intended, we are pointed to Jesus.

I think his case is basically compelling. The New Testament does present Jesus as the new Adam, as the "new man" (Col. 3:10; Eph. 4:23-24) who we are being conformed to. But there are ways in which the basic proposition is ambiguous in its implications. If Jesus of Nazareth is the paradigm of humanity, what does it mean that he was male? Are males somehow more ideal humans than females? What about his Jewishness? Are Israelite Jews the real "master race"? What about the fact that Jesus died in the course of a mortal life? Is death an intrinsic part of created humanity after all and not only a result of sin? Cortez has chapters dealing with these questions (he answers no to all of them)—and his discussions (often in dialogue with other theologians) are a model of systematic clarity when it comes to dissecting what the real issues are and the pros and cons of taking sides on the different questions involved.

Like I said, I think the central point is right, but one way I think the book could be improved is with a greater focus on the positive implications of it for our lives. "More application and less theory" is a common request when it comes to Bible/theology (not that most people actually end up being very enthusiastic about application when it comes down to it)—but here it would be a big plus.

[Lucas G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throughout this book, Cortez aims to outline the implications of a truly Christological anthropology. That is, he outlines what it means to be human in light of the person of Christ. The first half of the book is spent largely engaging with the biblical material. In it he expounds on how scripture speaks of Christ as the true model of humanity, and therefore if we want to know what it means to be human we need to look at Christ.

The second half of the book takes a look at some application topics related to such a Christological approach to anthropology. For example, Cortez engages with numerous perspectives on how Jesus's identity as both Jewish and male ought to influence our understanding of race and gender. He also discusses how we are to understand death given that even Jesus himself died.

Cortez does an excellent job of refocusing the discussion of theological anthropology on the biblical material, in particular the material pertaining to Christology. This is important because theological anthropology can easily become lost in discussions related to the latest scientific discoveries or biotechnological advancements. All in all I enjoyed the book and found it to be a good reminder of the scriptural foundations for a sound theological anthropology.

[Riley Steffey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a really important addition to the literature surrounding theological anthropology while also being constructive in its own right. Cortez writes clearly and the work is marvelously researched but I do wonder if, when all is said and done, if the thesis is truly accomplished (thus, the bane of academia). Nonetheless, a resource I'll refer to for years and recommend to friends and students!

[Paul Herriott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful primer on the significance and centrality of Christ in our understanding of humanity. Cortez presents many of the historic and current arguments for Christ’s humanity that explains our own. Some questions are rightfully left unanswered. This is definitely not for beginners.

[Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a deep dive into theological anthropology. I may have to read it again with a new mindset as it was a difficult read the first time through, and I was slightly bored by the style of writing.

[Tyler Hurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really helpful overview of christological anthropology, but only an introduction. I’ll need some material that goes deeper.