The Way of the Kenotic Christ: The Christology of Jürgen Moltmann

by Samuel J. Youngs

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 Jurgen 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 Jurgen 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 ChattanoogaSamuel 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.

171 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2019

Reviews

[Jason Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, it’s a superb, integrated summary of the Christology of Moltmann, but it’s really a sustained reflection on the emptying (kenosis) of Christ.

Moltmann is notorious for not saying things the way we want him to say them - and our readings of him often tend toward “overstatement and idiosyncrasy.” Dr. Youngs helpfully weaves together the nuances of Moltmann’s Christology into a helpful tapestry, demonstrating a unique understanding of how God has clothed himself in our humanity in order that we might be clothed with Christ.

I am interested in Moltmann - admittedly more now - but I am more interested in what we can know about God and ourselves through the emptying of Christ, embodied in his life and pictured in Philippians 2.

To that end, Dr. Youngs masterfully helped me to see the emptying of Christ as revelatory of who God is, rather than simply something God did. The entire life of Christ reveals the nature of who God is and, given that we are to follow Him and become like him, it also reveals the nature of what our lives are becoming in him.