Kenosis: The Self-Emptying of Christ in Scripture and Theology

by Paul T. Nimmo (Editor), Keith L. Johnson (Editor)

Seventeen distinguished scholars from the fields of biblical studies, historical theology, and systematic theology engage with the past and present significance of the doctrine of kenosis—Paul’s extraordinary claim in Philippians 2 that Jesus Christ emptied and humbled himself in obedience on his way to death upon the cross. In the “Christ-hymn” of Philippians 2, the apostle Paul makes a startling that Jesus “emptied himself” in order to fulfill God’s will by dying on the cross. The self-emptying of Christ—theologically explored in the doctrine of kenosis—is a locus within Christology and factors significantly into understandings of the Trinity, anthropology, creation, providence, the church, and even ethics. As such, it has been debated and reflected upon for centuries. The present volume draws together some of the finest contemporary scholars from across the ecumenical spectrum to expound the doctrine of kenosis—its biblical roots, its historical elaborations, and its contemporary implications. With original essays from John Barclay, Beverly Roberts Gaventa, David Fergusson, Katherine Sonderegger, Thomas Joseph White, and more, this indispensable resource offers an extensive overview of this essential affirmation of Christian faith. John M. G. Barclay, Matthew J. Aragon Bruce, David Fergusson, Beverly Roberts Gaventa, Kevin W. Hector, Keith L. Johnson, Cambria Kaltwasser, Han-luen Kantzer Komline, Grant Macaskill, John A. McGuckin, Paul T. Nimmo, Georg Pfleiderer, Rinse H. Reeling Brouwer, Hanna Reichel, Christoph Schwöbel, Katherine Sonderegger, and Thomas Joseph White.

344 pages, Hardcover

Published July 19, 2022

Reviews

[Amar Peterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An outstanding collection of essays.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though the idea of kenosis generally has a negative connotation for theologians of a traditional persuasion, this collection of essays demonstrate that there is much theological insight that can come from contemplating the reality of Christ assuming human flesh. In other words, virtually every essay pushes against a kenotic logic which sees Christ as in some way losing some (or all) of the divine attributes and, as such, this book ought to be read by any student or scholar interested in Christology. Highly recommended.

[Alberto Lagomarsini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es una obra que toca desde el protestantismo el tema y, por eso, se queda muy corto en lo más sencillo: no hablar de los Padres De la Iglesia (San Jerónimo) y los Padres del Desierto. Igualmente, no habla de la tradición de la Tebaida que fueron quienes impulsaron las prácticas kenoticas en la Iglesia Ortodoxa. Un libro “cojo”.

[Willem Maarten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recensie in Zeitschrift für Dialektische Theologie, November 2023.