Theological Anthropology: A Guide for the Perplexed

Guides for the Perplexed

by Marc Cortez

What does it mean to be human and to be made in the image of God? What does it mean to be a 'person'? What constitutes a human person? What does it mean to affirm that humans are free beings? And, what is gender? Marc Cortez guides the reader through the most challenging issues that face anyone attempting to deal with the subject of theological anthropology. Consequently, it addresses complexities surrounding such questions Each chapter explains first both why the question under consideration is important for theological anthropology and why it is also a contentious issue within the field. After this, each chapter surveys and concisely explains the main options that have been generated for resolving that particular question. Finally the author presents to the reader one way of working through the complexity. These closing sections are presented as case studies in how to work through the problems and arrive at a conclusion than as definitive answers. Nonetheless, they offer a convincing way of answering the questions raised by each chapter.

Genres: Theology, Anthropology, Religion, Biblical Studies, Christian, Spirituality, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

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

[Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though "Theological Anthropology" is written to be an introduction on the subject, much of the text assumes familiarity with philosophy and basic logic. It seems unreasonable to hand this work to any new Christian who is interested in anthropology and trust that they can understand it. However, if one has already spent a length of time thinking and reading about theology, then this work serves. As brief summary and survey of the primary issues within theological anthropology.

[Glenn Wishnew III · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a helpful book, to be sure. Cortez is thorough, and exhaustive in his survey. However, I would appreciate more answers than he presents.

An interesting way of “guiding the perplexed” is leaving them with crucial unanswered questions. I suppose that could be his pedagogical genius.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a perplexing guide to the perplexed. On the one hand, it is a helpful introduction to some of the critical questions involved in theological anthropology. That subject, as defined by the author, is ``that area of Christian reflection that seeks to understand the mystery of humanity by reflecting theologically and, thus, Christologically-on the human person in constant and critical dialogue with the other anthropological disciplines.” After an introductory chapter, the author guides the reader through four critical areas for understanding theological anthropology. They are the image of God in humans, human sexuality, the relationship of the mind and body, and the matter of “free will.” For each of these four areas, he describes various ways they are understood and attempts to present both what is common in contemporary understanding and where the differences lie. In this presentation, the guide is a genuine guide to those who do not know the field of theological understanding and most readers will be pleased with the help provided by this work.

The “perplexing” part of this work is how little effort is made to wrestle with a “theological” understanding of the issues considered at least in terms of a careful study of Scripture and a conversation with the extensive theological issues that surround them. For most of the subjects considered, the author makes only passing reference to Scripture and will most often lead the reader to current discussion without a serious attempt to understand the extensive history of theological reflection on this matter. This is a serious shortcoming of this work. An uninitiated reader might fail to recognize that some of the issues raised in this book have been discussed throughout church history and a reasonable understanding of this discussion is essential to those who desire to pursue this subject. So this book is a guide, but despite the help that it offers to an individual who does not know the field of theological anthropology, it may guide that person in a direction that is not wholly suitable.

[Lucas G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the "Guides for the Perplexed" series, which means it is an introductory text for the field of theological anthropology. Theological anthropology just so happens to be one of two areas of study that I've decided to focus on for the foreseeable future, so this was a logical book to begin with.

As an introductory text, the book surveys four main topics related to theological anthropology: the Imago Dei, human sexuality, the mind/body problem, and free will. Instead of defending a single position on each topic, Marc Cortez outlines the various positions, as well as prominent objections to each position. He does, however, begin the book by outlining necessary attributes of a holistic Christian theological anthropology, but other than that he leaves the reader largely open to explore multiple options with respect to each topic.

It must be mentioned that most readers will actually walk away with more questions than answers, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. After all, the first step in engaging with a new topic is to learn all of the important questions that need to be considered. With that in mind, Cortez does a good job at introducing each discussion.

On a personal note, I was surprised by the depth of philosophical discussion that took place in each chapter. While this was a welcomed surprise to me, it sometimes made me feel like I was reading a philosophy book rather than a theology book. Those without a background in philosophy will likely find some discussions - especially the discussions surrounding the mind/body problem - to be a bit cumbersome.

All in all, this is a quick read that does a fine job at introducing the reader to the field of theological anthropology. I found it to be a good starting point for anyone wishing to dive into this area of study.

[Maddie Miyares · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the thing I liked most about this book was that it was so well structured, I was able to follow even when the topic itself seemed really daunting to me. Cortez does a really great job explaining a variety of perspectives and approaches to each subject, then making a case for his own belief while still demonstrating the merits of other beliefs and the weaknesses of his own.

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to the subject. However, I would be a bit weary as the author does portray an unbiased approach but does seem to favor his preferred conclusions. Otherwise, an excellent and easy to read introduction to the main contentions of the subject.

[Ryan and Sara Wendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent primer in discovering the many facets of tackling the question: what does it mean to be human? I find this to be an excellent resource for understanding the subject area of Theological anthropology.

[Steve McHenry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a book I would have ever picked up, but I needed to read it for a class I'm taking. Very glad I read it. Lots of interesting and important information that I would have probably never thought about.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful, clear and wide ranging introduction to the subject. Unfortunately there were a noticeable and distracting amount of typos.

[Morgan Ensor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for school. Content is a lot for a book for beginners.

[Malcolm Yarnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cortez has penned a very good introduction in many ways: it is theologically driven, multi-disciplinary, well-written and engaging, and balanced in debates. The chapter on the imago Dei is especially good. This book will become the primary text on theological anthropology for now, but it is light on biblical exegesis, weak on hamartiology, and inconclusive on sexual morality. Worthy of purchase and careful reading.

[Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

He doesn't give you a ton of answers, but that's not really the design of the book. Does provide a helpful way to think through some important questions, as well as give helpful categories to understand further reading.

[Amy Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to theological anthropology that I used as one of my core books for a theological anthropology class. Cortez offers an accessible introduction that does not shortchange the difficult questions that arise from considering such complex concepts as the image of God.