Fully Human, Fully Divine: An Interactive Christology

by Michael Casey

A solid blend of theology and spirituality, this refreshing book introduces the reader -- in an interactive way -- to the humanity and divinity of Jesus. Furthermore, Fully Human, Fully Divine applies its significant points to the reader's spiritual life.

Paperback

Genres: Theology, Spirituality, Religion, Christian

368 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2004

Reviews

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just started this book today. The first part of the Preface says:

"For the past ten years I have been interested in the theme of divinization. According to the teaching of many church Fathers, particularly those of the East, Christian life consists not so much in being good as in becoming God. The Holy Spirit's work in us goes beyond the reformation of our morals. It is a matter of forming us so that we become sharers in the divine nature and, because of this, capable of fulfilling the impossible demands that the New Testament imposes upon us. We can begin acting as Jesus taught, not because of some titanic effort of will on our part, but because we have become different beings. We have been reborn into a different sphere of existence. We are the products of God's new act of creation. Divinization is God's work and not the result of human striving.
For many of us, this is a bit much to swallow. Morality we can understand and the divine mercy is not beyond our comprehension. It is much harder for us to understand the call and the gift to be as God is."

I think this could be a very good book!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gem - for the person who is serious about being a disciple of Christ.

Australian Cistercian Michael Casey intersperses chapters on the Gospel of Mark with significant material for personal spiritual growth.

But this is no mere commentary. It is a book, based in the scriptures and in the writings of the early fathers and the early Cistercians to reveal how Jesus is fully human and fully divine and how we are called to be "sharers in the divine nature."

Very much influenced by the early Christian understanding of 'divinization' or, as the Orthodox call it "Theosis," Father Casey challenges many "spiritualistic" understandings of Jesus and many "materialistic" notions of our humanity.

As he writes on the last page: "We are divinized to the extent that nothing of our humanity is denied, despised, or ignored, when nothing what makes us human is lost or left behind."

This is a challenging work - offering unique understandings of Jesus and of our human nature.

It is a book that needs to be savored - read carefully, one chapter at a time. At times, I would read one section and rest in the idea for ten or fifteen minutes. It's that kind of a book.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enriching read, the author takes us on a journey of introspection while tracing perhaps the least read of the four Gospels (Mark). It's a journey that brings to the fore that which those who are perhaps at risk of being too "familiar" with the account tend to gloss over - that the divine Jesus, while on earth, was fully human. We are invited to contemplate His humanity in ways we are not always accustomed to doing - the Son of Man, living in the moment and for the season of His presence on earth, inhibited by time and space, capable of surprise and disappointment and emotion, just as we are. If nothing else, this work kicked at the embers of my discipleship, giving me plenty to ponder anew.

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by an Australian Cistercian monk, this book is a great book to read for contemplating the mysteries of Christ and how that can affect our lives. In alternating chapters, he leads us through the gospel of Mark in the New Testament and follows each chapter on a passage in Mark with a chapter on our human lives, drawing on what the passage in Mark says. In expounding all this he draws heavily on church fathers such as St. Augustine of Hippo, St. Gregory the Great and others. Also, on medieval theologians like St. Bernard of Clairvaux and a number of early Cistercian monks. The whole point of the book is to draw us as believers to be one with Christ, to be divinized. What the Eastern church calls theosis. So how do sinful humans do that? He guides us through like a good spiritual director should. A great read for the Lenten season. Highly recommended.

[Les Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book in 2004. I've read most of it a couple of times and still keep coming back to it. Even now, I'm drawn to it again. Michael Casey, an Australian Cistercian monk, writes with clarity, and in the area of spirituality, that is critical.

It is significant, for me, that he writes of the need for us to 'ponder the central mystery of our faith, which is the incarnation of God.' He also states "This book walks on two legs. Half of the chapters are about Jesus, the rest are about us." That's why he sub-titles the book, 'An Interactive Christology'. I get the (very important) point.

Reading this again after so long reminded me strongly of something Pope Benedict XVI wrote in his "Jesus of Nazareth" - "He who sees Jesus sees the Father (cf Jn 14:9) The disciple who walks with Jesus is thus caught up with him into communion with God."

I think this is important enough for me to read this closely again this Lent.

[eryk · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a balanced and knowledgeable book that avoids overly technical language. And very readable. It is something like a manual for the believing Christian who is serious about wanting to make progress in their spiritual journey. It is not in any way reactionary. It is profoundly human. I like the style of Michael Casey. He has something to say and says it well. I read somewhere that he considers this one of his best works. Michael CaseyMichael CaseyFully Human, Fully Divine: An Interactive Christology

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, after 20% of reading, I love this book. It is very profound and interesting how I came to choose it. I discovered it in the Abbey where I was attending a silent retreat some time ago. I was in the library and saw it and thought it was very interesting and would like to read it someday. The last day of the retreat, my spiritual director asked me if I have ever heard of it and suggested I should read it. Well, I don't believe in coincidences so I was sold. I try to read a chapter each morning. It is so full, that's all I can deal with in one day. "... who can discern where malice begins and where weakness and ignorance end?... accepting our ordinariness and trying to live peaceably with others will demand of us a great deal of bodily and emotional self governance."
Finally finishing up this excellent study. I'm sure I will turn to this wise contemplation again and again.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really opened up my spiritual life and deepened my relationship with God. It really shows how Jesus identifies with us and sanctifies every aspect of being human. Every experience can be a pathway to God.

[James Mcgowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and intriguing look at the life of Christ's life and Mark's gospel. Casey delivers some intriguing theological and spiritual insights; of ours it is written by a Catholic monk, so it'll no be everyone's cup of tea, but it is worth a look.

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg omg omg

[Kelsey Menehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profound. Savor it.

[Sister Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A kind of overview of Catholic belief (a "Catechism" if you will). Readable and worth reflecting on.