The Submission of Christ

Chapter 4 addresses the issue of the Son’s submission to his Father, that has been the subject of intense theological debate in recent decades. Oddly, Hebrews 5:7-10 has not figured prominently in that debate. This chapter looks at the relevance of this passage for this issue in Christology. It does so in close conversation with two prominent theologians: Karl Barth and Thomas Aquinas. Accordingly, the chapter offers a summary of their views on this issue, investigates their interpretations of this passage, canvasses and evaluates some common criticisms of their respective positions, and then revisits the question of how a viable interpretation of Hebrews might impact these debates.

The Logos and His Logic

Chapter 6 engages with Jc Beall’s recent and fascinating Christological proposal. His bold and novel proposal is that we accept the traditional, creedal doctrine of the incarnation as a genuine and genuinely true contradiction. After introducing his views of logic and the relation of logic to theological claims in general and Christology in particular, the chapter raises some distinctly theological concerns; in addition to several issues that are grounded in the history of doctrine, it raises some worries that come directly from theological interpretation of the New Testament’s witness to Jesus Christ.

Introduction

Recent years have seen the flowering of something called the “theological interpretation of Scripture.” This is, very roughly, what happens when biblical scholars and theologians alike read the Bible to see what it tells us about God. For several centuries, the discipline of biblical studies has been not only distinguished but also separated from theological discourse. There have been many notable exceptions, of course, but the all-too-common results have been these: biblical scholars often interpret the texts with other aims in mind (sometimes reading with a theological lens has been discouraged as unscholarly and thus improper), and theologians often do their work of constructive theology without serious engagement with biblical scholarship or even with the Christian Scriptures. Recent years have also seen the rise (or perhaps re-birth) of something now called “analytic theology.” Analytic theology is, very roughly, what happens when philosophers who are interested in doctrine and theologians who think that there is (or might be) value in the appropriate use of philosophical tools get together. It is now a burgeoning movement, and analytic theologians are making contributions on a wide range of issues and topics, and from a variety of perspectives and approaches. We have not, however, witnessed a great deal of interaction between those who engage in the theological interpretation of Scripture and those who practice analytic theology....

Crucified with Christ

Chapter 1 examines the Apostle Paul’s claims to be “crucified with Christ” (Gal. 2:19-20). Engaging with recent apocalyptic interpretations of the text, it offers theological analysis of the current exegetical discussion. The chapter then looks at how metaphysical issues might be mapped onto the current debate in biblical scholarship; here is an evaluation not only various occasionalist strategies but also a modification of Thomas P. Flint’s “Theory of Final Assumptions.” Finally, the chapter proposes a way forward that proceeds through retrieval of an older and oft-overlooked position—that of John Chrysostom.

The Identity of the Son

Chapter 3 discusses the question: Is the identity of the Son established in God’s decree of election, or is it secured (logically) prior to and independently of that decree? This is the subject of an intense debate within scholarship on the theology of Karl Barth. The chapter offers theological analysis of this debate, probes its foundations and evaluates the adequacy of its supposed basis in biblical exegesis. Accordingly, the chapter first outlines the fascinating theological proposal offered by Bruce L. McCormack, and then surveys the major objections that have been lodged against it. It provides theological analysis of both the ontological claims made and the exegetical foundations upon which those claims rest.

The Communion of the Son with the Father

Chapter 5 proceeds by way of engagement with Keith Ward’s recent argument against any theology that would posit eternal love between the divine persons. What can we say about the relationship of the eternal Son to his Father? Is love shared between the divine persons? Or would that entail polytheism? The prayer of Jesus in John 17 would seem to be relevant to this question, and the interpretation of that prayer is central to this chapter. The chapter first clarifies some aspects of the recent debates over “Social Trinitarianism.” With this background in mind, it then turns to an analysis of Ward’s intriguing proposal, and offers a counter proposal that is grounded in an interpretation of Johannine theology.

The Faith of the Son

Chapter 2 addresses the question: Just how are we to interpret and understand Paul’s language of “pistis christou?” Does it refer to faith in Christ, or is Paul talking about the faith of Jesus Christ? And what difference does it make—what is at stake theologically in the current debate? This chapter brings theological analysis to bear upon the current exegetical debate. After surveying the major interpretive options and analyzing the debated theological implications and broader doctrinal concerns associated with them, it makes a modest proposal that draws upon some oft-ignored and commonly misunderstood resources from the tradition of Protestant scholastic theology.