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

by Paul T. Nimmo; Keith L. Johnson

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 2022

Overview

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 claim: 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.

Key Features

• Engages with the past and present significance of the doctrine of kenosis
• Offers an extensive overview of this essential affirmation of Christian faith
• Draws together some of the finest contemporary scholars from across the ecumenical spectrum

Contents

• Introduction: The Canvas of Kenosis (Paul T. Nimmo and Keith L. Johnson)
• Kenosis and the Drama of Salvation: Philippians 2:6–11 in the Frame of Paul’s Theology (John M. G. Barclay)
• The Son of God “in Power”: Power and Kenosis in Paul’s Letter to the Romans (Beverly Roberts Gaventa)
• The Vocation of the Son in Colossians and Hebrews: Kenosis, Cross, and Creation (Grant Macaskill)
• The Divine Name as a Form of Kenosis in Both Biblical Testaments (Rinse H. Reeling Brouwer)
• Origen of Alexandria on the Kenosis of the Lord (John A. McGuckin)
• He Emptied Himself: Augustine, Kenosis, and the Person of Christ (Han-luen Kantzer Komline)
• Cyril of Alexandria and the Sacrifice of Gethsemane (Katherine Sonderegger)
• Divine Perfection and the Kenosis of the Son (Thomas Joseph White)
• Kenosis as Condescension: Martin Luther on the Humility of the Incarnate Son of God (Matthew J. Aragon Bruce)
• The Revisioning of Kenosis after the Critique of Schleiermacher (Paul T. Nimmo)
• Kenosis and the Humility of God (David Fergusson)
• Is There a Kenotic Ethics in the Work of Karl Barth? (Georg Pfleiderer)
• Kenosis and the Mutuality of God (Cambria Kaltwasser)
• Kenosis and Divine Continuity (Keith L. Johnson)
• The Generosity of the Triune God and the Humility of the Son: Notes for a Conversation with Bruce McCormack (Christoph Schwöbel)
• The End of Humanity and the Beginning of Kenosis: Mis/calibrating the Incarnation’s Scandalous Particularity (Hanna Reichel)
• Epilogue: Kenosis as a Spiritual Practice (Kevin W. Hector)

Contributors

• 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
• Thomas Joseph White

Product Details

• Title: Kenosis: The Self-Emptying of Christ in Scripture and Theology
• Authors: Paul T. Nimmo, Keith L. Johnson
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Logos Release Date: 2022
• Pages: 332
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: Incarnation › History of doctrines; Incarnation › Biblical teaching
• ISBNs: 9780802879202, 0802879209
• Resource ID: LLS:KENOSIS
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T01:00:46Z