Divine Humanity: Kenosis and the Construction of Christian Theology

by David Brown

Publisher:

Baylor University Press

, 2011

Overview

In a defense of Christ’s full humanity, David Brown refocuses scholarly attention on Christ’s incarnation as the “self-emptying” of his divinity. By tracing the historical development of kenotic Christologies, Brown exposes the impact of the English and Scottish contributions to contemporary interpretations of Christ’s divine-human nature. Addressing the declining popularity of kenotic Christologies, Brown argues for the existence of under-acknowledged yet rich strains of thought that deal not only with the person and divinity of Christ but with the Triune God as well. At times controversial, Divine Humanity expertly repositions kenosis at the center of Christological discussions.

In the Logos edition, all Scripture passages in Divine Humanity are tagged and appear on mouseover, and all Scripture passages link to your favorite Bible translation in your library. With Logos’ advanced features, you can perform powerful searches by topic or Scripture reference—finding, for example, every mention of “kenosis” or “Phil. 2:5–11.”

Key Features

• Explores the development of kenotic Christologies
• Addresses the declining popularity of kenotic Christologies
• Examines the significance of early creedal definitions

Contents

• Setting the Scene
• Continental Stirrings
• Scottish Developments
• Kenosis in England
• Reasons for Kenosis
• Understanding Kenosis

Praise for the Print Edition

Brown’s return to mainstream Christian theology and metaphysics is greatly welcomed. We are given here a fascinating survey, finely contextualized, and related to the prevalence of kenoticism in virtually all contemporary theologies of creation and incarnation.

—Brian Hebblethwaite, fellow, Queens’ College, Cambridge

Brown’s writing is effortless and engaging, suitable for students to scholars. The book is a must read for anyone interested in kenotic Christianity or those concerned in the development and history of doctrine.

—Wm. Curtis Holtzen, associate professor of philosophy and theology, Hope International University

Brown has taken on one of the most intractable and important aspects of doctrine, where no ultimately satisfactory solution has yet to be given. As a constructive work it is brave, and as a historical survey it is unlikely to be bettered for a generation.

—The Church Times (London), July 22, 2011

Product Details

• Title: Divine Humanity: Kenosis and the Construction of Christian Theology
• Author: David Brown
• Publisher: Baylor University Press
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 250

About David Brown

David Brown is a professor of theology, aesthetics, and culture and the Wardlaw Professor at St Mary’s College School of Divinity at the University of St Andrews. He is the author or editor of several books, including God and Mystery in Words: Experience through Metaphor and Drama and God and Grace of Body: Sacrament in Ordinary.