Re-Emergence of the Human, Critical, Public Jesus

Abstract

J OF Nazareth has come into focus in a new way in the theological reflection of the last 50 years. In counterpoint with continuing reflection on the cosmic and eschatological Christ, there has been a new wave of interest in grounding Christology more intensively, extensively, and attentively in the full human and historical reality of Jesus. A number of forces have contributed to this: in particular, the maturation of modern biblical and patristic scholarship; the impact of JewishChristian and other interfaith encounters; the more inclusive scope of modern science, and particularly of the social sciences; modern philosophies, most notably existentialism and process thought; the influence of more widespread study of the history of religions; and, finally, the questions raised by various political, economic, and social liberation movements of the contemporary world.