The Identity Of Jesus Christ Expanded And Updated Edition

This is a book about Jesus of Nazareth. It is not a book about "story," nor about "narrative theology." Hans Frei was not a theologian of story or of narrative in any general way, and this book is neither about the narrative quality of our existence and the gospel's relation to that quality, nor about the narrative shape of the Scriptures as a whole and the call on us to place ourselves within that narrative. Rather, this is a book about the way in which Jesus of Nazareth's identity is rendered by the Gospels--largely the Synoptic Gospels, particularly the Gospel of Luke, and especially in the passion and resurrection sequences--by means of a certain kind of narrative. --from the Foreword by Mike Higton

In this seminal work, Frei considers the concepts of Jesus' identity and presence, maintaining that the logic of Christian faith requires that we begin with identity, not presence. Drawing on Ryles' philosophy, Frei argues that a person isÓ primarily what they say or do. Hence, theologians should not look for Jesus' essence by looking past the stories but must look to the stories themselves.

The belief that Mary's husband, Joseph was not Jesus' biological father, is common to all who know His story well, especially to those who believe in Him. However, there is something else that must be considered; it is this: Mary herself was not Jesus' biological mother; He possessed neither her genes nor her blood. This important fact, though fundamental to Jesus' identity, has long been neglected - relegated to some dark corner, away from the Christian message. This book, The Identity of Jesus, brings it into light, and deals with related issues including seed of the woman, seed of David, the deity of Jesus and the meaning of the term, "the God man." In a non-traditional, yet biblical way The Identity of Jesus answers the difficult questions. It promises closure to some major controversial issues, one of which being, the true place of the Blessed Virgin Mary as the mother of Jesus. This has the potential to cause both Catholics and Protestants to come to a common conclusion. Everyone can profit from The Identity of Jesus. It brings the believer into a greater consciousness of the reality of who Jesus is, and increases the awareness of the value of the sacrifice that was made for salvation. The information obtained within its pages can transform a life already committed to Christ, into one that exercises greater authority, displays more of God's glory, and overcomes more adversities. For the non-believer, The Identity of Jesus clarifies the misunderstood, and makes what once seemed unbelievable, believable.

In view of the proliferation of conflicting images of Jesus in the church, in the academy, and in popular culture, it is no wonder that his identity sometimes appears more elusive than ever.Seeking the Identity of Jesus brings together an interdisciplinary group of leading scholars -- from the fields of biblical studies, theology, and church history -- to focus on the complex problems surrounding the quest for the historical Jesus. Their perspectives are richly informed by Scripture, testimony from the church's past, and experience of the risen Jesus in the present. Contributors: Dale C. Allison Jr. Gary A. Anderson Markus Bockmuehl Sarah Coakley Brian E. Daley Beverly Roberts Gaventa A. Katherine Grieb Richard B. Hays Robert W. Jenson Joel Marcus R. W. L. Moberly William C. Placher Katherine Sonderegger David C. Steinmetz Marianne Meye Thompson Francis Watson

The influence of Hans Frei (1922-1988) is wide and deep in contemporary theology, even though he published little in his own lifetime. These two volumes collect a wide range of his letters, lectures, book reviews, and other items, many of them not previously available in print. Together, they display the range and richness of Frei's thinking, and provide new insights into the nature and implications of his work. They are an invaluable resource for all those interested in Frei's work, and for any interested in his central themes: the development of modern biblical hermeneutics, the interpretation of biblical narrative, and the figural interpretation of all reality in relation to the narrated identity of Jesus Christ.

Hans Frei (1922-1988) was perhaps the leading Anselmian theologian of his generation. His influence is extensive in contemporary theology, and his work marks the beginning of a decisive shift in biblical interpretation. Reading Faithfully, which is the first of two volumes, is a special collection that includes a wide range of his letters, lectures, book reviews and other items, many of them not previously available in print. Analytical and perceptive, Frei's writings expands his arguments about the meaning and truth of scriptural narrative, distinguishing his ideas from other forms of narrative or story theology as well as exploring the kinds of political theology consistent with his typological imagination. Alongside Volume II, this is an invaluable resource that provides new insights into the nature and implications of Frei's work. It is essential reading for anyone with an interest in the development of religious thought and understanding.

This volume demonstrates Hans W. Frei's unique contribution to theology and biblical hermeneutics. Divided into five parts, the volume first outlines key biographical details, including a little­known interview from 1980 (excerpted), and Frei's Jewish background while growing up in Nazi Germany. The subsequent four parts offer insights into both the centrality of biblical narrative and its fateful eclipse by modernity, as well as Frei's usage of Anselm and Barth. The scholars who contribute to this volume examine Frei's analytical rigor, his plea for a “high Christology” in the service of the church; and his shifting interpretations over the years regarding scripture's “literal sense”. They examine Frei's relationship to other contemporary notables such as Paul Ricoeur, Eberhard Jüngel, George A. Lindbeck and Carl F. H. Henry, along with an alternative Roman Catholic reading of the history of biblical hermeneutics over against the one he advocates.

Hans W. Frei (1922-1988) was one of the most influential American theologians of his generation. This collection provides an unrivaled introduction to Frei's work.