Consider Jesus: Waves of Renewal in Christology

Consider Jesus: Waves of Renewal in Christology examines the historical development of how Christians have understood and interpreted Jesus Christ. Elizabeth A. Johnson traces shifts in Christological thinking from the early church through contemporary theological perspectives. The book organizes its analysis into distinct "waves" of theological renewal, addressing classical doctrinal questions alongside modern interpretive challenges. Johnson's work engages with liberation theology, feminist theology, and interreligious dialogue while maintaining focus on core Christian traditions. Each chapter presents specific theological movements and thinkers who have contributed to evolving understandings of Jesus. The text incorporates biblical scholarship, historical research, and systematic theology in its exploration. Through this structured examination of Christology, the book speaks to fundamental questions about religious identity and the relationship between faith and modern consciousness. The work contributes to ongoing discussions about how traditional Christian beliefs can remain meaningful in contemporary contexts.

Readers find this text explains complex theological concepts in clear language. Multiple reviewers note Johnson's ability to make Christology accessible while maintaining academic rigor. Liked: - Clear explanations of historical context and theological developments - Balanced presentation of different viewpoints - Strong sections on liberation theology and feminist perspectives - Effective use of metaphors and examples Disliked: - Some Catholic readers disagree with Johnson's progressive interpretations - A few note the content can still be challenging for complete beginners - Several mention wanting more depth on certain topics Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (52 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (12 ratings) "Johnson presents complex ideas without watering them down" - Goodreads reviewer "Helpful introduction but requires focused attention" - Amazon reviewer "Makes difficult concepts approachable without oversimplifying" - LibraryThing review Frequently used in seminary courses and reading groups for introducing contemporary Christology.

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🔹 Elizabeth Johnson wrote Consider Jesus while teaching at Catholic University of America, where she became the first woman to earn tenure in the Department of Theology 🔹 The book's exploration of liberation theology and feminist perspectives on Jesus emerged during a time of significant debate within the Catholic Church about these approaches in the 1980s 🔹 Johnson's writing uses "experience-near" theology, connecting abstract theological concepts to everyday human experiences and contemporary social issues 🔹 The title "Consider Jesus" comes from the Letter to the Hebrews 3:1, which begins "Therefore, brothers and sisters, holy partners in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus..." 🔹 This work helped establish Johnson as one of the most influential Catholic feminist theologians in America, leading to her later election as president of both the Catholic Theological Society of America and the American Theological Society