The Incarnation: An Interdisciplinary Symposium on the Incarnation of the Son of God

Twenty-four scholars from different universities, churches, and continents gathered in New York at Easter 2000 for the Incarnation Summit, a meeting exploring the belief that Jesus is the Son of God who took on the human condition. The scholars are experts in different fields; the Bible, ancient Christian writers, ancient Jewish writers, theology, philosophy, literature, modern art, and preaching. This book is the result of that meeting: a well-researched, skilfully argued, and, attimes, provocative volume on the central Christian belief: the Incarnation of the Son of God. -;This interdisciplinary study follows an international and ecumenical meeting of twenty-four scholars held in New York at Easter 2000: the Incarnation Summit. After an opening chapter, which summarizes and evaluates twelve major questions concerning the Incarnation, five chapters are dedicated to the biblical roots of this central Christian doctrine. A patristic and medieval section corrects misinterpretations and retrieves for today the significance of the Council of Chalcedon (451)and its aftermath, as well as clarifying Aquinas' enduring metaphysical interpretation of the Incarnation. The volume then moves to theological and philosophical debates: three scholars take up such systematic issues as belief in the Incarnation, the self-emptying that it involves, and itscompatibility with divine timelessness. The remaining four essays consider the place of the doctrine of the Incarnation in literature, ethics, art, and preaching. There is a fruitful dialogue between experts in a wide range of areas and the international reputation of the participants reflects and guarantees the high quality of this joint work. The result is a well researched, skilfully argued, and, at times, provocative volume on the central Christian belief: the Incarnation of the Son ofGod. -;... it succeeds in demonstrating that a comprehensive rational case for the orthodox tradition can still be made, and remains a significant element of inter-Christian dialogue. - The Journal of Theological Studies;A valuable collection of reflection on the origins of Christian belief in the incarnation, and of its consequences and presentation in the modern world ... its division into manageable-sized essays makes it possible for the busy preacher to pick it up and read it in stages. - Church of England Newspaper;This is a weighty and richly rewarding book, worthy of a place alongside the best twentieth-century monographs and volumes of essays on the greatest mystery of all. - Brian Horne, The Tablet;Impressive not only in its unity but also in its depth of scholarship. - Brian Horne, The Tablet

About the Author :
Stephen T. Davis is Professor of the Philosophy of Religion, Claremont McKenna College, California Daniel Kendall, S.J.is Professor of Theology, University of San Francisco Gerald O'Collins, S.J. is Professor of Systematic and Fundamental Theology, Gregorian University, Rome