The dialogue between theology and science has blossomed in recent decades, but particular beliefs about Jesus Christ have not often been brought to the forefront of this interdisciplinary discussion even in explicitly Christian contexts. This book breaks new ground by explicitly bringing the specific themes of Christology into dialogue with contemporary science. It engages recent developments in late modern philosophy of science in order to articulate the Christian beliefs about Jesus Christ in a way that responds to challenges and opportunities that have arisen in light of various scientific discoveries. The main chapters deal with Incarnation, Atonement and Parousia. After a brief treatment of the history of the shaping of these ideas, the author traces developments in some of the sciences that have challenged these formulations: evolutionary biology, cultural anthropology and physical cosmology. Each chapter also summarises some of the popular constructive responses to these developments. After clarifying the way in which the Christian understanding of God and of humanity shape the task of reforming Christology, each chapter concludes with a programmatic outline of ways in which we might articulate the identity, agency and presence of Jesus Christ in dialogue with late modern science and culture.
Biography
F. LeRon Shults is Professor of Systematic Theology at the University of Agder, Norway.
'A clear and imaginative attempt to address some of the central tasks in Christology by employing conceptual resources from the natural sciences, this book deserves close attention.' David Fergusson, Professor of Divinity, University of Edinburgh, UK LeRon Shults here offers one of the first comprehensive accounts of the relevance of science for contemporary Christology, and vice versa. At once a multifaceted and highly accessible book. Niels Henrik Gregersen, Copenhagen University, Denmark In this exemplary engagement between Christian theology and contemporary science, via specific case studies involving evolutionary biology, cultural anthropology and physical cosmology, LeRon Shults has offered profound, new insights into a Christology for our time. In the process he has engaged some of the leading figures in "theology and science." This book is part of Shults's wider project of reforming Christian theology in dialogue with such philosophical areas as epistemology, ethics and metaphysics. It is essential reading for scholars and laypersons alike who are passionate about 'theology and science.' Robert John Russell, Professor of Theology and Science, The Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, USA Christology and Science brings together two topics that for many have nothing to do with each other. In his learned and innovative new book Shults shows how philosophy and contemporary science can help Christians rethink the core of their belief, that is, the science of Christ. There is much to learn from his creative proposal for theologians and those involved in the dialog between religion and science. Alan G. Padgett, Professor of Systematic Theology, Luther Seminary; editor, Journal for Christian Theological Research Shults’ book on 'Reforming Christology' is a fascinating attempt to break new ground for contemporary Christian thinking. It is clearly written and carefully argued and through its interdisciplinary approach provides challenging reinterpretatio
