An Introduction to New Testament Christology

The book does not presume to be an exhaustive study, but hopes to relate a simplified (not simplistic) account of NT Christology. There are four reasons why Father Brown has achieved his purpose:First, he is clear. The book does not leave the reader wondering what Christological options are among contemporary and outdated scholarship nor where he himself falls in that spectrum. Throughout the book he italizes the point he intends to communicate, and closes each chapter and section with the salient features communicated therein. Furthermore, Brown does not burden the reader with overly technical language, but writes with simplicity for the layperson. If he does use the language of scholarship, he always explains its meaning and import.Second, he is thoroughly organized, which provides the Christological neophyte with logical categories by which the information may be easily assimilated. There are points and subpoints, but never does he lose the reader in the minutae or become opaque.Third, he is brief. However, he is so without doing injustice to an admittedly complex and highly technical subject. He continually keeps in mind his introductory ambition, and consequently allows the recommended reading list at the close of the book to elucidate the subject.Fourth, R. Brown takes a moderately conservative approach, which allows him to moderate the subject to fundamentalists and liberals alike. Each will be challenged by his perspective.He accomplishes majestically his purpose, thereby offering a substantial work for the beginner.

i guess this will be just another five star review for father brown! raymond brown (now deceased) was a catholic priest and a moderately critical new testament theologian PAR EXCELLENCE. this, like his other works, is well-reasoned, thorough, and essentially impartial. probably the best overall introduction to Christology (which one might define as the study of not only of Jesus, but of His relationship to His surroundings). father brown concentrates on subjects such as Jesus' preception of Himself and His purpose, the probable reaction of His comtemporaries to His teachings, and the overall picture we get from the gospels. this is tremendous scholarship distilled into a brief readable capsule! you will respect this work whether you are fundamentalist or pagan!

I am currently using this book while enrolled in a course in Cristology in graduate school. I have found it to be very helpful and fact filled. The author is very staitforward and does not stray from the subject matter.

This little book is remarkable. I spent a month with it. It is a compact, scholarly, and informative introduction to a very important and complex subject. Father Brown apologizes neither for his faith nor for the generally unblinking, critical scholarship he applies to to his subject. This book is a treasure for Christians who seek to love the Lord their God with all their minds.

I used this text as a primary text in a high school course in Christology successfully by helping the students along in their comprehension of some concepts. It is a good text for those who are serious about their studies. Generally I'd recommend it for college level readers or beyond, but with the right mix it works at senior high level