ReSourcing Theological Anthropology

'Calvin famously claimed that there is no knowledge of self without knowledge of God. Barth amended the motion, insisting that there is no knowledge of God without knowledge of Christ. Cortez here extends the logic further, arguing that, theologically speaking, there is no knowledge of self apart from knowledge of the humanity of Christ. Christology does not simply supplement but constitutes the most important things we know about our own humanity. This is a bold claim, to be sure, yet Cortez clearly provides biblical grounding for it and anticipates the likely objections, thereby putting flesh on what many theologians thinly assume but never thickly describe---namely, how, why, and where Christology ought to inform anthropology.' * Kevin J. Vanhoozer, research professor of systematic theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School *
'Cortez is making a compelling case for a “comprehensive Christological anthropology,” by which he means the normativity of the person of Jesus Christ for our understanding of human nature. Current on biblical scholarship, sensitive to contemporary issues such as gender, race, and sexuality, and exhibiting a remarkable analytical clarity, this is the perfect introduction to what is currently an exciting conversation in theology.' * Adonis Vidu, associate professor of theology, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary *
'If Jesus alone reveals what it is to be truly human, can there be an adequate anthropology that does not take its fundamental bearings from Jesus’s specific humanity? Was Adam's humanity ultimately indecipherable, absent the revelation of the Second Adam? The specificity of Jesus’s male, Jewish humanity might seem to pose a further quandary. Professor Cortez's lively and unfailingly gracious book is a delightful romp through such difficult questions, motivated by the joy of the Gospel.' * Matthew Levering, James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary *
'If Jesus Christ is truly human, then any account of human agents must reflect this obvious theological platitude. But how should we spell out the relevant inference? Most especially, given that Jesus is male and Jewish. Marc Cortez provides a clear and provocative answer. Written with apt caution and precision, this book is indispensable reading for both seasoned theologians and enthusiastic novices.' * William J. Abraham, Outler Professor of Wesley Studies and University Distinguished Teaching Professor, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University *
'Marc Cortez has done it again! Produced another brilliant study of theological anthropology! The publication of ReSourcing Theological Anthropology spotlights Cortez as a go-to author for insight on this important subject. Working from texts in John, Paul, and the author of Hebrews in dialogue with contemporary exegetes and systematic theologians, he builds a solid case that the New Testament views Jesus Christ not only as a complete and true human being but as the true human being; indeed, Jesus’s humanity is the creational and teleological ground and goal for all other human beings. Cortez contends that Jesus is the “image of God” not only in his eternal relation to the Father but precisely in his concrete human identity given and achieved between Christmas and Easter. In keeping with his emphasis on the historical concreteness of Jesus’s true humanity, Cortez boldly puts his theory to the test in his final three chapters on gender, race, and death. Students, pastors, and teachers will find in Cortez a reliable guide to take them safely through the maze of contemporary theories of theological anthropology. I recommend the book highly!' * Ron Highfield, professor of religion, Pepperdine University *
'Over the course of this extraordinary book, Marc Cortez engages some of the biggest questions of today while remaining thoroughly rooted in Scripture and tradition. He develops his constructive contribution to theological anthropology in conversation with an impressively wide range of contemporary voices. While never compromising his engagement with high-level thought, his book is exceptionably accessible and readable. Every Christian needs to wrestle with the questions engaged in this book: What does it mean to be human? How does Jesus Christ help us understand who we are? What does it mean to be made in the image of God? How does Jesus Christ help us understand gender and sexuality? What does Jesus Christ contribute to our conceptions of race and ethnicity today? And as they wrestle with these questions, they could have no better guide than Marc Cortez.' * Kristen Deede Johnson, associate professor of theology and Christian formation, Western Theological Seminary *