The Roles of Christ's Humanity in Salvation: Insights from Theodore of Mopsuestia Hardcover - 2005

From the publisher

Theodore of Mopsuestia was hailed in his lifetime as one of the outstanding theologians and bishops in the second half of the fourth and early fifth centuries. He was then and still is respected as the preeminent spokesperson for the School of Antioch's unwavering defense of Christ's full humanity and its exegetical approach to the Scriptures. But within ten years after his death in 428, his enemies began to attack him openly, eventually succeeding in condemning both his works and person at the Second Council of Constantinople in 553. He has since been declared by some as the "Father of Nestorianism."

In this book, Frederick G. McLeod first establishes the principal influences that shaped Theodore's exegetical outlook. He then draws out the typology that Theodore sees present between Adam and Christ's humanity, exploring three major roles that Christ's humanity plays as the head of all human immortal existence, the bond of the universe, and the perfect image of God. Next McLeod shows how Theodore's customary word for Christ's "person" (pros?pon) ought to be understood in a functional way. The book concludes by applying these insights to the 71 excerpts that were used to condemn Theodore at the Second Council of Constantinople and proposing that these passages can be interpreted in a different, non-heretical way.

This book enables one to judge Theodore's christological statements in the wider context of how he conceives of Christ's roles in salvation. It establishes clearly how Christ can be said to be a true mediator between the Father and all creation. It also makes one aware of the communal dimensions and relationships contained in the notion of "person." Finally, it indicates how the body plays an essential role in human and cosmic salvation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Frederick G. McLeod, S.J., is Professor of Theological Studies at St. Louis University and author of The Image of God in the Antiochene Tradition.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:

"The author's contribution is ground-breaking. . . . McLeod modifies the whole perspective in which the problem of Theodore's much questioned orthodoxy needs to be considered. Thereby he opens a very constructive access to ancient christology. Sensitive to contemporary concerns he demonstrates a consistent and well-documented command over all essential issues of patristic thought about Christ."--Charles Kannengeisser, Concordia University

"McLeod's contribution is significant. He provides a thorough and careful description of Theodore's view of Christ's humanity. . . . McLeod has an excellent command of the primary and secondary materials. His use of the texts from Theodore that have been preserved only in Syriac is worth special commendation."--Rowan A. Greer, Professor Emeritus, Yale Divinity School

"McLeod's crisp and balanced introductory examination of Theodore's exegetical practices serves on its own as a fine introduction to Theodore's life and work. . . . McLeod certainly brings clarity and insight to what Theodore meant by his novel terminology and approach. . . . McLeod has made a significant contribution by unfolding an integrated understanding of Theodore's account of Christ." -- Daniel A. Keating, Theological Studies

"This important book is welcome in a threefold way. It not only exegetes Theodore in a sensitive and contextualized manner (achievement enough), but it also takes the consideration of Theodore through to an overview of how the Syrians were treated in the wider Christological controversy, through to the sixth-century. It greatly assists our understanding by adding generous translations throughout from the complete works of Theodore, so few of which are yet available in an English language version. The author is to be congratulated for revealing the inner workings of a great biblical consciousness." -- John A. McGuckin, Modern Theology