Overview
In Christological Dogmatics, Glenn Butner offers a bold, expansive exploration of Christ's person and work, weaving together biblical studies, historical theology, and global perspectives--from Nestorian disputes to Ethiopian Orthodox debates to modern reflections on christological ethics.
Rooted in Protestant convictions of Scripture's authority and salvation by grace alone, this companion to Butner's award-winning Trinitarian Dogmatics explores doctrinal tensions and systematizes Christian thought for the universal church. Unlike typical Christology texts that focus on doctrinal development over time, its locus-by-locus approach synthesizes patristic, medieval, and majority-world voices into a robust, intermediate-level survey.
Enhanced with annotated bibliographies after each chapter and a glossary of terms, this volume is an invaluable resource for professors, students, clergy, and theologians. Here, Christology emerges as the vital intersection of Trinity, salvation, and ethics, inviting readers to witness the crucified and risen Savior afresh.
Rooted in Protestant convictions of Scripture's authority and salvation by grace alone, this companion to Butner's award-winning Trinitarian Dogmatics explores doctrinal tensions and systematizes Christian thought for the universal church. Unlike typical Christology texts that focus on doctrinal development over time, its locus-by-locus approach synthesizes patristic, medieval, and majority-world voices into a robust, intermediate-level survey.
Enhanced with annotated bibliographies after each chapter and a glossary of terms, this volume is an invaluable resource for professors, students, clergy, and theologians. Here, Christology emerges as the vital intersection of Trinity, salvation, and ethics, inviting readers to witness the crucified and risen Savior afresh.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Dogmatics and Christian Proclamation
Developing a Christological Dogmatics
The Method and Structure of Christological Dogmatics
1. Incarnation
Kenosis
The Assumption of Humanity
Dogmatic Definition of the Doctrine of the Incarnation
Implications of the Doctrine of the Incarnation
Conclusion
2. Recapitulation
Recapitulation in Irenaeus of Lyons
Jesus the New Adam
Dogmatic Summary
Recapitulation in Modern Contexts
3. Two Natures
Fully Divine
Fully Human
Partitive Exegesis and the Two Natures
4. Moral Exemplar
Jesus as Prophetic Interpreter of the Law
The Two Greatest Commandments
Jesus's Proclamation of the Kingdom
Table Fellowship
Jesus and Virtue Ethics
Virtue Ethics and the Lord's Supper
Conclusion
5. One Hypostasis
One Person or Hypostasis
Explaining the One Hypostasis of the Incarnate Son
6. Union with Christ
Jesus and the Gift of the Spirit
Theosis
Union with Christ
Dogmatic Summary
7. Dyothelitism
The Dogmatic Basis for Dyothelitism
Considering Problem Texts
8. Satisfaction
Jesus the Priest and Sacrifice
The Satisfaction Theory of Atonement
Objections to Satisfaction Theory
God's Wrath, the Cross, and the Trinity
The Hypostatic Union and the Cross
Dogmatic Summary
9. Christus Victor
Christus Victor Atonement
Jesus and Evil Spirits
The Doctrine of the Descent
The Resurrection in Scripture
The Resurrection in Dogmatic Theology
Victory in Descent and Resurrection
Resurrection and Moral Theology
10. Ascension and Second Coming
The Ascended Christ's Prophetic, Priestly, and Kingly Offices
The Manner of Christ's Presence After the Ascension
Christ's Session
The Second Coming of Christ
Christological Exegesis and Inaugurated Eschatology
Glossary
Dates for Historical Figures
Indexes
Dogmatics and Christian Proclamation
Developing a Christological Dogmatics
The Method and Structure of Christological Dogmatics
1. Incarnation
Kenosis
The Assumption of Humanity
Dogmatic Definition of the Doctrine of the Incarnation
Implications of the Doctrine of the Incarnation
Conclusion
2. Recapitulation
Recapitulation in Irenaeus of Lyons
Jesus the New Adam
Dogmatic Summary
Recapitulation in Modern Contexts
3. Two Natures
Fully Divine
Fully Human
Partitive Exegesis and the Two Natures
4. Moral Exemplar
Jesus as Prophetic Interpreter of the Law
The Two Greatest Commandments
Jesus's Proclamation of the Kingdom
Table Fellowship
Jesus and Virtue Ethics
Virtue Ethics and the Lord's Supper
Conclusion
5. One Hypostasis
One Person or Hypostasis
Explaining the One Hypostasis of the Incarnate Son
6. Union with Christ
Jesus and the Gift of the Spirit
Theosis
Union with Christ
Dogmatic Summary
7. Dyothelitism
The Dogmatic Basis for Dyothelitism
Considering Problem Texts
8. Satisfaction
Jesus the Priest and Sacrifice
The Satisfaction Theory of Atonement
Objections to Satisfaction Theory
God's Wrath, the Cross, and the Trinity
The Hypostatic Union and the Cross
Dogmatic Summary
9. Christus Victor
Christus Victor Atonement
Jesus and Evil Spirits
The Doctrine of the Descent
The Resurrection in Scripture
The Resurrection in Dogmatic Theology
Victory in Descent and Resurrection
Resurrection and Moral Theology
10. Ascension and Second Coming
The Ascended Christ's Prophetic, Priestly, and Kingly Offices
The Manner of Christ's Presence After the Ascension
Christ's Session
The Second Coming of Christ
Christological Exegesis and Inaugurated Eschatology
Glossary
Dates for Historical Figures
Indexes
Endorsements
“Glenn Butner has produced an erudite and magisterial treatment on the most important subject in theology: the person of Jesus Christ. His breadth of inquiry is astounding, from biblical studies, to patristics, to medieval classics, to Protestant scholastics, to modern theology. Butner guides readers through every disagreement and debate about God the Son and comes to measured and mature conclusions.”
Michael F. Bird, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia
“A scholarly, rigorous, and ecumenically winsome work, Butner’s Christological Dogmatics invites us to learn from Christ as he comes to us in the Scriptures and to grow in our confession of his person and work through a renewed dialogue with key historic and contemporary voices in Christology. Most impressive, Butner integrates dogmatic lessons in Christology and the ethical life in a way that draws us into the beauty of our participation by grace in the incarnate Son’s life in the Spirit through union with him. Further readings at the end of each chapter and a final glossary add to the pedagogical value of the book.”
Leopoldo A. Sánchez M., professor of systematic theology, Concordia Seminary
Author
D. Glenn,Jr. Butner
D. Glenn Butner Jr. (PhD, Marquette University) is associate professor of theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. He is the author of four books, including Trinitarian Dogmatics: Exploring the Grammar of the Christian Doctrine of God, recipient of a Christianity Today Award of Merit.