1. Introducing the theories and approaches concerning the origin of divine Christology; 2. The highest Christology was present among the earliest Christians: the evidences; 3. Replies to objections involving various exalted figures in Second Temple Judaism; 4. Replies to other objections concerning the highest Christology of the earliest Christians; 5. The extent of highest Christology in earliest Christianity; 6. The best explanation for the origin of highest Christology; 7. Assessing the evidences for the origin of highest Christology in the Gospels; Conclusion.
This book offers a new contribution by addressing alternative hypotheses and previously neglected evidence using transdisciplinary tools.
Andrew Ter Ern Loke is Research Assistant Professor at the Faith and Global Engagement Initiative, The University of Hong Kong. His previous publications include A Kryptic Model of the Incarnation (2014) and several articles in leading international peer-reviewed journals such as Religious Studies and the Journal of Theological Studies.
'This fresh attempt to grapple with the problem of the origins of
Christology both offers what is in some ways an elegantly simple
solution, and is argued with a philosophical sophistication
uncommon in New Testament scholarship. Loke's argument deserves
close attention from all those interested in the earliest Christian
beliefs about Jesus.' Simon Gathercole, University of Cambridge
'The debate over Jesus and the origin of views about his divinity
in Christology is a maze for most, woven over a few centuries of
careful discussion. Loke's The Origin of Divine Christology surveys
and assesses that debate with skill, bringing it up to date and
providing guidance for thinking through the question. It provides a
way through the maze that is of rich benefit to readers.' Darrell
L. Bock, Dallas Theological Seminary
'Andrew Ter Ern Loke draws on the lively debate about early
Christology in recent scholarship to establish the claim that the
earliest Christology was already the highest Christology. But how
did this high Christology originate? Loke provides one of the most
systematic examinations of this question, pressing the logic of the
evidence back to Jesus' own claims about himself.' Richard
Bauckham, Emeritus Professor of New Testament Studies, University
of St Andrews, Scotland
“[Loke] defends his position against every recent dissenting
argument he could find, especially in Bart Ehrman's numerous works,
with a philosophical rigor and elegant simplicity not present in
those with whom he dialogues nor typically found in New Testament
scholarship more generally … Loke's work merits a wide readership.
Those who still cling to an older religionsgeschichtliche Schule
approach to the slow evolution of New Testament Christology may
find they have a difficult task if they want to adequately counter
this newer emphasis on its revolutionary development.' Craig L.
Blomberg, Review of Biblical Literature
'Loke's book is valuable both as an exposition of the thesis that
earliest high Christology ultimately derives from Jesus' own
claims, as well as a survey of, and critical introduction to, key
works in this expanding field. While Loke's many arguments in favor
of a widespread and virtually uncontested high Christology might
give the impression that his conclusions have been decided in
advance, an impression is nonetheless not a rebuttal, and each of
his claims should be assessed on their own terms. This book will be
of particular interest to both biblical scholars and theologians
working in Christology, theology proper, and Pauline, Synoptic, and
Johannine theology. It will also serve as a reasonably accessible
introduction for undergraduates seeking an overview of debates
surrounding early Christian Christology.' Cameron Coombe, Reviews
in Religion and Theology
'I want to thank Andrew Ter Ern Loke for his carefully-researched,
well-argued, and properly-nuanced contribution to the dialogue
concerning the nature of the earliest Christian views about Jesus
…' Nina Henrichs-Tarasenkova, Journal of the Evangelical
Theological Society
'I found The Origin of Divine Christology to be exemplary in
bringing the reader up-to-date with the most recent evidence and
objections in a systematic way. This is one of best contemporary
treatments for professors and teachers to consult and study at
length for the purposes of showing the reasonableness of belief in
Jesus' divinity.' Glenn Sinischalchi, The Catholic Biblical
Quarterly, pp. 502–503
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