Collected Works of Edward Schillebeeckx Volume 7: Christ

By Edward Schillebeeckx

Book Description

In this profound theological exploration, Edward Schillebeeckx tackles one of Christianity's most fundamental questions: how does salvation reach all of humanity? Rather than beginning with traditional doctrinal statements, this distinguished theologian takes a revolutionary approach by examining the lived experiences of early Christian communities as recorded in the New Testament.

Schillebeeckx develops seven "anthropological constants" that reveal how faith connects directly to social and political realities in our contemporary world. Drawing inspiration from liberation and feminist theological movements, he demonstrates that spiritual understanding must be grounded in actual human experience rather than abstract concepts alone. His methodology emphasizes the critical importance of understanding religious teachings within their historical contexts.

This substantial work represents a bold reimagining of Christian doctrine through the lens of historical Jesus research. Instead of starting with established creeds about Christ and the Trinity, Schillebeeckx focuses on how the first believers actually encountered and understood their faith. This approach sparked significant debate and even attracted Vatican scrutiny, yet continues to offer readers a deeply personal pathway into Christian spirituality.

For those seeking to understand how ancient faith traditions speak to modern concerns about justice, equality, and human dignity, this volume provides both scholarly rigor and spiritual insight. Schillebeeckx invites readers to discover how theological reflection can illuminate contemporary social challenges while remaining rooted in authentic spiritual experience.