Concentrated Creation: Creation and Salvation in the Christology of Edward Schillebeeckx

This book explores Edward Schillebeeckx's creation faith, which emphasizes God's absolute saving presence to humanity through Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection. It argues that Jesus is both God's invitation to humanity and the perfect human response, and followers are called to be engaged in God's saving action. Schillebeeckx's theology develops over his career, breaking with Chalcedon's language while remaining faithful to its truth. The book's final chapters demonstrate its relevance in analyzing contemporary social suffering and the Catholic Dialogue School's project.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This book delves into the intricate realm of salvation, expanding its perspective beyond a mere focus on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ to encompass the broader tapestry of creation theology. Through an in-depth analysis of the Thomist and Irenaean sources of Edward Schillebeeckx's creation faith, it emerges that God's absolute saving presence is intricately woven into his creative action. This revelation becomes particularly evident in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, where God's humanity takes center stage.

Lewis contends that Jesus represents both God's invitation to humanity and the ultimate human response to that invitation. As a result, followers of Jesus are called to actively engage in God's saving mission, working tirelessly to alleviate suffering and create a more harmonious world where all can thrive.

Schillebeeckx's theology is often perceived as divided into two distinct phases: a pre-Vatican II version and a post-Vatican II iteration. This book employs the Annales model of continuity and change to examine the evolution of Schillebeeckx's Christological soteriology throughout his theological career, both before and after the Council. What emerges is a fascinating exploration of how Schillebeeckx both breaks with the language of Chalcedon while remaining steadfastly committed to the truth it encapsulates.

In the final chapters, the book uncovers the profound relevance of Schillebeeckx's ideas and methods in analyzing contemporary social suffering in Ciudad-Juárez through the insightful analysis of Nancy Pineda-Madrid. Additionally, it sheds light on the Catholic Dialogue School in Flanders, spearheaded by Lieven Boeve, where Schillebeeckx's insights continue to shape and inform the project's mission.

Through this comprehensive exploration, the book offers a rich and nuanced understanding of salvation, shedding light on the interconnectedness of God's saving presence and the broader context of creation theology. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, theologians, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the profound mysteries of faith and humanity.

Weight: 524g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780567708892