Paul and the Image of God

Chris Kugler argues that Paul's imago Dei theology presents Jesus as the cosmogonical image of God and includes him within the most exclusive theological category of second-temple Jewish monotheism. This interpretation of Paul's imago Dei theology allows for a fresh reading of some of the most contested texts in Paul's letters.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

In his comprehensive book, Chris Kugler delves into the intricate and multifaceted realm of Paul's imago Dei theology, placing it within the complex and contentious context of second-temple Judaism and early Christianity in the Greco-Roman world. Kugler argues that Paul skillfully adapted Jewish wisdom and Middle Platonic traditions concerning divine intermediaries to present the preexistent Jesus as the cosmogonical image of God, according to which Adam himself was created. This portrayal of Jesus encompasses the most exclusive theological category within second-temple Jewish monotheism: cosmogonical activity. Consequently, Paul's imago Dei christology exemplifies a clear manifestation of "christological monotheism." Furthermore, Kugler showcases the profound implications of this interpretation by offering a fresh perspective on several contentious texts in Paul's letters, including 2 Corinthians 3–4, Romans 7–8, and Colossians 1.15–20, 3.10. Through meticulous analysis, he demonstrates that Paul portrays himself and his sympathizers as genuine philosophers who aspire to attain the ultimate goal of true philosophy: the image of God. In contrast, he portrays his opponents as advocates of an empty and deceitful philosophy.

In his comprehensive book, Chris Kugler delves into the intricate and multifaceted realm of Paul's imago Dei theology, placing it within the complex and contentious context of second-temple Judaism and early Christianity in the Greco-Roman world. Kugler argues that Paul skillfully adapted Jewish wisdom and Middle Platonic traditions concerning divine intermediaries to present the preexistent Jesus as the cosmogonical image of God, according to which Adam himself was created. This portrayal of Jesus encompasses the most exclusive theological category within second-temple Jewish monotheism: cosmogonical activity. Consequently, Paul's imago Dei christology exemplifies a clear manifestation of "christological monotheism." Furthermore, Kugler showcases the profound implications of this interpretation by offering a fresh perspective on several contentious texts in Paul's letters, including 2 Corinthians 3–4, Romans 7–8, and Colossians 1.15–20, 3.10. Through meticulous analysis, he demonstrates that Paul portrays himself and his sympathizers as genuine philosophers who aspire to attain the ultimate goal of true philosophy: the image of God. In contrast, he portrays his opponents as advocates of an empty and deceitful philosophy.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978707405