The Divine Christology of the Apostle Paul
By Chris Bruno, John J. R. Lee, and Thomas R. Schreiner (InterVarsity Press, 2024)
Jesus shapes our Christian faith, informs convictions about God’s presence in the world, and establishes ecclesial identity and communion. The letters of Paul are a critical source of these beliefs.
The authors of The Divine Christology of the Apostle Paul review significant Pauline scholarship about Jesus. In his work on the crucifixion, Richard Bauckham writes that God entered relationship with humankind through the people of Israel. Larry Hurtado explores how cultic and liturgical rites directed to Jesus Christ make him corecipient of pious allegiance to God. Chris Tilling examines similar characteristics between Jesus’ relationship with believers and Yahweh’s relationship with the children of Israel. N. T. Wright associates Jesus with Israel’s God, because Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to the children of Israel.
Other authors examine Paul’s statements about creation and redemption in his letters and reach the conclusion that Christ is the revelation of God who is active in the story of salvation. They note that Jesus takes on the roles associated with the God of Israel, because Jesus is “Lord, the one God of Israel, who is the God of the world and who becomes a Jewish man in order to fulfill his covenant promises to the world.”
Along with other Pauline scholars, the authors recognize Philippians 2:6–11 as clarifying Paul’s belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ: The passage underlines Jesus’ preexistence and equality with God. They identify other passages in the Pauline corpus that make clear statements about the divinity of Jesus. Readers of this book will benefit from the broad presentation of these themes in passages from Paul’s letters.
—Ferdinand Okorie, C.M.F.
You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out!
By Quentin Schultze (Edenridge Press LLC, 2024)
Certain movies capture the imagination, speak to our hearts, and attract a dedicated following. Despite modest box-office success, the unpretentious 1983 movie A Christmas Story has become a perennial Christmas favorite. Its portrayal of a bygone era—with coal furnaces, families listening to radio shows, and childhood Christmas dreams—continues to captivate audiences. It has inspired not only catchphrases, merchandising, a musical, and a museum, but also the recent book You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out! Life Lessons from the Movie A Christmas Story by Quentin Schultze.
Schultze, like Jerry Seinfeld and other famous comedians, was influenced by Jean Shepard, who wrote A Christmas Story as well as numerous books, short stories, and popular radio scripts. A longtime friend and colleague of Shepard, Schultze draws extensively from the author’s reflections.
Chapters are divided into life lessons such as “Pursue Your Dreams,” “Let Your Light Shine,” and “Give Thanks.” Fans will quickly identify corresponding scenes, such as Ralphie’s dream of getting a Red Ryder Air Rifle, the Old Man’s bizarre leg lamp “award,” and Christmas Day’s unexpected surprises. In “Appreciate Your Daily Bread,” Schultze explores overlooked ordinary aspects of life like home-cooked meals prepared with love and dinner gatherings where families support one another in surprising ways. Here he not only utilizes the idea of sacrament but also highlights the importance of gratitude and grace.
Unfortunately, Shepard’s perspective sometimes reflects some of the era’s stifling gender roles, which would benefit from critical engagement. Nevertheless, insightful gems can be found such as Schultze’s challenge to families to enjoy lighthearted moments in life. In A Christmas Story, it’s often the ordinary things that reveal deeper truths.
—John Christman
Briefly noted:
Catholic Women Preach: Raising Voices, Renewing the Church (Cycle C)
Edited by Elizabeth Donnelly and Russ Petrus (Orbis, 2024)
In this final volume of the popular series, editors Donnelly and Petrus collect homilies from Catholic women the world over,
featuring reflections on the lectionary gospel readings.
A Journey through the Catechism
By Fr. Daniel J. Mahan (Ave Maria Press, 2024)
Organized by the four pillars of the catechism—creed, sacraments, Christian life, and prayer—this book provides personal reflections and guidance to instruct Catholics on living their faith.
Everything Could Be a Prayer
By Kreg Yingst (Broadleaf, 2024)
Yingst, an author and illustrator, provides 100 woodblock portraits of saints and mystics accompanied by reflections and meditations on their importance today.
This article also appears in the December 2024 issue of U.S. Catholic (Vol. 89, No. 12, page 39). Click here to subscribe to the magazine.
Add comment