Divine Becoming: Rethinking Jesus and Incarnation

By Charlene P. E. Burns

Book Overview

The universally human element of Jesus' incarnationDespite the feverish pace of publishing in historical Jesus studies, biblical scholars and theologians have not notably progressed in addressing the meaning and significance of the figure of Jesus in ways credible for contemporary persons.

In this creative and insightful work, Burns seeks to understand the significance of Jesus and his incarnation through the category of participation. The central theological claims in the traditional concept of incarnation are anchored and illumined by Jesus' particular ability for empathy, sympathy, attunement, and entrainment. This notion, derived from the psychological research of Daniel Stern, allows Burns to show that incarnation the capacity to participate in the life of others is present not only in Jesus but to some extent in all people and in all religions. It further illumines features of God's trinitarian life and our lifelong journey into God (deification).

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0800632788
• ISBN13: 9780800632786
• Release Date: November 2001
• Publisher: Fortress Press
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 10.03 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A very thoughtful beginning

Charlene Burns has done a great service to the the community of faith which seeks to faithfully gather around Jesus Christ. Rescuing the Incarnation from the confusing and largely irrelevant categories of ancient Greek philosophy, Ms. Burns has returned the Incarnation to its more proper sphere of relationality. As a Pastor, preacher and teacher, I find much to ponder in the ideas put forth by Dr. Burns. At last we have the beginnings of a new language with which to express both the profound mystery and intensely personal experience of the divine we call faith.I will read Dr. Burns' book again and again.Dr. Daniel LoomisFirst Presbyterian ChurchEl Dorado, AR