Jesus and the Quest for Meaning

By Thomas H. West

Book Overview

A new approach to introducing theologyAs God's self-communication to humans, Jesus is the key to the human search for meaning, argues Thomas West. He therefore introduces the practice of theology through Christology. From the question of personal meaning and self-constitution and their relationship to transcendent meaning and value, he proceeds to discuss the figure and import of Jesus and then the ethical imperative engendered through encounter with him.

Fresh and clear, West's book is an invitation to grapple with one's religious commitments, especially in light of recent insights in biblical studies and Continental, feminist, and liberation theologies.

This new text will prove an engaging and effective introduction to theological thinking for both undergraduates and Christian adults.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0800632974
• ISBN13: 9780800632977
• Release Date: June 2001
• Publisher: Fortress Press
• Length: 314 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

a hidden gem that deserves more attention

Even though this book is a few years old, it is still richly relevant for today. This is one of the few books on Christian systematic theology that I've read that gets to the core of why we as humans actually seek for something greater than ourselves. Not only is it a wonderful introduction for all yearners and seekers, it presents a reasonable and lovely connection between belief in a transcendent God and the identity and mission of Jesus in relation to the human quest for understanding. Unlike lots of current books on Jesus, this one gets to the philosophical and theological foundation of the persuasiveness of the person of Jesus in our understanding of God. This book is meticously researched and carefully written both for the lay person entering theology and the person who is versed and wants to know more about the philosophy of religion. The extensive footnotes are very valuable for those who want to dig further. In this book, Dr. West has engaged us in a beautiful, intelligent discussion that deserves a much wider audience beyond those formally studying theology. It is a fine map for all of us who want to get to the absolute core of why we believe.