The Gospel of John: Theological-Ecumenical Readings

The Gospel of John: Theological-Ecumenical Readings brings together leading Catholic Orthodox and Evangelical theologians to read and interpret Johns Gospel from within their ecclesial tradition while simultaneously engaging one another in critical dialogue. Combining both theological exegesis and ecumenical dialogue each chapter is uniquely structured with a main essay by a Catholic Orthodox or Evangelical theologian on a section of Johns Gospel followed by two responses from theologians of the other two traditions. The chapter concludes with a final response from the main author. Readers are thus provided with not only a deep and engaging reading of the Gospel of John but also the unfolding of a rich theological-ecumenical dialogue centered on an authority for all Christians namely the Gospel of John. In the eminent contributors he has assembled the structure of Orthodox-Evangelical-Catholic trialogue and the focus on the scriptural text Charles Raith has established a rich paradigm for future ecumenical theology. The exchanges between Root and Bradshaw on the Petrine office and between Behr and Leithart on the Johannine corpus struck me as especially seminal though the other essays in the volume could easily be singled out as well. Above all it is Paul Gavrilyuk who encapsulates the tenor of the whole when he speaks of earnestly seeking insights in other Christian traditions in order to heal and renew ones own tradition. Such humble gift-exchange rooted in love for the Father who bestows his gifts in Christ and through the Holy Spirit is what this book is all about. --Matthew Levering James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology Mundelein Seminary The Paradosis Center has undertaken a fresh and exceedingly thoughtful approach to ecumenism. This volume represents the substantial first fruits of those creative efforts. The reader will find here incisive and engaging essays--along with vigorous responses--certain to shed new light on the meaning of Johns Gospel. --Thomas G. Guarino Seton Hall University; cochair Evangelicals and Catholics Together Charles Raith II (PhD) is Director of the Paradosis Center for Christian Dialogue and Assistant Professor of Theology at John Brown University. He is author of Aquinas and Calvin on Romans: Theological Exegesis and Ecumenical Theology (2014) After Merit: John Calvins Theology of Works and Reward (2016) and co-author with R. David Nelson of Ecumenism: A Guide for the Perplexed (2017).