The subtitle of this book could well be `Collected Essays Old and New.' Accompanying each of his previously published articles on Galatians, Murphy-O'Connor has added a postscript, each often comparable in length to the original essay. In each postscript, with characteristic incisiveness and wit, Murphy-O'Connor considers later scholarly attempts to grapple with the questions that had engaged him in his original essays. What the reader will discover is that many of Murphy-O'Connor's original insights and explanations have stood the test of time! Fortunately, they have been collected in this handy volume.
Maria Pascuzzi, St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens, FL
For several decades Jerome Murphy-O'Connor has been one of New Testament scholarship's most engaging interlocutors. Never one to mince his words or fail to engage in dialogue with those who disagree with him, Murphy-O'Connor never ceases to offer intriguing and often novel points of view. His work advances scholarship by challenging others to rethink their positions. This collection of essays is classic Murphy-O'Connor-crystal clear and thought provoking.
Raymond F. Collins, Visiting Scholar, Brown University
Lohfink's Jesus of Nazareth is the best Jesus book I know. It is solidly based on sound biblical scholarship, full of fresh theological insights, respectful of the Gospels and their portraits of Jesus, and beautifully expressed. It is especially effective in highlighting the centrality of God's reign and Israel as God's people in Jesus' life and work.
Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, Professor of New Testament, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
Grounded in the most careful study of the historical Jesus and enlivened by a deep faith in the Risen Christ, this book will be of inestimable use to everyone from scholars to seekers and will most likely become a classic. It is that rarest of books on Jesus in which the author combines solid exegetical work with a profound sense of the spiritual. On top of that, it's beautifully written (and here, translated). Lohfink's book is in every way a joy.
James Martin, SJ, Author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything
Some have said that this book will become a classic. Indeed, it should be so considered. But much will depend on whether or not scholars will dismiss it as lacking uniqueness and innovation, and whether or not non-professionals will invest the energy in reading a scholarly treatment of Jesus. May both groups stretch themselves and give it the attention it so richly deserves!
Michael J. Bowling, The Englewood Review of Books
Calling into question the overlooked reality of women as creators and interpreters of beauty, [this book] opens new dimensions in the developing area of theological aesthetics as well as the traditional field of theological anthropology.. Its contribution to theology lies in the way it knocks on the door of theological aesthetics, showing the enrichment that could ensue if it opened to include women, their imaginative work of critique and their constructive work of interpretation. More broadly, it takes its place in the growing body of work that contributes to the struggle for human dignity and spiritual self-determination for women that is a hallmark of our time. Read it with anticipation of bracing critique and constructive ideas, especially regarding the linkage of beauty with justice.
From the Foreword by Elizabeth A. Johnson, author of Quest for the Living God and She Who Is
The merits of this work are many and significant: the research is first-rate; the text is accessible and informative; and the gift and challenge of the Eucharist for the Christian community emerge unambiguously. The theology developed in the first half of the book-from Christology to ecclesiology, and on to liturgical theology-is a fine synthesis; it also lays an excellent foundation for the study of the Eucharistic celebration in the book's second half. This is a text that RCIA groups in parishes, no less than diocesan presbyterates, could explore to their great enrichment.
Richard Lennan, Professor of Systematic Theology, Boston College - School of Theology and Ministry
Fr. Laurance writes from the summit of his scholarship, gathering a lifetime's reflection and research in this masterful exploration of the Eucharist. It provides an up-to-date review of sources for the scholar, but is straightforward enough to be accessible to anyone wishing to deepen their experience of the Eucharist.
David Fagerberg, University of Notre Dame
Lohfink's portrait of Jesus is very much worth reading. Because he looks to the Gospels with a sympathetic yet critical eye, he gives a faithful interpretation of Jesus. And because he is faithful, Lohfink offers a portrait that is challenging-especially for the church today.
Thomas D. Stegman, S.J. America Magazine
