The Word Became Flesh: A Contemporary Incarnational Christology

Rating:
Summary: Great overview on many issues in Christology
Review: Lengthy volume covering the historical and biblical issues. "Conservative." Covers several viewpoints and a thoughtful evaluation of each. I wanted more detail in some areas, but it covered so much already.

Rating:
Summary: Important and insightful ... classic Erickson
Review: The primary textbook for my Christology class at seminary, Erickson is at his best here, covering all the necessary elements for a complete understanding of modern Christology. From the historical development of Chalcedonian Christology to the modern views of process and feminist Christology, all the bases are covered. The last half of the book is dedicated to an actual defense of the classical (Chalcedonian) view of who Jesus Christ was. No one can give the reader more information to process while keeping it clear and level-headed than Erickson can. This book is an extremely important piece of contemporary evangelical theology.

Rating:
Summary: Very Detailed and Thorough Study of Christ
Review: This book is a very detailed and thorough study of the history, theology, and person of Christ. Erickson goes into great detail about the councils which were formulated to combat heretical views of Christ. Further, Erickson discusses the various views, past and present, of Christ (i.e. liberation, existential, black, Universalist, feminists, etc.).

The incarnation and the resurrection of Christ are covered in great detail as well. Moreover, Erickson has a chapter that deals with the incarnation and the problem of evil. This is one of the most detailed Christological studies I have ever read. Erickson practically leaves no stone unturned in his research. What is more, Erickson documents his sources and research very well.

The book itself is for the layman and scholar alike since Erickson has a way of writing that reaches the beginner without losing the scholar (and vice versa). I highly recommend this volume for those who want to do a serious study of Christ, as well as for those who are simply wanting to gain a better grasp of who Christ is.