Resurrection and Discipleship

Resurrection and Discipleship begins by describing and analyzing four approaches to the resurrection, and theologians who may be said to typify them. Lorenzen calls these approaches the "traditional" (Carl F.H. Henry and Wolfhart Pannenberg); the "liberal" (Bultmann, Knox, Strauss, Paulus, Presch, and Griffin); the "evangelical" (Barth, Kunneth, and Schillebeeckx); and the "liberation" (Moltmann and Sobrino). The purpose of these models is to increase awareness of basic families of theological orientations as they arise in interpretations of the resurrection of Jesus. This sets the scene for discussing how the church has attempted throughout history to deal with the resurrection. In Part II Lorenzen turns to the New Testament narratives themselves and how the resurrection functions as the foundational event for Christianity. He addresses the novum character of the resurrection and the problems associated with the language describing an "Act of God". Lorenzen further explores the appearances of the risen Christ, in the experience of the Holy Spirit through Easter and Pentecost, and in the empty tomb narratives. In Part III, he examines the nature and content of resurrection faith for contemporary Christian life and thought. Finally, in Part IV, Lorenzen outlines the nature and reality of the resurrection for understanding the nature of God, christology, soteriology, and for the nature and mission of the church.