In this book, Chris Kugler situates Paul's imago Dei theology within the complex and contested context of second-temple Judaism and early Christianity in the Greco-Roman world. He argues that Paul adapted the Jewish wisdom and Middle Platonic traditions regarding divine intermediaries so as to present the preexistent Jesus as the cosmogonical image of God (according to which Adam himself was made) and toward which the whole of humanity was destined. In this way, Paul includes Jesus within the most exclusive theological category of second-temple Jewish monotheism: cosmogonical activity. Paul's imago Dei christology, therefore, is a clear instance of "christological monotheism." Moreover, Kugler demonstrates that this interpretation of Paul's imago Dei theology allows for a fresh reading of some of the most contested texts in Paul's letters: 2 Corinthians 3-4; Romans 7-8; and Colossians 1.15-20; 3.10. He demonstrates that at the rhetorical level, Paul presents himself and his sympathizers as true philosophers who attain to the (Middle Platonic) telos of true philosophy: the image of God; while he presents his opponents as advocates of an empty and deceitful philosophy.

Just another book about Christianity? Maybe, and then again maybe not. Many people in today's world view Christianity as an option or alternative to any of the other dominant religions. It consists of a God, a key character (Jesus), and a rulebook (the Bible). Right? Maybe not. "Being Christian" will critically walk you through what it means to meet and engage the God of Jesus. It will then critically assess what the overarching theme of the Bible is, and exactly what kind of life the Bible is urging us to live. This book turns the volume up on the true message of the Bible, and some readers will be delighted and others disturbed. You will see that the Bible is not "basic instructions before leaving Earth," but it is a deeply profound, brilliant, provocative, engaging, and ultimately life-giving book. By the end, you will be challenged by what it means to "be Christian."

Just another book about Christianity? Maybe, and then again maybe not. Many people in today's world view Christianity as an option or alternative to any of the other dominant religions. It consists of a God, a key character (Jesus), and a rulebook (the Bible). Right? Maybe not. "Being Christian" will critically walk you through what it means to meet and engage the God of Jesus. It will then critically assess what the overarching theme of the Bible is, and exactly what kind of life the Bible is urging us to live. This book turns the volume up on the true message of the Bible, and some readers will be delighted and others disturbed. You will see that the Bible is not "basic instructions before leaving Earth," but it is a deeply profound, brilliant, provocative, engaging, and ultimately life-giving book. By the end, you will be challenged by what it means to "be Christian."

In this book, Chris Kugler situates Paul's imago Dei theology within the complex and contested context of second-temple Judaism and early Christianity in the Greco-Roman world. He argues that Paul adapted the Jewish wisdom and Middle Platonic traditions regarding divine intermediaries so as to present the preexistent Jesus as the cosmogonical image of God (according to which Adam himself was made) and toward which the whole of humanity was destined. In this way, Paul includes Jesus within the most exclusive theological category of second-temple Jewish monotheism: cosmogonical activity. Paul's imago Dei christology, therefore, is a clear instance of "christological monotheism." Moreover, Kugler demonstrates that this interpretation of Paul's imago Dei theology allows for a fresh reading of some of the most contested texts in Paul's letters: 2 Corinthians 3-4; Romans 7-8; and Colossians 1.15-20; 3.10. He demonstrates that at the rhetorical level, Paul presents himself and his sympathizers as true philosophers who attain to the (Middle Platonic) telos of true philosophy: the image of God; while he presents his opponents as advocates of an empty and deceitful philosophy.