The self-giving God and salvation history : the Trinitarian theology of Johannes von Hofmann

Hofmann (1810-1877) was one of the most significant theologians of the 19th century and perhaps the century’s most influential Lutheran theologian. Matthew L. Becker introduces us to Hofmann’s trinitarian view of God. According to Hofmann, God freely chose to give himself out of divine love. Becker’s book centers on Hofmann’s understanding of history. In Hofmann’s trinitarian kenosis, the eternal God has become historical by self-emptying God’s self into Jesus. For Hofmann, world history can only be understood within the historical self-giving of the triune God who is love. Thus, for Hofmann all of history is salvation-history, a kind of history that embraces and fulfills God’s purposes in the world. Matthew L. Becker is a Professor of Theology at Concordia University, Portland, Oregon. An ordained Lutheran minister, Dr. Becker has served congregations in Chicago and Orgegon. He is a co-editor of God Opens Doors, a history of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in the Pacific Northwest. Hofmann's Life And Work -- Basic Interpretations Of Hofmann's Theology -- The Object Of Theology -- Theological Hermeneutics -- Excursus : Hofmann And German Idealism -- Evaluation And Criticism Of Hofmann's Method -- Trinitarian Historicality : The Self-determining God -- Trinitarian Historicality And The World Of Becoming -- A New Way To Teach Old Truth : Trinitarian Kenosis -- The Future Of Humanity : The Church In The World -- The Future Of God : Heilsgeschichte And Weltgeschichte -- Evaluation And Criticism Of Hofmann's Doctrine Of God. Matthew L. Becker ; Foreword By B.a. Gerrish. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 259-275) And Index.