Christ Is Community

Jerome Neyrey reveals a revolutionary insight: the New Testament's diverse portraits of Jesus aren't contradictions, they're pastoral wisdom. Early Christians didn't distort Christ's image; they practiced "theological empathy," adapting the gospel to communities facing persecution, exile, and cultural upheaval. Through social-scientific analysis, Neyrey shows how Mark's inclusive healer, John's cosmic revealer, and Paul's crucified wisdom each addressed specific crises in first-century communities.

In this KitUP, youll learn:

• Christology is inherently social, shaped by community experience and trauma

• Biblical diversity reflects intentional pastoral strategy, not theological confusion

• Ancient patterns of adaptation offer guidance for modern faith communities