The Human Being: A Theological Anthropology

Synopsis

This overview of Christian anthropology by Hans Schwarz uniquely emphasizes three things: (1) the biblical testimony, (2) the historical unfolding of Christian anthropology through the centuries, and (3) the present affirmation of Christian anthropology in view of rival options and current scientific evidence. Schwarz begins by elucidating the special place occupied by human beings in the world, then ponders the complex issue of human freedom, and concludes by investigating humanity as a community of men and women in this world and in the world beyond. While maintaining a strong biblical orientation, Schwarz draws on a wide range of resources, including philosophy and the natural sciences, in order to map out what it means to be human. Schwarz's Human Being will interest anyone who is concerned with how in the face of fascinating scientific insights we can intelligently talk today about human sinfulness, human freedom, and human beings as children of the God who created us. PART I: A SPECIAL PLACE IN THE WORLD. The Biblical Perspective -- The Biological Perspective -- The Philosophico-Religious Perspective -- PART II: HUMAN FREEDOM. The Perspective of the Sciences -- The Biblical View of Human Evil -- The Understanding of Sin in the Tradition of the Church -- PART III: HUMANITY AS A COMMUNITY OF MEN AND WOMEN. Distinction and Unity of Man and Woman -- Human Destiny. Hans Schwarz. Includes bibliographical references and indexes.