Jesus Christ in World History: His Presence and Representation in Cyclical and Linear Settings.
van der Watt, Jan G.
By Jan A. B. Jongeneel, with the assistance of Robert T. Coote.
Frankfurt: Peter Lang, 2009. Pp. xii, 453. 72.70 [euro]/SFr
11365.40[pounds sterling]/$112.95.
The title captures the essence of this very ambitious book, which
deals with the reception of Jesus Christ throughout history. The sheer
volume of material considered is impressive, reminding the reader of the
influence of Jesus Christ in so many areas of society worldwide.
Jan Jongeneel, working both in Utrecht (Netherlands) and at Yale
(New Haven, Connecticut) on this project, as a continuation of his Ph.D.
studies, completed in 1971, aims at describing, analyzing, and
interpreting Jesus' presence in world history, with emphasis on how
the human community has responded and represented him throughout the
centuries. Not only are Christian perspectives considered, but
interaction with non-Christian religions, worldviews, and ideologies
also receives attention in light of the various responses to Jesus. Even
misinterpretations are discussed.
The difference in the ways people look at time and history proved
to be of central importance. There is the repetitive, cyclical way of
looking at history, over against the linear perspective, which moves
toward an ultimate goal. The point of view one takes has a profound
influence on one's understanding of Jesus, a point that is
thoroughly developed in this book. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
favor the latter perspective.
This book is highly informative, but the reader should be aware
that any study treating all of history, including all religious
perspectives, is bound to be selective, discussing certain issues from a
particular point of view and missing some important perspectives, even
though ah effort is made to focus on main issues.
Jan G. van der Watt is Professor and Head of the Department of
Exegesis of the New Testament and Source Texts of Christianity, Radboud
University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
