Transformed in Christ

Synopsis: Scholarly readings of John Chrysostom's Christology seldom examine the intimate relationship that exists between his doctrinal, sacramental, and praxeological views. The vital correlation between exegesis and praxis in patristic thought must be taken into consideration in any evaluation of christological positions. Chrysostom's doctrine of Christ is intricately bound to life in the church. Within this conceptual framework, Chrysostom's commentaries on John's Gospel and Hebrews are examined. The christological portrait that emerges from this oeuvre is a depiction of the personal continuity of the divine Son in Christ; his sacramental presence in the church, the body of Christ; and his transforming work in the Christian, to the likeness of Christ. This persuasive study demonstrates that Chrysostom's view of the Christian life is the outworking of his exegetically informed and pastorally rich christological doctrine. Endorsements: "Chrysostom is usually studied as a homiletician of remarkable rhetorical technique. This careful and probing monograph by Naidu considers him as a contributor to Christian ethics--one interested in the transformation of a human person from being a wolf to becoming a dove through coming into the ark of the church, an ark much superior to that of Noah, into which one entered as a wolf and left as a wolf." --Iain Torrance Princeton Theological Seminary "Naidu does a marvelous job of showing how Chrysostom's exegesis is driven by his concern for shaping concrete dispositions and practices of Christian piety. While giving due attention to the historical and dogmatic questions regarding the character of Chrysostom's Christology, Naidu succeeds in orienting the reader to the specifically pastoral concerns that defined this Father's approach to the biblical texts." --Ian McFarland Candler School of Theology "Naidu's engaging and lucidly written study on the Christology of St. Chrysostom is an important contribution and corrective to the literature on the 'Golden Mouthed' orator . . . The strength of Naidu's work lies in his organic treatment of Chrysostom's Christology as set within the contours of his overall thought, giving particular consideration to the sacramental and praxeological dimensions that undergird his conception of the Savior's person and work." --Alan Gomes Talbot School of Theology Author Biography: Ashish J. Naidu is Associate Professor of Theology at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, La Mirada, CA.