Bücher von Oscar Cullmann

""The object of the present work is to determine what is central in the Christian proclamation. We are tempted to represent as the ''kernel'' or ''essence'' of this proclamation that which appeals to us personally, and to consider as external and dispensable ''framework'' that which is strange to us. It is due to the richness of the Christian message that the question as to the central element from which all the other features are to be explained arises at all, and the endeavor to determine this central element must be designated the one great task of New Testament scholarship, and perhaps of all Christian theology.""--From the ForewordDr. Oscar Cullmann (1902-1999) was born in Strasbourg--then in Germany--where he studied classical philology and theology. From then on, he held a variety of teaching positions involving history and theology. He is best known for his extensive work in the ecumenical movement and can be partially credited for establishing a dialogue between the Lutheran and Roman Catholic traditions.

'Among historians of the Early Church in Europe today, none surpasses Professor Cullmann, wrote Professor F. F. Bruce in a review of this book, adding: 'this volume of studies is assured of wide and eager acceptance.' A reviewer from a quite different religious background, Father Gervase Mathew, O.P., noted that these essays are 'marked by three rare qualities: strong sanity, exact scholarship and Christian charity'. 'All are written with the author's customary distinction, clarity and orderliness, ' said an Anglican, Canon Montefiore, about this 'fine collection of brilliant essays'. The Early Church was first published in English in 1956. For this edition five of the chapters (2-6) have been selected as being of special importance, but the original pagination has been retained for the convenience of scholars. This arrangement, suggested by the volume's editor Dr A.J.B. Higgins, has been approved by Dr Cullmann