This book presents a dynamic picture of Jesus and relates this picture to Jesus' fundamental and underlying relationship with his Father through the Holy Spirit. The concrete expression of that relationship in Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection is presented in a unified manner, avoiding the pitfall of majoring on only one of these aspects. This holistic and dynamic picture of Jesus in intimate fellowship with his Father through the Spirit gives the readers a valuable glimpse into the mystery of the Trinity and invites them to reflect on what it means to follow Jesus as individuals and as communities in the context of the twenty-first century with its many challenges.
Damon So is Research Tutor in theology at the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies, and the author of another book on the Trinity--Jesus' Revelation of His Father: A Narrative-Conceptual Study of the Trinity with Special Reference to Karl Barth (Paternoster, 2006). He studied theology at Oxford University and Wales University. His first doctorate was in Atmospheric Dynamics at Imperial College, London.
"All too often Christology has . . . failed to give proper account of the spiritual basis for Jesus' life and ministry as well as for his death and resurrection. This book provides a necessary corrective for this failure and shows the relevance of a Trinitarian Christology to the life and mission of the church in today's world. I wholeheartedly recommend this work by one of the most capable theologians from the Majority World."
--C. Rene Padilla
President Emeritus
Kairos Foundation, Buenos Aires
"Uniquely among those who tell the life of Jesus, Damon So succeeds in bringing out the Trinitarian character of these relationships to be seen in Jesus' story. He does this not in a merely theoretical way but in order to bring out practical implications for the Christian believer, the whole church, and for Christian mission in the world. The last chapter itself, 'The Trinity, The Kingdom Of God and Human Society,' is worth the price of the whole book."
--Joe W. Martin, Advisory Council Chaplain for the Oxford University Graduate Christian Union, former L'Abri worker
"The Forgotten Jesus is perfect for undergraduate theology and religious majors including postgraduates in this area of study and especially useful for the contemporary mission field in which the church strives to make Christ known."
--Joseph Galgalo, Academic Dean and Professor of Theology, St. Paul's University, Limuru, Kenya.
"A unique feature of this fascinating presentation of Jesus is its Trinitarian emphasis--the intimate relationship of Jesus with his Father in the Holy Spirit. This biblical presentation of Jesus in vivid images of interpersonal love is inspiring and relevant for the life of the church in the contemporary world. This book will greatly benefit church leaders and those engaged in Christian ministry who are looking for resources to enable them to present more effectively the Trinitarian Christ and the Christian message of forgiveness, reconciliation and liberation to a needy world. I wholeheartedly recommend this book."
---Corneliu Constantineanu, Executive Director, Areopagus Center for Christian Studies and Contemporary Culture, Romania
"Another book on Jesus? Yes, but it is different. This excellent refreshing look at the Trinitarian engagement in mission provides a comprehensive tool for holistic involvement in society. Dr. Damon So . . . has shown us that insightful and scholarly reflection can be both accessible to the community of disciples as well as faithful and deeply reverential to the Trinitarian revelation of God. The book will be a welcome resource for those who seek a holistic understanding of Christian faith and mission."
--C.B. Samuel
Chairman
Micah Challenge India
"The author attempts to present to lay people some important aspects of the complex subject of the Trinity--Jesus in intimate relationship with the Father through the Holy Spirit. He has succeeded not only in doing so, but also in convincing me that our understanding of the Trinity has far reaching implications for the nature of the Church, mission, and our Christian life."
--Wonsuk Ma
Executive Director
Oxford Centre for Mission Studies
"The teachings of Jesus are revolutionary in nature. His words liberate people from their spiritual blindness. His actions bring freedom to those who are physically, emotionally, mentally, or socially unwell. I appreciate the refreshing biblical presentation of the person of Jesus in this book. The author has demonstrated a wide knowledge of various traditions, including the Chinese one, in making his arguments lively and thought provoking. The theme of this book deserves our attention."
--Jason Yeung
Professor of Theology
China Graduate School of Theology, Hong Kong
'This book embodies what the late John Stott demonstrated in his own teaching ministry - deep thinking in order to produce simple teaching.'
- Graham McFarlane, BA Course Leader and Senior Lecturer in Systematic Theology, London School of Theology.
'I am impressed with the broad scope of your writing and wish you every blessing from God in your ministry.'
- the late John Stott, private communication to the author in August 2010.