Unveiling the Pre-Bethlehem Christ: A Review of Carl Dodrill's "Jesus Is There"

Carl Dodrill's Jesus Is There: Discovering Jesus at Work in the Old Testament offers a compelling and thoroughly researched exploration into a fundamental theological question: What was Jesus's role and presence during the centuries of Old Testament history, prior to his birth in Bethlehem? This book challenges the common perception that Christ's direct engagement with humanity began solely with the New Testament narrative, presenting a meticulously argued case for his active participation throughout the ancient Hebraic era.

Dodrill addresses a critical lacuna in popular theological understanding. He posits that if Jesus truly cares for humanity, it defies rationality to assume his complete disengagement during the Israelites' trials, struggles, and periods of dire need for divine guidance. The book embarks on an ambitious journey to uncover this hidden narrative, employing a unique, empirically-based approach that distinguishes it from more traditional exegetical studies.

Central to Dodrill's methodology is the identification of "three keys" derived from the New Testament, which he rigorously argues reliably differentiate the person and work of Christ from that of God the Father. The author provides clear guidelines for the application of these keys, a process that reflects a deep scholarly commitment and an innovative spirit. These guidelines are then systematically applied to 25 carefully selected Old Testament passages where divine activity is unequivocally present.

The results of Dodrill's in-depth studies are, as he contends, remarkably clear: "Jesus Is There." He meticulously demonstrates that Christ was far more actively involved with people in the Old Testament than commonly assumed, fulfilling roles of direction, support, and profound care. The book's reliance on resources such as the Septuagint further enhances its scholarly credibility, providing a rich textual basis for its claims.

Jesus Is There is an invaluable resource for theologians, biblical scholars, and any serious student of Scripture seeking a broadened and deepened understanding of Christ's eternal nature and pervasive involvement in human history. Dodrill's work is not merely an academic exercise; it is an invitation to re-examine long-held assumptions and to embrace a more expansive view of divine providence. This book stands as a significant contribution to Christology, challenging readers to recognize the continuous thread of Jesus's loving engagement woven throughout the entirety of biblical revelation.

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