The Doctrine of the Incarnation Opened: An Abridgement With Introduction and Response

Edward Irving's radical theology of the incarnation, and its implications for soteriology.

In The Doctrine of the Incarnation Opened, an abridgement of Edward Irving's (1792-1834) sermons, readers have fresh access to and insightful comment on Irving's distinctive views regarding the person of Jesus Christ. The book follows the sermons in a logical progression: the goal and method of the incarnation, the events of the incarnate life and the death of Christ, and the effects of the incarnation. For Irving, God the Son's assumption of a fallen human nature was of the upmost importance, and garnered most attention. This view also dominates Irving's soteriology, according to which the incarnate Son takes over the human will, reforming the very origin of sin, and offers obedience to the Father as a sacrifice of praise.
Irving's radical Christological thought informed the thinking of notable theologians such as John McLeod Campbell, Thomas F. Torrance, and Karl Barth. With an introduction by G. McFarlane and a critical response by J.D. Cameron, The Doctrine of the Incarnation Opened provides an accessible format to engage with Irving's influential thoughts and ideas.

Edward Irving (1792-1834) was an influential and significant Scottish clergyman based in London. His teachings formed the basis of the religious movement known as Irvingism. Alexander J. D. Irving is a Theology Lecturer and Tutor at St Mellitus College, London.