This book sets out to interpret Henri de Lubac's theology of creation
from a christological perspective. The challenge of this research has
been the absence of a systematic christology in the writings of de
Lubac. Yet it is possible to posit a Lubacian christology by sifting
through the author's work on a myriad of subjects. The point of entry is
the patristic distinction between 'image' and 'likeness', whereby
'image' is understood as an inamissible seal which bestows the divine
prerogatives of reason, freedom, immortality and dominion over nature.
'Likeness' is a potential given at creation and realised in the course
of the economy of salvation. De Lubac describes it variously as
divinisation, divine union, the supernatural dignity of the human being,
and participation in the internal movement of the Trinity. The
originality of this book consists in the gradual emergence of the role
of Christ in the process whereby image becomes likeness. De Lubac
records his intention to publish a book on Jesus Christ, an ambition he
never realised. The present book does not just illustrate the
omnipresence of Christ in the writings of de Lubac but dares to
delineate what a Lubacian christology would look like.