Ascension Theology

(Paperback)

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Description

Ascension Theology places the doctrine of the ascension in the context of the biblical narrative of descent and ascent, in order to shed light on the upward call of God in Christ Jesus and on the eucharistic community that hears and answers that call. It is a book for the Church as well as the academy. Ascension Theology also offers a contemporary account of the Eucharist itself. It addresses the relation of the heavenly session of Christ to the conflicting currents of the present age, and the transformation to the life of the world to come. Specialist and non-specialist alike will find much to ponder in its traditional yet controversial claims.

Reviews

How does the risen and ascended Christ exercise his life-giving lordship Farrow's answer, developed out of a rich biblical and patristic background, provides strikingly fresh and accessible insights into ecclesiology, sacramental theology, Mariology, and the ongoing Christian engagement with modern culture. The theological passion is infectious. -- R.R. Reno, Professor of Theology, Creighton University and Senior Editor, First Things
The Trinity, the Eucharist, politics, cosmic order, all look different from the vantage point he takes up in this beautifully written book...Expressed with a clarity that comes from years of careful thinking through the issues involved, Ascension Theology is an absolutely first-rate addition to the body of Catholic systematics. -- Aidan Nichols, O.P., Blackfriars, Cambridge, UK
In this bracing and engaging book, Farrow shows why it is important for Christians to grapple with the Ascension as the natural outcome of the story of Jesus and the pattern of hope for those who are "in Christ"... The study nicely bridges the gap between the ancient faith tradition and political thought today. -- Edith M. Humphrey, Professor of New Testament, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, USA
Those who read Farrow's outstanding text will be sobered - but also strengthened for the many challenges Christians will face in the years ahead. -- Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Denver, USA
I read Ascension Theology in one sitting, unable to put it down... Much contemporary theology suffers from too much talk with too little said. Farrow, on the contrary, has more than a few things to say and he admirably succeeds in expressing them in the throbbing discourse characteristic of the early fathers... No serious theologian or student of theology can afford to ignore this work. Tolle lege , take and read! -- Reinhard Htter, Professor of Christian Theology, Duke Divinity School, USA
Farrow is a widely read and deep thinker, and the book evidences a deeply passionate commitment and engages, in an often feisty manner, the many issues at stake in modernity's gnosticizing attacks on the gospel. * First Things *
Farrow's book represents a wonderful example of contemporary theological reflection based on the'traditional' Patristic interpretation of the very enigmatical episode of Christ's exaltation... We can only applaud Prof Douglas Farrow for his beneficial and inspired book and hope that it reaches the wide audience intended by its author. * Reviews of Biblical and Early Christian Studies *
The central thesis of Farrow's work, here and in his earlier book, is a crucial and timely correction to continuing 'gnostic' trends in contemporary theology. Much of what he says in commendation of Roman Catholicism is worthy of careful, if critical, response. * Regents Review *
Recommended as a Book for Christmas by George Weigel in the November issues of First Things and Crisis Magazine.
Farrow's text is enhanced through the inclusion fourteen color illustrations, a fulsome bibliography and index, and a series of pseudo-appendices that form a short prayer book for the reader's own contemplation of the Ascension. It deserves a wide readership among thinking Christians everywhere. * Catholic Library World *
[I] found Ascension Theology to be one of the best books I have ever read... This is the type of book that those of us who like to underline or highlight as we read end up marking nearly every sentence (and thereby defeating the purpose!)... In all, as I said abovea phenomenal book. * www.wheatonblog.wordpress.com *

Author Bio

Douglas Farrow is Professor of Christian Thought, McGill University, Montreal.