Ascension Theology

by Douglas B. Farrow

Overview

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 Theologyalso 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780567353573
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	05/05/2011
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

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

Table of Contents

Preface\1. The Upward Call\2. Re-imaginings\3. Raising the Stakes\4. A Question of Identity\5. Presence in Absence\6. The Politics of the Eucharist\7. Ascension and Atonement\Epilogue\A Summary of the Anaphoric Work of Christ\Prayers for Ascensiontide\Bibliography\List of Images\Index

Editorial 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.

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.

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.

From the Publisher

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

Recommended as a Book for Christmas by George Weigel in the November issues of First Things and Crisis Magazine.

George Weigel in the November issues of First Things and Crisis Magazine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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