Thomas F. Torrance’s Theology of the Ascension
A Constructive Account
- Theology
- Publisher: Cascade Books (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2025
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Publisher's Description
The ascension is a crucial doctrine, integrally related to the incarnation. When it is underemphasized, it results in an impoverishment of our theology of Christ, the church, human beings, and eschatology. T. F. Torrance's theology offers a compelling vision and holistic doctrine of the ascension that, notwithstanding its flaws, deserves a careful and detailed examination. Torrance develops a holistic account of the ascension by considering the ontology, spatiality, and present ministry of the ascended Jesus. What results is a theological construction that affirms the ascended body of Christ and understands the Lord to be currently serving as our human representative in a ministry of priestly intercession, prophetic declaration, and ascended kingship. Torrance is able to do this without succumbing to literalism (space travel), demythologization (metaphorical reading), or Pelagianism (human effort-based sanctification and glorification). This book interprets and then develops Torrance's theology of the ascension in critical dialogue with contemporary theological interlocutors.
Endorsements (4)
“T. F. Torrance’s multi-dimensional theology of Christ’s ascension is one of the highlights of his dogmatic theology. In his clear and scholarly analysis, Dr. John has produced the most detailed study yet of this subject. His work is an important addition to the growing body of secondary literature on Torrance.”
“An undervalued event in salvation history, the ascension was given considerable space in early Reformed theologies. Torrance recovered this interest, and my friend Stavan Narendra John has turned over this soil with considerable skill. I highly recommend this not only as the gold standard for interpreting Torrance but as a wonderful exploration of this essential truth.”
“Recognizing Torrance’s theology of the ascension as a ‘modern theological classic,’ this important study represents the first full-length monograph on this topic. Developing Torrance’s own position in detail, Stavan John also critically engages with Torrance, while stressing that Torrance’s holistic account of the ascension ‘affirms a realist theology of the ascended body’ enabling a robust view of Christ’s continued priestly mediation. This is a must-read for Torrance scholars and anyone interested in serious theology.”
“Stavan John’s comprehensive discussion and critical evaluation of Torrance’s theology of the ascension provides a deeper understanding of this essential Christian belief. I commend the author for his skillful effort to constructively develop Torrance’s theology in conversation with renowned theologians—both contemporary and of old. A valuable resource on the complicated doctrine of Christ’s ascension, I highly recommend it to all serious students of theology!”
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