Array
(
[date] => Wednesday, February 8, 2012
[scope] =>
[year] =>
[month] =>
[post_id] => 79257
[series_id] =>
[day_titles_only] =>
[exclusive] => 1
[return] => formatted
[formatted] =>
[show_date] =>
[show_meta] =>
[show_content] => 1
[admin] =>
[debug] => 1
[filter_types] => Array
(
[0] => primary
[1] => secondary
)
[type_labels] => Array
(
[primary] => Primary
[secondary] => Secondary
[other] => Other
)
[the_date] => Wednesday, February 8, 2012
)
For many years, Fr Austin has wanted to have a class on the Ascension–perhaps the most overlooked Christian doctrine and yet one of profound importance. Finally, there is a good book that will work for us: Douglas Farrow’s Ascension Theology.
What do we mean when we say Christ ascended into heaven and is seated at the Father’s right hand? Starting Wednesday, January 25, you have the opportunity of studying this doctrine and learning its broad biblical basis, the importance of the ascension being bodily, its relation to the Eucharist, and much more. Farrow’s book is beautifully printed and illustrated, and it is concise (which is not to say it’s light reading!).
It is very helpful to read the relevant chapters in advance. For February 8, please read Chapter Three, ‚ÄúRaising the Stakes‚Äù‚Äîthe implications of the more biblical alternative: ascension in the flesh. St Irenaeus is an important early figure in this line of interpretation. It is the orthodox view, stated clearly (for instance) in the 39 Articles of our church, and yet it poses fundamental questions: what does it mean to take a body into “heaven”–where the Father is (“who art in heaven”)? How can we understand Jesus taking his full humanity including his body “up” to the Father?
