Jesus Ascended - by Gerrit Dawson (Paperback)

About the Book

The book presents the Ascension as public truth, examining questions such as when did Jesus ascend - and how, where did he go, with what kind of body and into what kind of space? It discusses the nature of Jesus' victory, how it has been challenged, how i

Book Synopsis

The book presents the Ascension as public truth, examining questions such as when did Jesus ascend - and how, where did he go, with what kind of body and into what kind of space? It discusses the nature of Jesus' victory, how it has been challenged, how it has been understood at different times in history, and how it relates to his second coming. The author examines the relevance of the doctrine for personal spiritual life: our union with Christ, Jesus praying for us, worship, and our own prayers. He goes on to consider living in God's kingdom, the tension between waiting for the kingdom and working for it now, suffering, humanisation, and the church and the world today. The book approaches the Ascension thematically, making it a useful teaching tool. Its themes arise from the categories in which the Church Fathers employed the doctrine. Gerrit Dawson shows the Ascension to be a vital key to understanding in a fresh way the person and work of Christ, union with Christ, the mission of the church in the world, Christian identity and spiritual theology. A unique feature of the book is the way Dawson combines a full presentation of Nicene trinitarian Christology with its application to the practicalities of Christian life today. Praise for Jesus Ascended: 'Gerrit Dawson harkens back to an older vision of ministry, that of the pastor-theologian. This vision is remarkably illustrated in this beautifully written book that can properly lay claim to being practical theology.... Very highly recommended for both pastors and theologians who want to have a faith grounded in the continuing reality of the incarnation in the ascension of Jesus.' Andrew Purves, Princeton Theological Seminary 'This is a truly outstanding book for students, pastors and thinking Christians alike. I could not recommend it more enthusiastically!' Alan Torrance, St Andrew's University, UK 'A yawning gulf often appears between the interests of preacher and scholar, of pastor and theologian. Serious attempts to bridge that gulf are too few. This book is one of them. It brings to life the voice of the Fathers on the subject of the ascension of Jesus, and calls the church back to the roots of its faith.' Douglas Farrow, McGill University, Canada

Review Quotes

'...Dawson's case for the importance of the theology is convincing...what makes the book really special is the way that Dawson proceeds to work out the theology pastorally...Dawson is that rare thing, a true pastor-theologian. We need more of them. Read this book for the theology and apply it in your church.' Volume 22, Number 3--Sanford Lakoff "Anvil "

'This book is a welcome addition to the study of a neglected doctrine...Dawson's pastoral concern combined with his scholarly research makes this book suitable for a wide audience...For those of us studying the doctrine of the ascension in an academic setting, it is particularly refreshing to see the gulf between pastor and scholar being bridged.' Sandra Fach, King's College, London, International Journal of Systematic Theology--Sanford Lakoff

"A very helpful book... any minsiter stuck for how to teach the ascension will find much help here. I heartily commend it" Matthew Sleeman, Churchman --Sanford Lakoff

This is an extremely lucid and readable book on a central Christian doctrine that is as profoundly important theologically as it has been quietly sidelined both by preachers and theologians! With admirable openness and straightforwardness, the author articulates the reasons why discussion of the ascension is so often avoided and addresses these with historically informed and, indeed, deep-thinking theological insight. This allows him to go on to demonstrate why the doctrine, rather than being shied away from, stands to be embraced as definitive of the Good News from which the Christian faith lives. This is a truly outstanding book for students, pastors and thinking Christians alike. I could not recommend it more enthusiastically! Alan Torrance

About the Author

Gerit Dawson is Minister of First Presbyterian Church, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.