Ascension Theology

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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 helpful to read the relevant chapters in advance, if you have the book. For February 1, please read Chapter Two, ‚ÄúRe-imaginings‚Äù‚Äîis the ascension (really, just) a movement of the mind? Last week, we looked at the motif of descent and ascent that runs through the Bible. The question naturally comes up: is the Ascension a physical event? Although the orthodox Christian answer has been to affirm Christ’s bodily ascension into heaven, from ancient times it was known that heaven isn’t a location in the physical universe (somewhere way up in the stars, perhaps). And thus, some writers (both ancient and modern) have taken the Ascension to be a spiritual event, a lifting up of the mind (only). We will look at their arguments during this class session.

You are welcome to join the class, even if you missed last week and even if you don’t have the book (although eventually you may wish to get it).

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