Christian Theology Today: An Appreciative Response to David Fergusson’s Review of Christianity and Creation and Jesus of Nazareth ( Exp Tim,April 2009)

Abstract

In this response to David Fergusson’s review of his Christianity and Creation and Jesus of Nazareth, James Mackey considers three apparently contrasting ideas: creation-out-of-nothing and emanation; transcendence and immanence; and absolute idealism and absolute realism. The relationship of each to the possibility of seeing a divine, loving personhood rather than God as an impersonal ground of being is discussed, and it is argued that these are not contrasting but co-ordinate ideas. The meaning of resurrection is then considered, from the perspective of Jesus’ own understanding, and the purpose of the resurrection appearances is explored: as demonstrating the possibility of encountering the real and full presence of the risen Christ, particularly in the fellowship of the Eucharistic meal; and that the true way of the Messiah is a path of service and suffering rather than power and might.