Resurrection, Apocalypse, and the Kingdom of Christ

Synopsis: In recent decades few Christian themes have attracted as much attention as that of eschatology, or Christian hope. Resurrection, Apocalypse, and the Kingdom of Christ explores the meaning of this theme for Thomas F. Torrance, one of the twentieth-century's leading theologians. This study, the first of its kind, brings Torrance's eschatology to light through an exploration of the whole range of his corpus, including sermons, lectures, and correspondence. It also demonstrates that his eschatology is molded by momentous historical events such as World War II, the spread of communism, and the ecumenical movement. Out of all this, we realize that eschatology is a central component of Torrance's theology--so much so that it conditions his thinking on other Christian doctrines. Endorsements: "This treatment of Torrance's eschatology, as it took shape during his formative years as a pastor, army chaplain, lecturer, and budding ecumenical theologian, lucidly reveals a dynamic corpus of thought animated both by Scripture and by the great events of his time. There is no comparable synthesis available for those who are just discovering Torrance, or indeed for those who recall, as I do, their excitement upon first hearing or reading him on the subject.. MacLean's book will send its readers . . . to Torrance much better equipped for a fruitful engagement with him." --Douglas Farrow Professor of Christian Thought, McGill University "Stanley MacLean adds a welcome volume to the burgeoning corpus of theological literature on Thomas F. Torrance. Occasioned by great events of the twentieth century and grounded in the 'one extended event' of Jesus Christ, Torrance's eschatology is practical, pastoral, and ecumenical. MacLean carefully searches out ad hoc sources of Torrance's apocalyptic eschatology and articulates its elements with deft theological and historical sensitivity." --Richard R. Topping Professor of Studies in the Reformed Tradition, Vancouver School of Theology Author of Revelation, Scripture and Church (2007) "Thomas F. Torrance is now receiving his due as one of the outstanding theologians of the twentieth century. Stanley Stephen MacLean represents a new era of Torrance scholarship, appreciative yet critical, using unpublished resources and placing him in his historical context. MacLean presents Torrance's eschatology as Christ centered and ecclesial based, unique among most eschatologies. Those with interest in both Torrance and eschatology will be very grateful for this fine work." --Christian D. Kettler President of the Thomas F. Torrance Theological Fellowship, Professor of Theology and Philosophy, Friends University Author of The God Who Rejoices (2010) Author Biography: Stanley S. MacLean (PhD McGill University) is an Assistant Professor of Christian Studies at Keimyung University, Daegu, South Korea.