Resurrection.
Mattes, Mark C.
Resurrection. By Alister McGrath. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2008. vii
and 87 pages. Cloth. $15.00.
Resurrection is a volume in the "Truth and the Christian
Imagination" series, books authored by noted British theologian
(and scientist) Alister McGrath. The series covers traditional
theological loci, such as creation, incarnation, and redemption, but
does so by interweaving an interpretation of these doctrines in light of
Western art and poetry. This particular volume is beautiful and
thoughtful, overall a delight to read.
As many know, McGrath as a young man was an atheist and was
converted to the Christian faith through his own personal study and
reflection. Naturally, his interpretation of the meaning of
Christ's resurrection from the dead has an apologetic edge to it.
It also has a deeply pastoral edge. Both novice and seasoned Christians
will find new insights here.
The paintings that McGrath interprets in light of the Easter story
in this book include: Maurice Denis' "Holy Women Near the
Tomb," Fra Angelico's "Noli me tangere,"
Guercino's "The Incredulity of St. Thomas,"
Raphael's "Sistine Chapel," Peter Paul Rubens'
"The Conversion of Paul," and Matthias Grunewalds
"Isenheim Altarpiece." The images are thoughtfully reproduced
and close-ups from each are strikingly repeated in the respective
chapters in which they are discussed. Likewise, poems are interpreted in
order to expand upon the significance of the resurrection. These
include: T. S. Eliot's "Waste Land," John Donne's
"Divine Meditation," Christina Rossetti's "Better
Resurrection," and verse from the medieval theologians, Bernard of
Cluny and Anselm.
McGrath notes that the resurrection was an unexpected event for the
disciples since the Jews anticipated either no resurrection or a general
resurrection at the end of time. No one predicted a resurrection or an
individual in the here and now. In light of modern criticism of
miracles, McGrath thinks that to exclude the possibility or a
resurrection on a priori grounds is simply out of touch with the fact
that all worldviews, including those that preclude miracles on the basis
of the conviction that the world is governed by natural laws, rest on
faith.
Touching (but not immersed in) what Lutherans call a "theology
of the cross," McGrath notes that the resurrection of Jesus was the
resurrection of a failure. "Many of us have found ourselves in
similar dark places. Our eyes need to be opened to our weaknesses and
Haws. Why do so many find that a spectacular failure is often the
gateway to personal transformation and renewal? One answer might be that
it forces us to be honest about ourselves, destroying our comforting
illusions about our nobility and integrity" (42). There is much
here that could substantiate the "fracture" of the cross,
which destroys our attempts at any seamless thread of ontological,
moral, or psychological continuity to the world, a tear that the
resurrection does not trump. But that is not McGrath's overarching
thrust in his interpretation. Nevertheless, his insight that the
resurrection cannot be used as a defense to avoid pain, which in faith
is an "alien work" of God seeking to remake us, akin to
Christ's own experience, to be people of faith.
All in all, this little volume is a delight to the eyes and has
much wisdom to help both young and mature Christians. It is highly
recommended for either the classroom or congregational use.
Mark C. Mattes
Grand View College
Des Moines, Iowa
