|
For all the saints?Remembering the Christian departedAll hallows?FOR ALL THE SAINTS? This intriguing title hides a thought-provoking new book. Those who have quailed at Tom Wright's more imposing volumes will be delighted by this more focussed and easily accessible paperback. The theological focus here is on Heaven, Hell, Purgatory and what happens to Christians when they die. However, the aim of the book is narrower than a general treatment. In his introduction, Wright is concerned to address theological and pastoral questions, and interestingly, liturgical practices. He observes, 'The story you tell with your body, with your outward behaviour and habits, is the story you learn in your heart'. As with hymns, Wright is concerned that bad theology is learnt through bad liturgy. Unashamedly, the book is aimed at Anglicans, though it will be of interest to all. Wright is alarmed at the pastoral message sent to the bereaved by implying purgatory through our words and liturgies. Throughout the book he graciously refutes a number of errors: purgatory, praying to saints (demolishing the false distinction between 'saints' and 'ordinary' Christians), praying for the dead, universalism and the notion that heaven before the general resurrection is the height of Christian hope. It is refreshing to hear an Anglican Bishop speak with such forthrightness, to uphold the glorious certainty of Christian assurance. If there is a disappointment, it is that Wright is vague on Hell, and tentatively advocates conditional immortality, which many will not agree with. Don't let it stop you reading it though - you will have missed a treat. Neil Jeffers,
|