From Resurrection to New Creation: A First Journey in Christian Theology

by Michael W. Pahl

What is Christianity really all about? Is it-in its essence-about proper religious rituals, or correct religious beliefs, or acceptable moral behavior? What is at the heart of an authentic Christian faith and life? In From Resurrection to New Creation Michael Pahl provides an introduction to Christian theology which attempts to answer these questions, proposing that the heart of Christianity is not a set of rituals or beliefs or behaviors, but an event-the resurrection of the crucified Jesus from the dead-that prompts a story-the gospel or "good news" of salvation through Jesus. Jesus' resurrection, Pahl claims, is the starting place and the compass in the journey of Christian theology, our journey to understand God, God's work in the world, and how we should live out God's purposes for humanity. Thus, beginning with Jesus' resurrection and using this event as a guide, Pahl surveys the terrain of classic Christian belief and practice. The Trinity, the identity of Jesus, the work of the Holy Spirit, the nature of humanity, Christ's atonement for sin, salvation and the gospel, baptism and the Eucharist, the church and the future state-all these landscapes and more are explored in this concise introductory survey of essential Christian theology.

Genres: Theology

146 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2010

Reviews

[Paul Batz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little book by Michael W. Pahl. Honestly, I really appreciate small books like these and am tempted to buy more as readable gifts to others, even fellow committed Christians. But what is so good about about this little book that Pahl calls "a first journey in Christian theology?"

For starters, it's easy to appreciate the way Pahl initiates his book with resurrection and ends with new creation. In one sense, these are two sides of the same coin, but the emphasis is key. For Pahl, Christian theology must be centered around the resurrection of Jesus Christ and always has been since the beginning. He argues that "the resurrection of the crucified Jesus was both the starting place and the compass for the first followers of Jesus in their journey to understand God and God's work in the world and to live out God's purposes for them, and so should it be for Christians today" (5). Thus, the resurrection must be a compass or starting place for Christians. Sadly, this is something 'mature' Christians are prone to miss or simply spiritualize. Pahl's move seems to expect this kind of misstep and helpfully returns readers to the moment that transformed Calvary from a tragedy to a comedy (in the Shakespearean sense).

I also appreciate the way Pahl concludes his book with a discussion of creation with a particular emphasis on new creation. Honestly, the concept of new creation was something I hadn't encountered until university but absolutely needs to be revived within theological discourse. New creation means that what God did to Jesus' body in the resurrection is what he has planned for the entire creation. I suppose this only makes sense in light of a God who considers his creative work as something "good, good, and very good." As Pahl argues, "by resurrecting the crucified Jesus, God has begun the process of renewing the creation" (87). This is really good news.

[Aaron Villarreal · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 stars)

There are some bright spots in the book. The idea that multiple atonement theories that are usually pitted against each other can all simultaneously be true of rooted in love is fascinating. The context of the false “gospel” of the Roman Empire was a great backdrop for the death and resurrection of Jesus.

It is an easier book to read. The language is quite straightforward and accessible.

This book starts by claiming it is “a journey through the essential truths of the Christian faith” but proceeds to tell a very white, very male-centric recounting of Christian theology. Each chapter includes a bibliography, all of which are written by white men. Positing that traditionally white male theology is “essential truth” of the Christian faith connotes that ethnic or womanist theology is not essential. Furthermore, it advocates the ascendancy of white men as superior in their pursuit of theological truth. If all that one needs to have theological truth is the understandings and paradigms of white men, then any other understanding or paradigm is inessential.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

"In the beginning, God raised Jesus from the dead." It is the contention of this brief introduction to Christian theology that the resurrection of the crucified Jesus is both the center and starting point for the theologizing and practice of the earliest Christians. It should likewise be that for Christians today. This is a succinct and clear introduction to Christian theology. Includes a helpful glossary, bibliography and scripture index.

[Casey Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great, short introduction to Christian theology. I was able to read it in 5 hours one day. While I wish Pahl did more to address the identity of the Holy Spirit as a member of the Trinity, I loved every other aspect of this book- especially how he connects salvation through Christ and his resurrection with New Creation in the last, powerful chapter of the book.

[Lori Neff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice overview/intro to Christian beliefs. There were a few sections that were stirring - I especially enjoyed the last chapter on creation.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brilliant little book! I have been looking for a book to recommend to people who are interested in learning theology but have never studied it before and this book is it. Pahl takes us through all the key Christian theological points with brevity and skill. What I like most is the way he orders the topics, beginning with Jesus' resurrection, noting that it is the foundational Christian belief without which there would have been no Christianity. All else flows from that. He then moves through crucifixion, Son, gospel, Father, Spirit and New Creation. Each chapter begins with a couple questions to think about as you read and ends with discussion questions as well as suggestions for further reading. Also helpful is a glossary at the end of the book with important terms.

My only fear is that some topics are curiously absent. The biggest is the negative side of new creation: hell, separation from God. Pahl speaks strongly about Jesus' death on the cross as the answer for human sin; he emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus. It is curious that he does not answer the question about those who reject faith in Jesus? More curious, "hell" is not even in the glossary. Of course in a book this short there will be issues the author cannot get to, but something as big as this needs to be addressed.

Overall, I will be using this book with my students as a gateway into theology. If you ever wanted to read theology, check it out.