Thomas F. Torrance’s Theology of the Ascension

This essay utilizes the three lenses of holism (ontology, spatiality, present ministry) from a recent study on Torrance’s theology of the ascension to provide a practical theological dogmatic sketch. Specifically, through Torrance’s trenchant acknowledgement of a robustly embodied ascended Christ, this work maintains that theological anthropology will be distinctly embodied in the eschaton, leading retrospectively and prospectively to a thoroughgoing rejection of all forms of Platonic thinking. Torrance’s theology of space-time that affirms a spatiality attuned toward reconciliation and new creation arguably offers a macroscopic theological vision for concrete places in the world today. The salvific import of the doctrine of the ascension in Torrance’s thought is a generative insight that can dialogue with proposals in mission theology that are calling for a paradigm shift from a cross-centered theology to one that is centered on the ascension, especially with respect to missions and evangelism. Cumulatively, through such an exploration, this article will demonstrate that Torrance’s theology of the ascension is a fecund resource (albeit with certain shortcomings) that is not just theologically sophisticated but also practically relevant.