Comments on: Did Jesus ascend bodily into Heaven?

By: Bryan

Bryan — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:05:01 +0000

Thanks for the helpful comment, George. I’m adding this to my quotes folder: “Asking about the mechanics of spiritual mysteries leads to shenanigans.” With regard to the mythological elements of the Hebrew Bible, I spend a lot of time trying to get students to ask why rather than how.

By: George Faithful

George Faithful — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:00:55 +0000

Accommodating to our cosmologies, ancient and otherwise, is what Jesus does. What is Incarnation if not accommodation? Heaven as a place with a specific spatial orientation in relation to terrestrial existence might have been one of the few cognitive consolations for the disciples realizing, “Wait… now he’s really gone?” Jesus had to leave in a way that made sense to the disciples, insofar as that was possible.

If God can become human and take on a physical body, the infinite taking on the finite, it only makes sense that the he would again return to something more akin to his original state, the eternal Logos, albeit with a physical body. So, yeah, I’m going to opt for translation, however cool Space Jesus sounds.

However, I’m not sure we’re asking the right question. Asking about the mechanics of spiritual mysteries leads to shenanigans. Medieval debates about transubstantiation, for example, became concerned with what happens in the elements (Aquinas) as opposed to what happens in the hearts of believers (Bonaventure), culminating, some, in the Catholic/Protestant split.

The bottom line is not how did Jesus ascend but why: to allow his disciples, empowered by the Spirit, to become the Church; and to remind them that he would return.

That’s this historical theologian’s answer, at any rate.

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:24:36 +0000

Bryan,
Great post. This is something I’ve grappled with as well. The whole idea of “ascension” is somewhat difficult for me, we have “looked up” quite a considerable distance and there is space, stars, planets, etc. The whole idea of “heaven is up” belongs to an ancient cosmology that is difficult to share. I belong with the laity on this one as well, but I do hope a theologian posts a reply.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:49:16 +0000

I didn’t know about that movie, John. Thanks for the tip. I wonder, has there been a thriller/mystery movie in which the Catholic hierarchy plays a good guy?

By: John Anderson

John Anderson — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 13:07:42 +0000

There is a movie with a similar premise starring Antonio Banderas called “The Body.” Basically, a tomb is uncovered and potentially contains the bones of Jesus. Banderas plays a struggling scientist/priest. And the Vatican is of course involved in all sorts of evil shenanigans. I actually enjoy the movie quite a bit. And yes . . . (shame), I own it.