THE TRANSFIGURATION OF CHRIST:
An Exegetical and Theological Reading
By Patrick Schreiner
Baker Academic. 184 pages. £20.99
ISBN 978 1 540 965 967
The author wants to take us up the mountain with him. Of course climbing mountains is a demanding task, but the reward at the top is always worth the effort. So it is with this book.
I was drawn to it because the record of the Lord’s Transfiguration has always been one of my favourite moments in the Gospels. This volume stretched and challenged me, but it did not disappoint – the view is awe-and worship-inspiring.
It is, as the subtitle states, an exegetical reading – there is a careful, thoughtful opening up of particular texts and the use of texts across Scripture. But it is also a theological reading and as such draws on broad range of theological considerations and authors.
The introduction states: ‘My basic assertion in this book is this: The Transfiguration reveals Jesus’s double sonship. In the Transfiguration, both the future glory of the earthly and suffering messianic Son and the pre-existent glory of the heavenly and eternally begotten Son are revealed.’
Every aspect of the glorious event is carefully considered and reflected on.
Chapter 1: The Necessity of the Transfiguration. This explores five reasons why we tend to neglect the Transfiguration and a further five reasons why we should not.
Chapter 2: The Glorious Setting. The significance of the six/eight days, the mountain itself, the three witnesses – Peter, James and John – and the idea of spiritual ascent are all explored.
Chapter 3: The Glorious Signs. The Lord’s shining face and clothes, the cloud and Moses and Elijah are considered.
Chapter 4: The Glorious Sayings. Peter’s ‘inglorious’ words and the Father’s words are weighed. Here too the idea of union and being ‘partakers of the divine nature’ is explored.
Chapter 5: The Transfiguration and Theology. From Creation to New Creation and taking in the incarnation, Jesus’ baptism, Gethsemane, the cross and the resurrection, ascension and return are all duly weighed.
Conclusion: A Brief Biblical Theology of the Transfiguration.
There is also a helpful Appendix: Light from Light, and a sizeable Bibliography.
The writer draws on some of the riches of the Church Fathers. If you are unfamiliar with this territory it may be daunting, but you will find it illuminating and perhaps a taster for more. The language of hermeneutics, the Trinity and Christology are all employed to grapple with the heavenly scene.
This will be particularly helpful for preachers, who will find much to stimulate the mind and the heart. The general reader needs to be prepared for some unfamiliar terminology and maybe have a theological dictionary to hand – but then mountain climbing always requires some special equipment.
The view from a mountain top is expansive – we see a panoramic sweep and far into the distance. When you return, it leaves you with perspectives and impressions that last.
You may at times differ with the author, or have a different understanding, but you will gain from the climb. Although, like the disciples, we cannot stay there on the mountain – the glorious vision stirs worship, hope and anticipation. This book will encourage us to revisit the mountain as we go back again and again to the Gospels. Always a good thing!
