The Missing Ending

Author Moira Astin
Publisher Canterbury £16.99
Format pbk
ISBN 978186226037

This book was an unexpected surprise and pleasure, supplying a rare opportunity to study the Ascension in greater detail. Too often this festival is given limited recognition, falling as it does on a Thursday – 40 days after Easter. Astin takes us on a journey created on two levels, allowing us to be selective according to need. First, familiar ground is covered and examined as we move through Old Testament, Apocrypha, Gospels and Epistles, setting in context the final joyous occasion of Jesus’ life on earth and his transportation back to heavenly realms. Other chapters tell us what happened at the Ascension, why it happened and what this means today. These chapters are useful for Bible study groups. The remaining text offers a more in-depth study of early biblical interpretation, the effects of the Reformation, when the doctrine of the Ascension was almost lost, to revival in the 20th century. The views of theologians are described and discussed as they appear down the centuries. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate afresh the meaning and significance of the Ascension both here on earth and in the joys of heaven.

Reviewed by BETTY TAYLOR

Ascensiontide