The Difference Heaven Makes

By focusing upon a rehearing of the Gospel news of heaven today, the author invites readers to exercise a "post-modern permission" to listen to this testimony without either the usual modernist earplugs or an uncritical post-modern "make believe." Without attempting to retrace the history of images and interpretations of heaven, Morse seeks rather to draw upon this background to get to the heart of the issue of modern eschatological and apocalyptic discussion by proposing in the foreground a "thought experiment". If we hear of heaven as that which is now at hand and coming to pass, in contrast to what Paul calls "the form of this world that is passing away," how significant would the consequences be? Morse proceeds to conduct such a retrial of the news of heaven as presence, citizenship, kingdom, creation, and proximity by testing its present day credibility with respect to such topics as the theology of heaven, the reality of heaven, the ethics of heaven, and the hope of heaven.?'Those who wrestle with speaking of God today will find a powerful stimulus in Christopher Morse's tightly argued contribution to biblical and systematic theology. Small shifts of language open up new vistas on the credibility of Christian hope and human life shaped by it, drawing the reader into an intimate and life-enhancing conversation.'
Robert Morgan, Linacre College, Oxford, UK*??'Tracing the contours of that heaven of which the gospel tells, Christopher Morse shows himself once again to be a consummate teacher of the art of discernment. Gently, boldly, clearly and profoundly, he helps us to hear afresh the good news about heaven's coming for the sake of a more vivid faith, courageous service and abiding hope. The result is a work of distinctive value to scholars, students and preachers. Surely we may count Morse amongst those students of the scriptures who, having gone to school with the kingdom of heaven, bring forth treasures both new and old. For this book is just such a treasure.'*
-- Philip G. Ziegler, University of Aberdeen
-Publisher.

Publisher Description

A fresh investigation into the Gospel news of heaven, by one of America's most prominent theologians
By focusing upon a rehearing of the Gospel news of heaven today, Christopher Morse invites readers to exercise a "post-modern permission" to listen to this testimony without either the usual modernist earplugs or an uncritical post-modern "make believe."

Without attempting to retrace the history of images and interpretations of heaven, Morse seeks rather to draw upon this background to get to the heart of the issue of modern eschatological and apocalyptic discussion by proposing in the foreground a "thought experiment." If we hear of heaven as that which is now at hand and coming to pass, in contrast to what Paul calls "the form of this world that is passing away," how significant would the consequences be? Morse proceeds to conduct such a retrial of the news of heaven and its present day credibility by considering the influential legacy of a twentieth century trajectory of theology that responded to the provocative claims of Johannes Weiss.

The Difference Heaven Makes is rewarding reading, both for those who may be well versed in this theological background, as well as for others who may be less so, but who nevertheless share equally an interest in giving fresh attention to the "So what?" question of heaven.