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Paradox Lost: Rediscovering the Mystery of God
Too often the tensions and unanswerable questions of Scripture and the Christian life are seen as barriers to faith. In Paradox Lost, pastor and author Richard Hansen shows that they are exactly the opposite—indeed, God’s mysteries are one of the places where we may encounter him most closely.
In exchange for Enlightenment-based rationalism that can stunt spiritual imagination, Hansen invites readers to:
>Discern that there is a hiddenness to God that can be inviting rather than threatening
>Appreciate that God is far greater than we sometimes assume, and to adjust our mental maps to make more space for awe
>Realize that faith and reason are not enemies but rather dance partners that complement one another
Hansen examines three kinds, or “orders,” of biblical paradox, each at a deeper level than the last, demonstrating for readers that paradox is both endemic to modern life and also a natural part of the landscape of Christian faith. Paradox Lost doesn’t seek to solve or justify paradox; instead, it looks through paradox toward what it reveals—namely a holy, mysterious, and awesome God.
In exchange for Enlightenment-based rationalism that can stunt spiritual imagination, Hansen invites readers to:
>Discern that there is a hiddenness to God that can be inviting rather than threatening
>Appreciate that God is far greater than we sometimes assume, and to adjust our mental maps to make more space for awe
>Realize that faith and reason are not enemies but rather dance partners that complement one another
Hansen examines three kinds, or “orders,” of biblical paradox, each at a deeper level than the last, demonstrating for readers that paradox is both endemic to modern life and also a natural part of the landscape of Christian faith. Paradox Lost doesn’t seek to solve or justify paradox; instead, it looks through paradox toward what it reveals—namely a holy, mysterious, and awesome God.
224 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2016
11 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Did not finish
March 3, 2026I picked this up while working on a writing project and read only those sections that were pertinent to my research.
July 19, 2020
I loved it. I needed it.
August 17, 2023
Ironically, this book on marveling at the mystery of God is immensely practical. From my perspective, the first third of the book is a slow start, but the last two-thirds are gold. For my most of my life of following Jesus, I have been puzzled about why people resist talking about the deep and seemingly paradoxical things of God. How can he be both just and loving? How can Jesus be both God and man? How can God be both transcendent and immanent? The people of God need to lean into the mystery of God. We need to know the God the unknowable God more than we need anything else and we will not Him deeply unless we are willing to wade into paradox and holy tensions. I highly recommend this book. Don’t be discouraged by the slow start and by all means, be willing to put on your thinking cap, but be willing to gaze at the beautiful mystery and majesty of the Lord.
February 11, 2019
Well written book
I found this book helpful because it lays a foundation for further study of paradox in Christian theology for those new to the subject. It articulates in a clear manner the different levels of paradox, and how they lead to change, a deeper relationship with God.
I found this book helpful because it lays a foundation for further study of paradox in Christian theology for those new to the subject. It articulates in a clear manner the different levels of paradox, and how they lead to change, a deeper relationship with God.
May 31, 2016
In this culture permeated with rational thought, we Christians might think we must understand everything, including God. I have read many books in the last few years where young pastors and theologians try to explain God to our satisfaction. What a refreshing book this one is, reminding us that God is a mystery. God is beyond our mental grasp even though He is with us. It is in the tension of paradox that Christians must live and it is a truth that has been lost.
Hansen wants us to explore biblical paradox and how it invites us to rediscover the mystery of God. How God's sovereignty and man's free will coexist is a mystery. We might refuse to think about it. We might concentrate on one truth or the other. Wrestling with this paradox ( and others) helps us gain a greater respect for the “otherness” of God, that His thoughts are so much higher than ours. He explores the paradox of the Trinity, that Jesus is fully divine and fully human, the Kingdom of God being present and not yet, God being transcendent and immanent, and many more.
“When we do not keep the high and low in constant tension, we risk accepting a caricature of God; we miss the pure note of truth heard only when the transcendent and immanent vibrate together in unison.” Living in this tension is a part of the Christian experience. It is a mystery and we are to respond in awe and wonder.
I really appreciate this book. So many preach a problem solving God, a God that can be understood. Hansen wants us to embrace the mysterious God of the Bible. He quotes St. Augustine: “If you can comprehend it, it is not God.”
Some might find that this book requires deep thinking. The questions for reflection at the end of each chapter are not light. But Jesus used paradox to capture His audience and challenge their thinking. That's what Hansen has done in this book. Reading it will help you rediscover the mysterious God of the Bible.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
Hansen wants us to explore biblical paradox and how it invites us to rediscover the mystery of God. How God's sovereignty and man's free will coexist is a mystery. We might refuse to think about it. We might concentrate on one truth or the other. Wrestling with this paradox ( and others) helps us gain a greater respect for the “otherness” of God, that His thoughts are so much higher than ours. He explores the paradox of the Trinity, that Jesus is fully divine and fully human, the Kingdom of God being present and not yet, God being transcendent and immanent, and many more.
“When we do not keep the high and low in constant tension, we risk accepting a caricature of God; we miss the pure note of truth heard only when the transcendent and immanent vibrate together in unison.” Living in this tension is a part of the Christian experience. It is a mystery and we are to respond in awe and wonder.
I really appreciate this book. So many preach a problem solving God, a God that can be understood. Hansen wants us to embrace the mysterious God of the Bible. He quotes St. Augustine: “If you can comprehend it, it is not God.”
Some might find that this book requires deep thinking. The questions for reflection at the end of each chapter are not light. But Jesus used paradox to capture His audience and challenge their thinking. That's what Hansen has done in this book. Reading it will help you rediscover the mysterious God of the Bible.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
October 19, 2016
This was an excellent book in most every way. The 200+ pages were filled with wisdom and clear writing, despite the fact the topic was mystery and paradox. I found it a great synthesis of much that I have read over the years. Hansen taps into many of the great writers that I esteem like C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, Rene Pascal and Michael Polanyi. He also introduced me to books I have overlooked but am anxious to read.
His thesis is that paradox is a pathway into a greater knowledge of and trust in God. His analogies and illustrations are practical even when one of the greatest obstacles to mystery is pragmatism--a paradox. He gave me much to chew on and wrestle with. I may use his ideas and structure as the basis for a sermon series. That is high praise from me. Walter Kaiser was fond of saying that he would preach a topical (as opposed to expository) sermon once every five years and immediately repent. I may do a topical series on paradox and my repentance will surely have to be much greater.
His thesis is that paradox is a pathway into a greater knowledge of and trust in God. His analogies and illustrations are practical even when one of the greatest obstacles to mystery is pragmatism--a paradox. He gave me much to chew on and wrestle with. I may use his ideas and structure as the basis for a sermon series. That is high praise from me. Walter Kaiser was fond of saying that he would preach a topical (as opposed to expository) sermon once every five years and immediately repent. I may do a topical series on paradox and my repentance will surely have to be much greater.
December 7, 2016
Check out this new book by Richard P. Hansen– Paradox Lost: Rediscovering the Mystery of God. Although it’s not in my usual set of coaching/leadership books, the points he makes have great impact on how we can approach ministry in today’s cultural climate.
In our desire to figure things out, we try hard to reduce God to a system we can understand. But the reality of God is too big and too complex for us to fully comprehend. Rich Hansen understands that the solution is not to quit trying, but rather to get comfortable with living in tension. As we embrace the mystery and paradox of God, we come to know him at deeper levels that go far beyond what we can figure out and control.”
Get Rich’s book to discover more about how tensions and unanswerable questions can draw us to God rather than creating barriers to faith.
In our desire to figure things out, we try hard to reduce God to a system we can understand. But the reality of God is too big and too complex for us to fully comprehend. Rich Hansen understands that the solution is not to quit trying, but rather to get comfortable with living in tension. As we embrace the mystery and paradox of God, we come to know him at deeper levels that go far beyond what we can figure out and control.”
Get Rich’s book to discover more about how tensions and unanswerable questions can draw us to God rather than creating barriers to faith.
September 5, 2016
As finite humans, we like to be able to smack a label on something and put it in a box. Then we know what it is and can get it out when we need it. But God refuses to be put in a box.
Christianity is full of mystery - and we can either write it off as a simple contradiction, or we can realize that what we can see is only the tip of the iceberg. This book helps you dive in to that mystery and use the brains that God gave you to SEEK Him! This is where you start to run into paradoxes - the tensions between two seemingly opposite things that are somehow both true at once.
If you are starting to get comfortable in your faith, read this. You will discover an infinite, amazing God who will never stop surprising you!
Christianity is full of mystery - and we can either write it off as a simple contradiction, or we can realize that what we can see is only the tip of the iceberg. This book helps you dive in to that mystery and use the brains that God gave you to SEEK Him! This is where you start to run into paradoxes - the tensions between two seemingly opposite things that are somehow both true at once.
If you are starting to get comfortable in your faith, read this. You will discover an infinite, amazing God who will never stop surprising you!
November 14, 2016
What a wonderful, thought-provoking book! I am so glad we studied this with our church small group and were able to share, struggle, and stimulate one another in our understanding of a book that demands discussion with others. I came away encouraged and excited to resume looking at scripture through the eyes of paradox. Knowing the author also helped many times because our group had the privilege of having heard sermons with some of these themes from the author and having our faith expanded and challenged because of his messages. Reading this book felt a little like hearing Rich preach and that was a blessing!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews