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The Sign and the Sacrifice: The Meaning of the Cross and Resurrection
Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, presents the Gospel accounts of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection as viewed through the eyes of those who witnessed them. The Sign and the Sacrifice explores the meaning of the cross and the significance of Christ's resurrection, discussing what these events meant to Jesus' followers in the early years and what they can say to us today.
114 pages, Paperback
Published November 29, 2016
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312 people want to read
About the author
Rowan Williams
260 books337 followersRowan Douglas Williams, Baron Williams of Oystermouth, is an Anglican bishop, poet, and theologian. He was Archbishop of Canterbury from December 2002-2012, and is now Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge and Chancellor of the University of South Wales.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 29, 2017
There is our theological starting point. Believing in the resurrection is believing that the new age has been inaugurated, the new world has begun. And that the new world is, as we might put it, the final phase of the history of God's relation with his people. So to say Jesus is risen is to say that we have now entered on the last days, the final decisive phase of God's interaction with Israel and through Israel, with the whole world.
Such a gem in the study of the resurrection. If you are like me and have gone to church for any length of time, we know the resurrection has power and is the foundation of the Christian faith. This study goes even deeper of the significance of the resurrection with our relationship with others, God, the church, the end times and even prayer.
One of the things that blew me away which may not be significant for you is the reason why we worship on Sunday. I have heard because of Easter and the significance of Easter. But it goes even deeper than that. The resurrection implies new beginning. Sunday the first day of the week is a new beginning each and every week.
Along with the resurrection comes the cross. The cross encompasses sacrifice, victory and will take a lifetime to appreciate it's true meaning. With both, we come to know the God of mercy and justice. Nothing as sweeter as that.
A Special Thank You to Westminster John Knox Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Such a gem in the study of the resurrection. If you are like me and have gone to church for any length of time, we know the resurrection has power and is the foundation of the Christian faith. This study goes even deeper of the significance of the resurrection with our relationship with others, God, the church, the end times and even prayer.
One of the things that blew me away which may not be significant for you is the reason why we worship on Sunday. I have heard because of Easter and the significance of Easter. But it goes even deeper than that. The resurrection implies new beginning. Sunday the first day of the week is a new beginning each and every week.
Along with the resurrection comes the cross. The cross encompasses sacrifice, victory and will take a lifetime to appreciate it's true meaning. With both, we come to know the God of mercy and justice. Nothing as sweeter as that.
A Special Thank You to Westminster John Knox Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
January 16, 2017
The former Archbishop of Canterbury, and now Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, continues to produce brief but insightful works that invite us to dive deeper into the Christian faith. In The Sign and the Sacrifice, Williams explores the meaning of the cross and resurrection, two central elements of the Christian faith.
The first section of the book explores the meaning of the cross in three chapters. The first chapter, titled "The Sign," reminds us that in the earliest days of the church, the cross was the symbol of "suffering, humiliation, and disgrace." It was, the sign of "an empire that held life very cheap indeed" (pp. 3-4). Yet, it became the symbol of the Christian faith. This required a lot of explaining on their part, and they found in the cross a sign of a word that was changed by what happened on a cross. As for those who would suggest otherwise, that the cross wasn't an early sign, the New Testament suggests otherwise. It became a sign of God's love and freedom, as well as divine forgiveness.
It is a sign, but the cross is also sacrifice. Williams takes note of the discomfort many have with sacrificial language, in large part due to the ways in which sacrifice has been understood. Again, he reminds us that there is no pre-cross Christianity, and the New Testament links the cross to sins. With that in mind, Williams helpfully explores the nature of sacrifice in the Old Testament and New Testament, opening up the variety of ways it is understood. He speaks of three ways in which the New Testament spoke of the death of Christ as sacrifice. First, it speaks in terms of a rescue operation. Secondly, this rescue operation isn't just about the fate of individuals, but of the community. Finally, it is understood in the context of covenant. It seals the relationship between God and community. Noting that the cross is understood as symbol or metaphor, to take up the cross is understood to be a sacrifice of obedience. As Williams writes, "this is a world in which if you try to give your heart to God you may find your blood shed" (p. 31). As such it is a gift of God to God.
The third chapter in part 1, explores the Cross as Victory. Turning to the Gospel of John, Williams notes that Jesus' final words are "It is Finished." These are words of victory. It is a victory because "he has conquered, because he has at each moment given himself in unreserved love, dedication and obedience to God and to the needs of the world" (pp. 40-41). In early Christian thought, the cross becomes a throne, from which God reigns. We see this idea present in the Christus Victor vision of the atonement.
From the cross we move to the Resurrection. There are two chapters: "The Resurrection -- Then" and "The Resurrection -- Now." In the first of these two chapters, Williams invites us to explore what the New Testament has to say about Resurrection. As with the Cross, he brings the Resurrection front and center. He speaks of the Resurrection as the inauguration of a new age. Thus, talk of the end of the world here means seeing a transition from the old age to the new age. This is the final vision of God and God's world. In this new age Jesus is alive and active. All Christian theology is rooted in the Resurrection. He writes that "you can't simply have a theology about Jesus which is about the Jesus who walked in Galilee and nothing more" (p. 69). We're talking of the church not the "Jesus of Nazareth Society." And by resurrection, Williams doesn't mean something that is "internal to the minds of Christian believers" (p. 75). The claim of the New Testament is that Jesus appeared alive to the disciples. This was an event that changed the world.
In chapter 5, Williams looks at "Christ's resurrection -- now."In this chapter, Williams speaks of five dimensions of the good news that the resurrection holds out for us today. First of all, the resurrection is a sign that "human beings matter." Human life has purpose. We have a destiny, and that is to participate in the transformative work of God. Secondly, the resurrection speaks to the possibility that the world can (and has) changed. Third, "death cannot defeat us." The message of the resurrection is something more than bland immortality. It's not just survival after death; but the confronting of the reality of death, knowing that God is greater than death. Fourth, the resurrection is a sign that Christ prays within us. In prayer, the Spirit makes Christ real in us. Finally, the resurrection is a sign that "God cares for all creation." That is, God will transfigure not erase or cancel out the material existence.
In his epilogue, Williams points our attention to an icon at St. Andrew Holborn. It pictures the risen Christ reaching down to pull up a now mature Adam and Eve from death into life. This is the picture of a new creation, but it is a new creation that involves "humanity as it has become, our humanity, suffering and struggling, failed and failing. The resurrection is not about the wiping out of our history, pain or failure, it is about how pain and failure themselves -- humanity marked by history -- may yet be transfigured and made beautiful" (pp. 102-103). There is something powerful about that image. God is not wiping away what has transpired, but God does transform it. In this there is good news.
This is a thoughtful book that is deeply orthodox and yet challenging and provocative. It is the kind of book that we need as we move through a new century as the body of Christ.
The chapters in this book have their roots in presentations previously given. They appear to be messages delivered to lay audiences. Thus the chapters have theological depth befitting one who is a trained theologian and yet are accessible to the general reader.
The first section of the book explores the meaning of the cross in three chapters. The first chapter, titled "The Sign," reminds us that in the earliest days of the church, the cross was the symbol of "suffering, humiliation, and disgrace." It was, the sign of "an empire that held life very cheap indeed" (pp. 3-4). Yet, it became the symbol of the Christian faith. This required a lot of explaining on their part, and they found in the cross a sign of a word that was changed by what happened on a cross. As for those who would suggest otherwise, that the cross wasn't an early sign, the New Testament suggests otherwise. It became a sign of God's love and freedom, as well as divine forgiveness.
It is a sign, but the cross is also sacrifice. Williams takes note of the discomfort many have with sacrificial language, in large part due to the ways in which sacrifice has been understood. Again, he reminds us that there is no pre-cross Christianity, and the New Testament links the cross to sins. With that in mind, Williams helpfully explores the nature of sacrifice in the Old Testament and New Testament, opening up the variety of ways it is understood. He speaks of three ways in which the New Testament spoke of the death of Christ as sacrifice. First, it speaks in terms of a rescue operation. Secondly, this rescue operation isn't just about the fate of individuals, but of the community. Finally, it is understood in the context of covenant. It seals the relationship between God and community. Noting that the cross is understood as symbol or metaphor, to take up the cross is understood to be a sacrifice of obedience. As Williams writes, "this is a world in which if you try to give your heart to God you may find your blood shed" (p. 31). As such it is a gift of God to God.
The third chapter in part 1, explores the Cross as Victory. Turning to the Gospel of John, Williams notes that Jesus' final words are "It is Finished." These are words of victory. It is a victory because "he has conquered, because he has at each moment given himself in unreserved love, dedication and obedience to God and to the needs of the world" (pp. 40-41). In early Christian thought, the cross becomes a throne, from which God reigns. We see this idea present in the Christus Victor vision of the atonement.
From the cross we move to the Resurrection. There are two chapters: "The Resurrection -- Then" and "The Resurrection -- Now." In the first of these two chapters, Williams invites us to explore what the New Testament has to say about Resurrection. As with the Cross, he brings the Resurrection front and center. He speaks of the Resurrection as the inauguration of a new age. Thus, talk of the end of the world here means seeing a transition from the old age to the new age. This is the final vision of God and God's world. In this new age Jesus is alive and active. All Christian theology is rooted in the Resurrection. He writes that "you can't simply have a theology about Jesus which is about the Jesus who walked in Galilee and nothing more" (p. 69). We're talking of the church not the "Jesus of Nazareth Society." And by resurrection, Williams doesn't mean something that is "internal to the minds of Christian believers" (p. 75). The claim of the New Testament is that Jesus appeared alive to the disciples. This was an event that changed the world.
In chapter 5, Williams looks at "Christ's resurrection -- now."In this chapter, Williams speaks of five dimensions of the good news that the resurrection holds out for us today. First of all, the resurrection is a sign that "human beings matter." Human life has purpose. We have a destiny, and that is to participate in the transformative work of God. Secondly, the resurrection speaks to the possibility that the world can (and has) changed. Third, "death cannot defeat us." The message of the resurrection is something more than bland immortality. It's not just survival after death; but the confronting of the reality of death, knowing that God is greater than death. Fourth, the resurrection is a sign that Christ prays within us. In prayer, the Spirit makes Christ real in us. Finally, the resurrection is a sign that "God cares for all creation." That is, God will transfigure not erase or cancel out the material existence.
In his epilogue, Williams points our attention to an icon at St. Andrew Holborn. It pictures the risen Christ reaching down to pull up a now mature Adam and Eve from death into life. This is the picture of a new creation, but it is a new creation that involves "humanity as it has become, our humanity, suffering and struggling, failed and failing. The resurrection is not about the wiping out of our history, pain or failure, it is about how pain and failure themselves -- humanity marked by history -- may yet be transfigured and made beautiful" (pp. 102-103). There is something powerful about that image. God is not wiping away what has transpired, but God does transform it. In this there is good news.
This is a thoughtful book that is deeply orthodox and yet challenging and provocative. It is the kind of book that we need as we move through a new century as the body of Christ.
The chapters in this book have their roots in presentations previously given. They appear to be messages delivered to lay audiences. Thus the chapters have theological depth befitting one who is a trained theologian and yet are accessible to the general reader.
June 10, 2018
Lenten house church. There were some interesting historical points, but I found it a bit tone deaf at parts, particularly "The Victory" chapter. For instance, Rowan Williams acknowledges the problematic use of militaristic victory language in worship by glossing over the Crusades:
"It has to be said that the later history of this hymn and its image does have its shadows. 'The royal banners' was the favourite hymn of the Crusaders, suggesting that they had somewhat missed the point of the original."
Then, later, he discusses the first verse of "Love, unknown" without addressing the Jew-blaming later verses. Missed opportunity.
"It has to be said that the later history of this hymn and its image does have its shadows. 'The royal banners' was the favourite hymn of the Crusaders, suggesting that they had somewhat missed the point of the original."
Then, later, he discusses the first verse of "Love, unknown" without addressing the Jew-blaming later verses. Missed opportunity.
March 16, 2017
I won this Free book through Goodreads First reads.
The cross is a sign of God's forgivness.
In the old testament tha lamb was the sacrifice for mans atonement.
In the new testament Christ was the sacrifice for mans sins. It's a free gift.
The cross is a sign of God's forgivness.
In the old testament tha lamb was the sacrifice for mans atonement.
In the new testament Christ was the sacrifice for mans sins. It's a free gift.
January 21, 2018
The Sign and the Sacrifice is far more profound than I initially thought it was immediately after finishing. One of the endorsements touches on its profundity by making a very bold, but nonetheless accurate statement. What makes the book so elegant is it’s masterful blend of subtlety, depth, and brevity.
It’s hard to articulate how much is packed into this book, which one can easily read in a single sitting. I strongly recommend against that course of action though! After finishing it, parts of the book kept calling me back, and I opened it up again to re-read the chapter on sacrifice. It was only then that I realized just how enormous this book is, all 100 or so pages of it. The Sign and the Sacrifice is better suited as a Lenten devotional, or a small group book - read through it slowly, meditate on its contents, and let the impenetrable, yet immanent mysteries of Christ’s death and resurrection bring vitality to both your heart and mind.
It’s hard to articulate how much is packed into this book, which one can easily read in a single sitting. I strongly recommend against that course of action though! After finishing it, parts of the book kept calling me back, and I opened it up again to re-read the chapter on sacrifice. It was only then that I realized just how enormous this book is, all 100 or so pages of it. The Sign and the Sacrifice is better suited as a Lenten devotional, or a small group book - read through it slowly, meditate on its contents, and let the impenetrable, yet immanent mysteries of Christ’s death and resurrection bring vitality to both your heart and mind.
April 5, 2023
Perfect for Holy Week
I have never regretted reading a book by Rowan Williams. This book is perfect for holy week, and is encapsulation of the importance of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and why it matters. Centuries of Christian teaching are explained in clear and powerful ways that anyone can understand in this short, but potent book. I especially loved the first century Christian view of atonement and the end of the world and how clearly different the early church view on them is from ours. God has not reached the end of God’s resources just because we have reached the end of ours.
I have never regretted reading a book by Rowan Williams. This book is perfect for holy week, and is encapsulation of the importance of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and why it matters. Centuries of Christian teaching are explained in clear and powerful ways that anyone can understand in this short, but potent book. I especially loved the first century Christian view of atonement and the end of the world and how clearly different the early church view on them is from ours. God has not reached the end of God’s resources just because we have reached the end of ours.
February 19, 2019
Marvelous reflection on Christ’s Crucifixion and Resurrection
A Marvelous reflection on Christ’s Crucifixion and Resurrection by the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams! A short and well-written, and very readable reflection that I highly recommend!
A Marvelous reflection on Christ’s Crucifixion and Resurrection by the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams! A short and well-written, and very readable reflection that I highly recommend!
November 28, 2019
Short but profound reflections on the cross and resurrection of Jesus. I like some of Williams' points more than others, but it's refreshing to read reflections on such central events in the faith that are both down-to-earth and genuinely insightful.
July 1, 2024
This is a wonderful work on Jesus’s atonement, death, and resurrection that certainly illuminated many aspects of doctrine for me in ways I’d previously not considered. I appreciated the thoughtful and earnest approach to the subject matter. Highly recommended.
March 29, 2019
A gem--could be used for small group instruction. Has reflection questions each chapter. Simple, lyrical, and brief. Useful for Easter preaching preparation.
April 16, 2022
This little book is vintage Rowan Williams-- readable with deep insight. It is a great Lenten study.
March 7, 2017
Goodread win
I was skeptical about this book at first. It was an okay read. I found it to hold my attention. The writing was great. This a book I would recommend to friends and family.
I was skeptical about this book at first. It was an okay read. I found it to hold my attention. The writing was great. This a book I would recommend to friends and family.
April 19, 2024
One of my Easter reads this year. As always, the brilliant Rowan Williams adds new light to any topic he decides to write about.
I appreciated his reference to (medieval monastic) Abelard's teaching that God is found in the most unlikely of places, such as the suffering of a small, innocent animal, and by extension our own suffering, which then adds meaning to Jesus's suffering. God is in all things, and through being in all things, knows all things, and knows all of us intimately.
Archbishop Williams' reflections and insights throughout this book (and all his others I've read) are often deeply poignant and give new depth to topics I've read about many times.
I appreciated his reference to (medieval monastic) Abelard's teaching that God is found in the most unlikely of places, such as the suffering of a small, innocent animal, and by extension our own suffering, which then adds meaning to Jesus's suffering. God is in all things, and through being in all things, knows all things, and knows all of us intimately.
Archbishop Williams' reflections and insights throughout this book (and all his others I've read) are often deeply poignant and give new depth to topics I've read about many times.
April 22, 2020
Only bother reading chapter five!
February 6, 2017
I love to come across books that are theologically rich but not inaccessible. Rowan Williams has mastered the skill of writing them, having successfully straddled both practical ministry and academic work for decades. In this particular book, right at 100 pages long, he invites deep meditation on the Scriptural portrayal of the cross and the resurrection. If it were longer, I'd love more sustained engagement with historical theological voices, but this is already a book I can share and teach and preach from within my congregation.
March 13, 2020
This is a really good book-easy to read and yet contains really profound ideas.
March 27, 2017
Writing a short piece with clarity and depth is much more difficult than writing a never-ending tome. Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, excels at writing these short but theologically "thick" books. His latest book, The Sign and the Sacrifice, makes for a perfect Lenten read.
The Sign and the Sacrifice is divided into two parts: a part about the cross and a part about the resurrection. The section about the cross is broken down into the three chapters. The first chapter concerns the cross as a symbol. In this chapter, Williams explains how the cross was a symbol of ugliness and execution and is akin to an electrical chair today. He states that this understanding of the cross goes back to the earliest strata of Christianity. There is no Christianity without the cross.
In the second chapter, Williams speaks of the cross as a sacrifice. I particularly found this chapter helpful. Even though I attended seminary, I still have never quite wrapped my mind around the true meaning of the cross. Is there some kind of middle ground between mainstream evangelicals who sing gleefully about "the blood of Jesus" and the progressive Christians who only see the cross as sign of imperial oppression? Of course there is! Williams states that Jesus' death is definitely intertwined with the concept of sacrifice and sin. He teases out several ways the New Testament speaks about this: a rescue mission, a communal sacrifice, and the sealing of a covenant. He also speaks to how Jesus' sacrifice (particularly in John) is seen as sacrifice of obedience. Jesus spent his whole life doing God's will, so the ultimate form of obedience is dying for the sake of others.
The final chapter in part one is about the victory of the cross. Williams points out how in the earliest strata of the Christianity, Christ was depicted as being victorious because of his death: "It is finished." This has particularly become a central tenet in Eastern Christianity.
The second section of the book contains two chapters: "The Resurrection -- Then" and "The Resurrection -- Now." Essentially, Williams argues that through the resurrection Jesus has inaugurated a new age. Now humans have a new potential that they did not have before. Death does not have the finally say so. All of Christianity hinges on the resurrection. In the words of Paul, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins" (1 Cor 15:17).
Finally, the book closes with a beautiful epilogue. Williams provides a meditation on an icon which features the risen Lord pulling an aged Adam and Eve out of death.
This book is well worth your time. It is short but full of rich theological ideas. Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The Sign and the Sacrifice is divided into two parts: a part about the cross and a part about the resurrection. The section about the cross is broken down into the three chapters. The first chapter concerns the cross as a symbol. In this chapter, Williams explains how the cross was a symbol of ugliness and execution and is akin to an electrical chair today. He states that this understanding of the cross goes back to the earliest strata of Christianity. There is no Christianity without the cross.
In the second chapter, Williams speaks of the cross as a sacrifice. I particularly found this chapter helpful. Even though I attended seminary, I still have never quite wrapped my mind around the true meaning of the cross. Is there some kind of middle ground between mainstream evangelicals who sing gleefully about "the blood of Jesus" and the progressive Christians who only see the cross as sign of imperial oppression? Of course there is! Williams states that Jesus' death is definitely intertwined with the concept of sacrifice and sin. He teases out several ways the New Testament speaks about this: a rescue mission, a communal sacrifice, and the sealing of a covenant. He also speaks to how Jesus' sacrifice (particularly in John) is seen as sacrifice of obedience. Jesus spent his whole life doing God's will, so the ultimate form of obedience is dying for the sake of others.
The final chapter in part one is about the victory of the cross. Williams points out how in the earliest strata of the Christianity, Christ was depicted as being victorious because of his death: "It is finished." This has particularly become a central tenet in Eastern Christianity.
The second section of the book contains two chapters: "The Resurrection -- Then" and "The Resurrection -- Now." Essentially, Williams argues that through the resurrection Jesus has inaugurated a new age. Now humans have a new potential that they did not have before. Death does not have the finally say so. All of Christianity hinges on the resurrection. In the words of Paul, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins" (1 Cor 15:17).
Finally, the book closes with a beautiful epilogue. Williams provides a meditation on an icon which features the risen Lord pulling an aged Adam and Eve out of death.
This book is well worth your time. It is short but full of rich theological ideas. Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
March 31, 2017
This is a great, well argued book from a rather traditional Christian perspective that I no longer accept.
April 17, 2017
This was a wonderful read especially over the Easter season. I have several people who have asked me to borrow it. Very thought provoking.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews