Hansen - Paradox lost : rediscovering the mystery of God

Hansens years of teaching internationally have taught him the value of presenting theology through the acceptance of paradox, rather than systematically trying to resolve all the mysteries. We can all benefit from this fascinating and enlightening perspective.

JOHN H. WALTON, Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College

Truly a eureka book. If youve ever wondered how human free will and the will of God can coexist, or any number of apparent contradictions in the Bible can be resolved, here are your answers.

DAVID WINTER, Hon. Canon of Christ Church, Oxford; former Head of Religious Broadcasting, BBC

Youll love this book as it explores the wonder of a living God who exceeds all your expectations. Paradox Lost is a compelling and timely reminder that God transcends all the boxes we build for him.

WAYNE JACOBSEN, author, Finding Church and He Loves Me; coauthor, The Shack

With perception and depth, Hansen describes the paradoxes of the Christian faith and life. In doing so, he leads us to a deeper understanding of discipleship that includes humility and confidence and, above all, grace. An invaluable aid for our lifelong journey of following Jesus.

PAUL E. PIERSON, Dean Emeritus, School of Intercultural Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary

A highly stimulating, challenging, and well-balanced book. Hansen shows us that paradox reveals a holy, mysterious, and awesome God. I am looking forward to reading this book once more!

KURT CHRISTENSEN, Professor of Theology, Lutheran School of Theology, Aarhus, Denmark

Meet a very serious pastor, a world missionary, and a deeply searching scholar. You will never be ashamed of paradox again. And Jesus Christ himself, the Paradox par excellence, will be more revered than ever.

FREDERICK DALE BRUNER, Wasson Professor Emeritus of Religion, Whitworth University; author, A Theology of the Holy Spirit

Hansen tackles the often-mislabeled contradictions of Christianity with the mind of a scholar and the communication skills of a pastor who has interpreted these to people in all ages and stages of life. Hansen gives us a stimulating handbook for reflection, conversation, and ministry.

DR. DOUGLAS J. RUMFORD, lead pastor, Trinity United Presbyterian Church; author, SoulShaping: Taking Care of Your Spiritual Life

This is a refreshing reminder that Christian life and witness is not so much about problem-solving as it is about living faithfully within the paradox and mystery of Christ. Rather than ending the journey of faith, this recognition invites exploration and true divine and self discovery.

THOMAS ALAN HARVEY, Academic Dean, Oxford Centre for Mission Studies

Rooted in Scripture at every turn, this profound book comes as a fresh wind, refreshing the mind and showing the way to the depth of knowing and being known that we all long for. Hansens timely and prophetic book lifts our eyes to see how we more truly can be the people of God.

JAMES STARR, Professor of New Testament, Johannelund School of Theology

Hansen is so at home with ideas about biblical paradox that we hardly notice before this book has entered way down deep into our thoughts and feelings about God. Hansens meditations supply many splendid images which steer us clear of simplistic thinking about the life of faith.

DUSTIN ELLINGTON, Lecturer in New Testament, Justo Mwale University (Zambia); Research Fellow, University of the Free State (Bloemfontein, South Africa)

Christianity is full of mysteries. They often look like paradoxes, whether in Christian life, biblical teaching, or core theology. Hansen helps us see how exploring those paradoxes is the way to a thriving, living faith.

GARY NEAL HANSEN, Associate Professor of Church History, University of Dubuque Theological Seminary; author, Kneeling with Giants

The reality of God is too big and too complex for us to fully comprehend. 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.

DR. BOB LOGAN, coach, consultant, and author, Logan Leadership, www.loganleadership.com

ZONDERVAN

Paradox Lost

Copyright 2016 by Richard P. Hansen

Requests for information should be addressed to:
Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

ePub Edition March 2016: ISBN 978-0-3105-1839-6

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Hansen, Richard P., 1951- author.

Title: Paradox lost : rediscovering the mystery of God / Richard P. Hansen.

Description: Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 2016.

Identifiers: LCCN 2015043803 | ISBN 9780310518389 (softcover)

Subjects: LCSH: Spirituality Christianity. | God (Christianity) Knowableness. | Hidden God.

Classification: LCC BV4501.3 .H36255 2016 | DDC 230 dc23 LC record available at http://lccn.loc.gov/2015043803

Unless otherwise marked, scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.Zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version. Public domain.

Scripture quotations marked NRSV are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible. Copyright 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked RSV are taken from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible. Copyright 1946, 1952, and 1971 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Any Internet addresses (websites, blogs, etc.) and telephone numbers in this book are offered as a resource. They are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement by Zondervan, nor does Zondervan vouch for the content of these sites and numbers for the life of this book.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any otherexcept for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

Cover design: DualIndentity Design

Cover photo: Luke Mattson/Lightstock

Interior illustrations: Red Hansen, 2015 by Zondervan

Interior design: Kait Lamphere

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 /DHV/ 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

For Marilyn,
with all my love, always

CONTENTS

My interest in biblical paradox was sparked during a study fellowship graciously offered by Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois, in the early 1980s. I pursued this topic in a dissertation at Fuller Theological Seminary in the 1990s and am grateful to my supervisor, Ray Anderson, who offered a wealth of insight clarifying my germinating ideas. Doug Nason reviewed my dissertation with helpful suggestions and lasting encouragement. I wrote most of it while on sabbatical at Regents Park College, Oxford University, and greatly appreciated both the warm welcome to our family and the interest in this project over the years shown by then principal Paul Fiddes. The concept of different genres or orders of paradox coalesced from many sources, both known and unknown; even though I cannot cite them all, I am thankful to them.