A Superficial Resurrection Hope? A Dialogue with J. Todd Billings (2 of 2)

Resurrection hope is often muted in churches today as cultural forces of the modern West deny the reality and potency of death. What does genuine resurrection hope entail? Cancer patient J. Todd Billings and Taylor Worley recognize the tendency to equate hope with healing and prolonging life as long as possible. In this discussion, moderated by Geoff Fulkerson, they emphasize that true resurrection hope resides in our participation in Christ’s resurrection. Healing and resuscitation are temporary, but resurrection in our glorified bodies is the only permanent solution to death.

Biography

J. Todd Billings (PhD Harvard) is the Gordon H. Girod Research Professor of Reformed Theology at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI. An ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America, Dr. Billings’ interests include Reformed theology, the sacraments, salvation, and theological hermeneutics. His first book, Calvin, Participation, and the Gift (Oxford, 2007) won a 2009 Templeton Award for Theological Promise. His most recent book, Rejoicing in Lament: Wrestling with Incurable Cancer and Life in Christ (Brazos Press, 2015), combines personal narrative with rich theological discourse to profound affect.

Taylor Worley (PhD St. Andrews) serves as Associate Vice President for Spiritual Life and University Ministries, Associate Professor of Christian Thought, and Managing Director for the Center for Transformational Churches at Trinity International University. Taylor earned a Ph.D. in theology from the University of St. Andrews with a concentration in theological aesthetics and most recently taught for seven years at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee.

Geoff Fulkerson (PhD candidate Trinity) serves as the Assistant Director of the Henry Center.