Last Words of Christ

A Call to Understanding

_ _ _

Caught in the confusion of how Scripture can express truth, yet be a literary work, are two audiences: those who read the Bible literally, and those unsure of its metaphorical language. Last Words of Christ: A Call to Understanding is written to complement the current movement to read the Bible as literature as a response to this confusion.

Asking the question, “What is the theological meaning of Christ’s final thoughts?” Last Words of Christ focuses on the descriptions of light and darkness in Mark’s crucifixion narrative as an interpretive key. This interpretive key not only unlocks the theological interpretation of the last words of the crucified messiah, but also reveals the literary construction of the whole Bible.

Last Words of Christ is composed of seven sections divided into two major parts.  This structural model for the book serves to reflect the literary contour of the cross where his seven words are spoken in two time periods: the daylight, and the darkness.

By locating Jesus’ final thoughts in biblical history—not just isolating them upon the cross—they are heard as fulfillment of Old Testament portraits. Further, the wisdom of reading the Bible as inspired literature is illuminated. In traversing this biblical history-to-crucifixion interplay, the epic story of Scripture emerges, revealing the wonder and grandeur of the cross.

Media Kit

___

Author Bio

Wallace Clausen grew up in Seattle and resides in the Pacific Northwest.  Its jeweled landscape, resplendent with Mt. Rainier as its crowning glory, drew him to an abiding respect for nature.  He and his wife enjoy traveling the nation’s parks and scenic areas. A graduate of Seattle Pacific University, Wallace completed a master’s program at Western Oregon University.  His 39-year career as an educator spanned Oregon and Washington, with the last 26 years consisting of serving as principal in three school districts. He is a recipient of the ESPAW Distinguished Principal Award. Wallace has served in various church leadership positions, most recently serving as chair in outreach and service. He enjoys supporting his wife’s coordinator role of providing lunches for homeless women. When not writing, the couple treasures time with their four grandchildren, two each from their son and daughter.