I studied this book with my Presbyterian Sunday School class over the summer of 2021. It contains a long prologue, seven short meditations on Jesus’ seven last words from the Cross, and an epilogue. Meacham speaks from the Christian Episcopal tradition, one that respects the Bible but does not embrace Biblical literalism. At several points, he acknowledges the “mystery” or “uncertainty” of faith. He also talks at length about the value of partaking of regular Eucharist for his faith.
For our class, we used this book as a conversation starter for further discussion. Our class consists of older Christian folk who are well-read and sophisticated in their religious understanding. Therefore, this book hit the sweet spot of being short but power-packed with stimulating material. Meacham, an eminent (Pulitzer prizewinning) historian of American political history and a member of his church’s vestry, shares why faith is so important to him. These meditations were originally given at an Episcopal Church in New York City (Manhattan).
The evangelical world would probably find his view of Christian Scripture suspect because he is not a literalist. He does not contend that the Christian Bible does not contain internal contradictions. Nonetheless, he takes the Christian message with a great deal of respect. He uses the Scriptures to provide reflections on faith in the modern world. At numerous points, he admits his uncertainty about issues but nonetheless embraces the narrative of faith. (Again, many American evangelicals will likely find this less assuring approach objectionable.)
Although his faith is rooted in the story of Jesus Christ, Meacham does not spend much time criticizing other faiths. Indeed, he seems to welcome a fruitful dialogue. He does not preach Christian exclusivity and seems to think knowing and understanding God to be open to all faiths. Nonetheless, he centers his mind and his readers’ minds on the historical story of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion at Roman hands. These meditations would be appropriate for Passion Week (the week before Christian Easter).
These writings are aimed at an educated audience, but that audience could consist of Roman Catholics, Protestants, liberal Christians, or even seekers from the agnostic direction. I’m not sure conservative Christians of the inerrantist sort would find these meditations welcoming as Biblical literalism is explicitly denied. Many others will likely find Meacham’s educated approach refreshing as he does not appear to have many axes to grind. Rather, he comes across as the distinguished historian writer that he is, one who is fascinated by and full of awe, wonder, and worship for Jesus Christ. These writings are not historical chit-chat; instead, they are devotional, more appropriate for a church rather than the academy. We found them helpful to start our conversations this summer, and I suspect many others will find them also helpful for their faith journeys.
The Hope of Glory: Reflections on the Last Words of Jesus from the Cross
By Jon Meacham
Copyright (c) 2020
Convergent
ISBN13 9780593236666
Page Count: 128
Genre: Religious, Christian
www.amazon.com