Christ on Trial – Lenten Studies 2025
Our Lenten Studies for 2025 will use Rowan Williams’ Christ on Trial: How the Gospel Unsettles our Judgement.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
In this book the former Archbishop of Canterbury looks in depth at the trial of Jesus, using it to teach readers how to face the challenges of life in today’s trying times.
Bringing the biblical accounts of Jesus’ trial vividly to life, Rowan Williams highlights what can be learned about Jesus from each of the four Gospel portraits. Mark shows a mysterious figure revealed as the Son of God. Matthew describes the Wisdom of God tried by foolish men. Luke presents a divine stranger. John speaks of the paradox of divinity submitting to judgement. These discussions are followed by a reflection on Christian martyrdom and a meditation on tyranny, freedom, and truth.
Throughout the book, Williams draws not only from the Bible but also from fiction, drama, and current events, pointing out ways in which society today continues to put Christ on trial. Even more, he argues that all Christians stand with Jesus before a watching world. Though we may not be directly confronted with death, we are nevertheless called daily to respond to the falsehood of such lures as power, influence, and prestige.
The study groups seek to be ecumenical in participation, with people from MtE, Parkville’s St Carthages, Carlton’s Church of All Nations and Hawthorn’s Habitat Uniting Church being among those participating. (Let us know if you would like to join our online ones!)
At the moment, two online (Zoom) groups are planned from Wednesday March (7.45pm) and Friday March 7 (1.30PM), for six weeks (one week per chapter). (We are, however, hoping to be able to offer other groups in co-operation with other congregations — these will be added to the page here as they are confirmed). (Let us know if you would like to offer a parallel series of studies on this text we could advertise!)
Participants should get their own copies of the book. Amazon will be the quickest, but it is also available at other places more cheaply if you get early. The version of the book (cover) on this page is the “reference” version; the older blue-covered edition has the same pagination if you can find a cheap secondhand copy; the black-covered edition is probably also the same pagination, but unconfirmed!
Please register your intention to join us below, so that you can receive the Zoom link for the discussions!