The Blurred Cross: A Writer's Difficult Journey with God - Paperback

by Richard Bauckham (Author)

In early 2022, esteemed New Testament scholar Richard Bauckham nearly lost his ability to read--an alarming prospect for a man who considers reading, writing, and scholarly work to be his vocation from God. Despite it being one of the most difficult times of his life, it was also a period in which Bauckham felt closest to God.

In this beautifully written book, Bauckham combines memoir, theological and biblical reflection, and poetry to offer profound insight into God's providence amid life's difficulties. He discusses relevant aspects of his earlier life, delves into the time when his eyesight began to deteriorate, and reflects on issues that arose during that period. The book also includes generous amounts of Bauckham's own poetry.

Throughout his experience, Bauckham maintained a close relationship with God and drew nearer to him. His journey with God during this time led him to contemplate God's purpose for his life and how he can live in a way that reflects his overwhelming sense of gratitude. He shares his story as a way of encouraging others in their own unique walk with God.

Back Jacket

"A deeply personal account of seeing God's faithfulness"

In early 2022, Richard Bauckham nearly lost his ability to read--an alarming prospect for a man who considers reading, writing, and scholarly work to be his vocation from God. Despite it being one of the most difficult times of his life, it was also a period in which he felt closest to God.

In this beautifully written book, Bauckham combines memoir, theological and biblical reflection, and poetry to offer profound insight into God's providence amid life's difficulties.

"Not only is Bauckham a world-class scholar and a poet of wisdom and subtlety, but it seems he can write of a 'difficult journey with God' in a way that puts him alongside some of the great spiritual writers of the past. The Blurred Cross has all the makings of a fresh Christian classic. You will finish the book profoundly grateful, not only to Bauckham for having written it, but even more, to the God who so obviously inspired it."
--Jeremy Begbie, Duke Divinity School

"This book is striking in its vulnerability and clarity, as it weaves together the warp of human experience with the weft of scriptural study, theological reflection, and poetical imagination. The result is a rich tapestry that displays God's loving care, to encourage and challenge anyone who reads."
--Elizabeth E. Shively, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University

"It is rare that a book by a scholar evokes a longing for a deeper faith, but in sharing his brush with blindness, Bauckham models the fruit of a lifetime of faithfulness. Bringing to his story the full weight of his immense intellect and literary depth, and sharing his own poetry and prayers, he gives a deeply personal account of seeing God's faithfulness and brings encouragement that testing is not in vain."
--Mariam Kamell Kovalishyn, Regent College

Author Biography

Richard Bauckham (PhD, University of Cambridge) is emeritus professor of New Testament at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, and senior scholar at Ridley Hall, Cambridge. He is a fellow of the British Academy and the author of numerous books, including Who Is God?, Gospel of Glory, The Testimony of the Beloved Disciple, The Christian World around the New Testament, The Jewish World around the New Testament, and Jesus and the Eyewitnesses.