The problem of Eden is much worse than you thought, but the solution is much better than you could have ever imagined. Between Two Trees reveals that the real tragedy of Eden is a union with death, a union that produces division and despair. Life isn't lived under Eden's tree of life or beneath the healing leaves of the tree in the New Jerusalem. It is lived between them. And between these two trees, life is hard. In spite of this tragedy, Between Two Trees will challenge you to embrace hope, love, and the beauty of reconciliation at the true tree of life: the cross of Calvary.
By exploring the problem of Eden and the power of the cross, Shane Wood calls us to walk on a path to transformation, a path to union with God. The book s journey ends under the shade of the tree of life in the New Jerusalem with God s unfinished creation now complete. Yes, Eden, but more importantly, you. The unfinished creation in us.
If you doubt it's possible for one image to tell the whole story from Genesis to Revelation, then you need to read Shane Wood's masterful Between Two Trees. There isn't another book that comes close to it, both in its pioneering methodology and in its brilliance of presentation. I found myself completely absorbed and provoked by my own missed readings of the Scriptures.
Leonard Sweet, Charles Wesley Distinguished Professor of Doctoral Studies, Evangelical Seminary
Through theological reflection poised with poetic flare, Shane Wood admirably explores the trials and triumphs of a world united to death yet wooed by a tender father to return home. This book challenges our understanding of the problem of Eden and enhances the revelation of the depths of God's solution in Jesus union with God. Reading Between Two Trees, you will be deeply enriched, tenderly called, and masterfully guided into the transformative power of the incarnate Christ.
Fr. Richard Rohr, founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation and best-selling author of Everything Belongs and Falling Upward
A professor of mine once told me I could not understand either the apostle Paul or the Bible until I understood the potency of death. He said Paul was a 'thanatologist,' which means one who studies death. That professor was right, but very few until Shane Wood's excellent, playful, and poetic exploration of the Bible's thanatology have let the specter of death emerge in furious force in their theology. Between Two Trees is a splendid entrance into the heart of Christian theology.
Scot McKnight, Julius R. Mantey Professor of New Testament, Northern Seminary, and author of The King Jesus Gospel
The Bible tells a huge story, one big enough to embrace, empower, and transform everyone's story. This book unpacks that huge story as well as any I have ever read. I am so grateful to Shane Wood for giving the church such an insightful and helpful way to understand God's big story. Between Two Trees will help us grasp a better narrative and help us transform our own stories into better tales of redemption.
Rick Atchley, Senior Teaching Minister, The Hills Church, North Richland Hills, TX
The Bible opens with a tree, and it closes with a tree. In between, we find an epic tale of God's love for us. Shane Wood knows the metanarrative of Scripture like few others, but what is more important is that he lives its principles every day. He trusts the author who writes the story and the gardener who cares for his creation. Be sure to read Between Two Trees and nurture the fruit within.
Kyle Idleman, author of Not a Fan and Don t Give Up
