Atonement: A Guide for the Perplexed

by Adam J. Johnson

Overview

Christians agree that they are saved through the death and resurrection of Christ. But how is the atonement achieved in these events? This book offers an introduction to the doctrine of the atonement focused on the unity and diversity of the work of Christ. Johnson reorients current patterns of thought concerning Christ's work by giving the reader a unifying vision of the immensely rich and diverse doctrine of the atonement, offering a sampling of its treasures, and cultivating the desire to further understand and apply these riches to everyday life. Where introductions to the atonement typically favor one aspect of the work of Christ, or work with a set number of themes, aspects or theories, this book takes the opposite approach, developing the foundation for the multi-faceted nature of Christ's work within the being of God himself. It offers a grand unifying vision of
Christ's manifold work. Specific elaborations of different theories of the atonement, biblical themes, and the work of different theologians find their place within this larger rubric.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780567254023
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	07/16/2015
Series:	Guides for the Perplexed
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 5.40(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Adam Johnson is an Assistant Professor of Theology in the Torrey Honors Institute at Biola University, USA. He is the author of God's Being in Reconciliation (T&T Clark, 2012), and editor of the forthcoming T&T Clark Companion to the Atonement.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1 – Mining the Riches
Chapter 2 – On Aspects, Theories and Orthodoxy
Chapter 3 – Triune Atonement: The Foundation of the Doctrine
Chapter 4 – Atonement and the Divine Attributes
Chapter 5 – The Atoning Life of Christ
Chapter 6 – Atonement and the Created Spectrum
Chapter 7 – Conclusion – Application
Appendix – List of Recommended Sources on the Doctrine of the Atonement

Editorial Reviews

This is an economical and lively presentation of Christian teaching about the atonement; it demonstrates deep respect for the Christian tradition, appreciation of the place of the atonement in the wider field of Christian doctrine, and acute theological judgement.” —John Webster, University of St Andrews, UK

“The Christian doctrine of the atonement is endlessly rich in its nature, for it speaks of the saving work of the triune God whose plenitude is beyond measure. Johnson offers a valuable exposition of the relationship between the theology of atonement and the doctrine of God, and helpfully explores some of the key ways in which the infinite richness of God is reflected in the nature of God's actions for the reconciliation of creatures” —Ivor J. Davidson, University of St Andrews, UK

“The atonement is no more the answer to a multiple-choice question (Which theory is correct?) than a single attribute is to the question “What is God like?” Adam Johnson helps readers to see that the atonement is as deep, diverse, and multi-faceted as is God himself, for the atonement concerns how God in his fullness reconciles the fullness of all things to himself through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Those perplexed about the saving significance of Jesus' death will find here a rich response, a theological treasure trove.” —Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, USA

“Johnson’s prose is elegant, clear and accessible. He often punctuates his theological discussions with examples from art and culture more broadly. His theological commentary is erudite and familiar with primary sources. Three helpful bibliographies are included at the end of the volume. The book will work very well as an introduction to the atonement at both undergraduate as well as graduate levels.” -International Journal of Systematic Theology

“One of the best books on the atonement that I have read in my time. What I particularly appreciate about Johnson's work is his inclusive methodology: rather than looking at atonement theories as competitors, seeking the one definitive way of speaking about the reconciling work of God in Jesus Christ, he instead insists that we see them as complementary analyses of the manifold salvation we have been given.” -
The Crucified God

“This book could steer us back to teaching about the atonement as if it were almost the only thing that matters.” -The Scriptorium Daily

From the Publisher

The atonement is no more the answer to a multiple-choice question (Which theory is correct?) than a single attribute is to the question "What is God like?" Adam Johnson helps readers to see that the atonement is as deep, diverse, and multi-faceted as is God himself, for the atonement concerns how God in his fullness reconciles the fullness of all things to himself through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Those perplexed about the saving significance of Jesus' death will find here a rich response, a theological treasure trove.

Kevin J. Vanhoozer

The Christian doctrine of the atonement is endlessly rich in its nature, for it speaks of the saving work of the triune God whose plenitude is beyond measure. Johnson offers a valuable exposition of the relationship between the theology of atonement and the doctrine of God, and helpfully explores some of the key ways in which the infinite richness of God is reflected in the nature of God's actions for the reconciliation of creatures

Ivor J. Davidson

This is an economical and lively presentation of Christian teaching about the atonement; it demonstrates deep respect for the Christian tradition, appreciation of the place of the atonement in the wider field of Christian doctrine, and acute theological judgement.

John Webster