THEOLOGY, HISTORY, and ETHICS
MAPPING ATONEMENT The Doctrine of Reconciliation in Christian History and Theology William G. Witt and Joel Scandrett What do we mean when we say that “Jesus saves”? Unlike the doctrines of the Trinity and Christology, there is no ecumenical consensus regarding the Christian doctrine of the atonement. Instead, there are a number of divergent atonement theologies found in various streams of the Christian theological tradition. This introduction maps the biblical, historical, and theological terrain of the doctrine of the atonement. Beginning with the early Christian era, the book traces the origins, development, and divergent streams of atonement theology throughout the Chris- tian tradition and proposes key criteria by which we can assess their value. The authors introduce essential biblical terms, texts, and concepts of atonement; identify significant historical figures, texts, and topics; and show how various atonement paradigms are expressed in their respective church traditions. The book also surveys current “hot topics” in evangelical atonement theology and evaluates strengths and weaknesses of competing under- standings of atonement. FROM THE BOOK How exactly is God’s saving life and love communicated to us? It seems sufficient to suggest that we are personally or relationally united to the risen Christ through the agency of the Holy Spirit. The modern Western rediscovery of Orthodox eucharistic theolo- gies has led to an emphasis on a Spirit-mediated understanding of Christ’s eucharistic presence and, by implication, of the media- tion of grace in general. The mission of the Holy Spirit brings us into contact with the risen Christ not simply in his divinity as the second person of the Trinity but also in his risen humanity. Grace is mediated to redeemed human beings in a trinitarian manner, from God the Father through the mediation of the risen Christ by the agency of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit who makes the human- ity of the risen Christ present to us remakes our humanity in the divine image.
OCTOBER 2022 • 256 pp. • paper • $27.99 • 9780801030680
William G. Witt (PhD, University of Notre Dame) is associate professor of systematic theology and ethics at Trinity School for Ministry. Joel Scandrett (PhD, Drew University) is assistant professor of historical the- ology and director of the Catechesis and Christian Formation Program at Trinity School for Ministry.
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