A Better Atonement
I read an interesting book (extended essay?) this morning. I’m about a month behind on when it came out, but I wanted to post it nevertheless. For those of you familiar with emergent circles, Tony Jones will be a name you know. For those who don’t, he’s a popular emergent theologian from the United States.
Anyway, he’s written a brief piece on atonement theory addressing the current situation most Christians find themselves in today. Presently, the Penal Substitutionary Model has reigned as the pre-eminent understanding of the Atonement for years. In fact, Christians are shocked to find out that it’s not the only way of looking at it.
Jones’ book is good at least for that purpose, even if you disagree with the final conclusion he makes. Basically, he does a biblical survey, a historical survey, and proposes his own understanding that has much to do with Jurgen Moltmann’s theology (I’m currently reading).
So, a short afternoon read for you. Enjoy!
Posted on 16 April 2012, in Theology and tagged Atonement, Moltmann, Original Sin, Tony Jones. Bookmark the permalink. 2 Comments.
What does “Proper Emergent Theologian” mean? I was under the impression that emergents didn’t have a consistent doctrine. Thanks for the rec though, I’ll take a look.
Not sure what that phrase would mean, but you are correct that it must not be doctrinal. Emergent is a fluid word that I am fond or not fond of depending on the situation. I think it has more to do with temperament and method than actual tenants of belief.