N.T. Wright, Simon Gathercole, Robert B. Stewart
WJK Press, 120 pages
This small book contains a discussion with N.T. Wright and Simon Gathercole on the meaning and nature of the atonement. Both are respected scholars in England who have cordial disagreement on the meaning of Jesus’ death. The focal point of their very lucid conversation is Paul’s plain assertion that “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3). They ask: What precisely does the doctrine of the atonement mean biblically and theologically? Most importantly, what are the implications for Christian discipleship? What is the relationship between the cross of Jesus and the healing of creation? What is exchanged in Jesus’ death? Is substitution for sinners an adequate description of atonement? How is the cross of Jesus an act of liberation? All of these questions are taken up for discussion.
I can imagine this book in lively conversation with James Cone’s “The Cross and the Lynching Tree,” Shawn Copeland’s “Knowing Christ Crucified” or Fleming Rutledge’s “Crucifixion” — each of which brings a sharp perspective on the atonement. This book with those three would make for an exceedingly wide and helpful conversation for any adult study group. Each needs to be in the pastor’s theological wheelhouse, especially for Lent. The book begins with an essay by Robert Stewart who starts with this simple question: “What is theology and what is the role of a theologian?” He then proceeds to address that question. This essay alone is worth the book for any pastor or thoughtful church member who appreciates the biblical narrative and its theological witness to the character of God.
