Atonement

The concept of the atonement is one of the defining doctrine of Christianity. Over the course of many centuries, theologians, church forefathers, philosophers and more have proposed a huge expanse of interpretations of Christ's sacrifice for humanity, each different to the next. In this ambitious study, Eleonore Stump uses the context of this history of interpretation to reconsider the doctrine afresh with philosophical care.

Whatever exactly the atonement is, it is supposed to include a solution to the problems of the human condition, especially its guilt and shame. Stump canvasses the major interpretations of the doctrine, highlighting their shortcomings as an explanation for this solution. In their place, she argues for an interpretation that is both novel whilst still using traditional theology, including Anselm's well-known account of the doctrine. Atonement is a rich exploration of the doctrine and all that it covers: love, union, guilt, shame, forgiveness, retribution, punishment, shared attention, mind-reading, empathy, and various other issues in moral psychology and ethics.

"The doctrine of the Atonement is the distinctive doctrine of Christianity. Over the course of many centuries of reflection, highly diverse interpretations of the doctrine have been proposed. In the context of this history of interpretation, Eleonore Stump considers the doctrine afresh with philosophical care. Whatever exactly the Atonement is, it is supposed to include a solution to the problems of the human condition, especially its guilt and shame. Stump canvasses the major interpretations of the doctrine that attempt to explain this solution and argues that all of them have serious shortcomings. In their place, she argues for an interpretation that is both novel and yet traditional and that has significant advantages over other interpretations, including Anselm's well-known account of the doctrine. In the process, she also discusses love, union, guilt, shame, forgiveness, retribution, punishment, shared attention, mind-reading, empathy, and various other issues in moral psychology and ethics."--

This is a work of intelligent theological synthesis that deserves to be read. -- Roy McDaniel, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Trinity Journal

This book is a very significant project within the tradition of analytic philosophical theology, and one in which integrity and humanity shine through. -- Rolfe King, University of Aberdeen, Notre Dame Philosophical Review

Review from previous edition I highly recommend Atonement to anyone, expert or enthusiast, interested in an interpretation of the atonement consistent with a loving God. Stumps writing is clear, easily accessible, and engaging. This work is suitable for a graduate-level or upper-division theology or philosophy of religion course; excerpts, too, are viable for lower-division courses. -- J. Spencer Atkins, Theological Studies

This is a stimulating work of philosophical theology. Summing up: Recommended -- CHOICE