The Actuality of Atonement

by Colin Ewart Gunton

Publisher:

T&T Clark

, 1998

Overview

In a masterly examination of both the Christian doctrine of Atonement and the nature and working of theological language, Professor Gunton reassesses the doctrine and the language in which it is expressed in the light of modern scholarly developments. He explains how the traditional metaphors of Atonement, drawn from the battlefield, the altar and the law courts, all express something of the meaning of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus—and examines their bearing on human life in today’s world.

Taking the crisis of rationalism as his starting point, Gunton explores both the Christian doctrine of Atonement and the nature and working of theological language. He then considers the nature of metaphor, and argues that far from being an abuse of language, it is crucial to rational engagement with the world.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Kant did see redemption taking place by means of a divine activity: the difference, and it is all the difference in the world, was that God is to be found in human moral reason and action, not encountered as a personal creator and redeemer.” (Page 7)

“If we are saved from radical moral evil by our innate capacity, we do not need to be saved by the cross because we save ourselves, albeit with the assistance of a God located within ourselves.” (Page 7)

“The root of human moral evil lies rather in the corruption of what is essentially good.” (Page 5)

“That the death of Jesus should be understood as the suffering of a penalty owed to God in exchange for human sin seemed to them for many reasons, some of them good ones, both morally and rationally abhorrent. Schleiermacher shares their view that neither sin nor the cross should be understood in penal terms.” (Page 12)

“the victory charted in the New Testament is as much human as divine” (Pages 57–58)

Praise for the Print Edition

… the most significant attempt at reconstructing the doctrine of Atonement in the last two decades… a thought-provoking challenge to all Christians.

—Christoph Schwobel

This is a well-written book which deserves a wide readership.

—Reform

… a stimulating contribution to the contemporary academic debate on the doctrine of Atonement…

—Anvil

… clearly written and original contribution to the doctrine of Atonement…

—Theology Today

The Actuality of Atonement is of value to anyone trying to think honestly and seriously about the Christian faith.

—Grace Theological Journal

Product Details

• Title: The Actuality of Atonement: A Study of Metaphor, Rationality and the Christian Tradition
• Author: Colin E. Gunton
• Publisher: T&T Clark
• Publication Date: 1998
• Pages: 222

About Colin Ewart Gunton

Colin E. Gunton (1941–2003) was professor of systematic theology at King’s College in London from 1969 until his death. He was appointed professor of theology in 1984 and then served as head of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies from 1993–1996. In 1992 Gunton delivered the Bampton Lectures at the University of Oxford and in 1993 he delivered the Warfield Lectures at Princeton Theological Seminary. Together with John Webster, Gunton co-founded the International Journal of Systematic Theology.

Gunton is often cited as one of the most important British theologians of his generation. Just before his death, he was awarded the earned D. D. by the University of Oxford, where he had taken his three previous degrees. Also just before his death, King’s College planned to make him a fellow of the college, its highest honor, which was then awarded posthumously.

He has authored several works, including The Doctrine of Creation: Essays in Dogmatics, History and Philosophy, The Actuality of Atonement, Christ and Creation, and the titles in the Colin E. Gunton Theology Collection.