The Nature of the Atonement: Four Views (Spectrum Multiview Book Series) - Softcover

"The directness of the responses is a strength of the book. It serves to highlight differences, expose weak points, and provide the reader with questions and issues to pursue. The book makes a positive contribution both through highlighting the diversity of thinking about the atonement within evangelicalism and through encouraging discussion about this diversity."--Mark D. Baker, Religious Studies Review, March 2010

"One strength of this study is its multifaceted scope. The book presents four views side by side and allows the reader quickly to see what the primary differences and similarities are between the various positions. By including defenses of positions by those who hold to these divergent views, this volume adds a valuable dimension to the evangelical discussion on the issue of the atonement."--Ched Spellman on Says Simpleton, April 11, 2008

"Those looking for evangelical and scripturally founded treatments of the atonement will find this book a lively register of current opinions."--Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2007

"There are a number of reasons to applaud The Nature of the Atonement, not least its provocative and illuminating presentation. . . . If you are looking for a more focused discussion on the atonement--that is, in terms of today's evangelical milieu, The Nature of the Atonement can certainly serve as a fine forum for exploring essential matters of the Christian faith."--Kathleen Borres, Catholic Books Review, http: //catholicbooksreview.org/2006/beilby.htm

A long history of biblical exegesis and theological reflection has shaped our understanding of the atonement today. The more prominent highlights of this history have acquired familiar names for the household of faith: Christus Victor, penal substitutionary, subjective, and governmental. Recently the penal substitutionary view, and particularly its misappropriations, has been critiqued, and a lively debate has taken hold within evangelicalism. This book offers a "panel" discussion of four views of atonement maintained by four evangelical scholars. The proponents and their views are:Gregory A. Boyd: Christus Victor viewJoel B. Green: Kaleidescopic viewBruce R. Reichenbach: Healing viewThomas R. Schreiner: Penal Substitutionary viewFollowing an introduction written by the editors, each participant first puts forth the case for their view. Each view is followed by responses from the other three participants, noting points of agreement as well as disagreement.This is a book that will help Christians understand the issues, grasp the differences and proceed toward a clearer articulation of their understanding of the atonement.