Description
Book SynopsisThe 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.
Trade ReviewAtonement is a thoughtful and creative book that offers enriching philosophical insights into a variety of theological concepts such a justification, sanctification, being in Christ, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. * R.P. Hoogenboom, Theologia Reformata *
This is a magisterial work on the Christian idea of atonement, covering a host of philosophical issues: the methodology of philosophical theology, the philosophy of God, reflections on love, sin, guilt, shame, forgiveness, repentance, punishment, mind- reading, moral psychology, human nature, and will. Stump refers to her account of the atonement as the Marian interpretation, honoring some of the Mary figures in the New Testament. * Paul Reasoner, Religious Studies Review *
Eleonore Stump has written an impressive book on this central Christian doctrine, which is worth reading by theologians and philosophers... * Wout Bisschop, Philosophia Reformata *
Eleonore Stump's Atonement is a monumental achievement in analytic philosophical theology...We believe this interpretation contains many insights; it will be an enduring contribution to philosophical and theological work on the atonement for years to come. * Joshua Thurow and Jada Twedt Strabbing, Faith and Philosophy *
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 *
Table of ContentsPart I: What Is Wanted, What Is Needed to Get What Is Wanted, and What Will Not Work 1: Methodology, Problems, and Desiderata 2: Guilt, Shame, and Satisfaction 3: The Anselmian Interpretation of the Atonement: Love, Goodness, Justice, and Forgiveness Part II: What Is Wanted: What It Is Not and What It Is 4: Union: God's Omnipresence and Indwelling 5: Union: God's Omnipresence and Indwelling 6: Willing What God Wills: Eckhart and Aquinas 7: Life in Grace Part III: What Is Needed to Get What Is Wanted and the Atonement of Christ 8: The Temptations of Christ and Other Stories 9: Perseverance: Eucharist and Suffering Part IV: The Desiderata for an Interpretation of the Doctrine of the Atonement 10: The Atonement and the Solution to the Problems of Guilt and Shame 11: Conclusion: The Remaining Desiderata and Final Reflection Bibliography
