Synopses & Reviews
"Saving Power" describes the many interpretations of Godbs saving power in the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, thereby affirming the rich variety of atonement theories and their centrality for both theology and preaching, as well as the formation of the church.
Synopsis
Jesus' death and resurrection are undeniably central to the Christian faith. But how, precisely, is their significance to be understood?
Concerned to reinvigorate the church's teaching on the cross, the resurrection, and salvation -- the atonement -- Peter Schmiechen here invites readers to rediscover the wealth of the Christian tradition. In Saving Power he makes ample use of primary sources to unpack ten distinct theories of atonement, welcoming aspects of each rather than championing only one. Along the way, he demonstrates that while most Christians assume the basic theme of atonement to be sin and forgiveness, other powerful themes -- liberation from oppressive powers, reconciliation in the face of division, and the hope of resurrection in the face of death, for instance -- also deserve to be studied and preached.
Affirming orthodox teaching while offering a positive take on marginal views, Saving Power is a crucial resource for anyone who seeks a fuller understanding of Christ's work.
Table of Contents
Sacrifice : the letter to the Hebrews -- Justification by grace : Martin Luther -- Penal substitution : Charles Hodge -- Liberation : Irenaeus and Twentieth-Century liberation theology -- The renewal of the creation : Athanasius -- The restoration of the creation : Anselm -- Christ the goal of creation : Friedrich Schleiermacher -- Christ the way to the knowledge of God : H. Richard Niebuhr -- Christ the reconciler : I Corinthians 1-2 -- The wondrous love of God : Peter Abelard, John Wesley, and J