The doctrine that Christ has saved human beings from their sins, with all that that salvation entails, is the distinctive doctrine of Christianity. It has been the subject of intense scrutiny for roughly two millennia. There is therefore some suspicion of hubris or heresy about an attempt to rethink the doctrine, in the face of so much fruitful theorizing about it by such excellent minds in the history of the Christian tradition. However, Eleonore Stump proposes
rethinking the doctrine and investigates whether there is an interpretation of the doctrine of Christ's atonement that is coherent, morally acceptable, and consistent both with other theological doctrines
and with biblical texts relevant to the atonement.The book begins by sketching the Thomistic moral psychology. It then offers a brief overview of this moral psychology, which provides a tool kit for the chapters that follow. Part two examines the nature of union and the obstacles to union between God and human beings; and argues that this union consists in a kind of mutual in-ness. Section three considers the bridge that overcomes the obstacle in the human will and leads
to the desired life in grace. This is the atonement itself. The interpretation of the doctrine of Christ's atonement that emerges from part three satisfies the desiderata for a successful interpretation
of the doctrine of the atonement. The final section considers the way in which the interpretation of the atonement Stump argues for solves the problem of human guilt and shame. The work concludes by briefly looking at the other desiderata given to show that these are also met by the interpretation of atonement argued for in the earlier chapters. The interpretation of the doctrine of the atonement that Stump argues for accommodates much of what is best in both the Anselmian and the Thomistic
kinds of interpretation; but it also explains what is challenging for them or incomplete and unexplained by them.
Industry Reviews
Atonement 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 *
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 *
