If there is any biblical or theological concept that needs all the attention that we can give it in Africa, it is Christ's atoning death. I grew up watching my parents and our neighbours pouring out libations and offering animal sacrifices to appease the gods or the spirits of our ancestors. Those practices were assumed to take our place and prevent us from facing their wrath. On the one hand, coming from that experiential worldview helps African Christians appreciate the atonement. On the other hand, coming out of such a primordial worldview into the Christian faith and practice may make it difficult for African Christians to have a clear grasp of the atonement.
African theologians need to carefully tease out certain biblical concepts, including the concept of atonement. Doing this will help African Christianity to avoid the temptation of eclipsing or distorting the biblical interpretation of the atonement. Dr. Robert Falconer's book, Spectacular Atonement: Envisioning the Cross of Christ in an African Perspective, has made a significant contribution to our understanding of this key area of theology in Africa. He has provided an important resource for African Christian theologians, theological educators, students of theology and Christian mission workers to help African Christians be deeply rooted in the faith. This is a must-read book! I recommend it to Christians, Christian professionals and theological educators both in private and public institutions across Africa.
Sunday Bobai Agang, PhD
Provost,
ECWA Theological Seminary, Jos (JETS), Nigeria
Christianity is an alive and growing religion in many African contexts. This presents both promise and peril for the faith and persons entering the Christian faith across the continent. This book presents an appreciative and a critical engagement with some important theories of atonement in relation to African contexts, cultures and philosophies. I highly recommend it to African Christian theologians and those who have an interest in the decolonization and contextualization of African Christianity.
Dion A. Forster, PhD
Chair of Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology,
University of Stellenbosch, South Africa
In this work, the author offers a harmonized clear perspective of Christus Victor and penal substitution demonstrating that Christ is all-sufficient to fulfil the African Christian holistic yearning for him. Here lies the necessary foundational truth for every follower or seeker of Christ. The book lays a very helpful etic basis in bringing Christ to the centre of African cultural transformation. This book is a treasure for every Christian. Whether you are a student of the word, a pastor or a theologian, this book is a great resource for teaching, reflection and ministry.
David Ngaruiya, PhD
Associate Professor,
International Leadership University, Kenya
Spectacular Atonement is a well-argued book that puts into dialogue the various strands of historic Christian interpretations of the atonement, together with African interpretations and understandings of the atoning work of Christ. It is theologically, biblically and culturally grounded and is practical in applying the efficacy of Christ's victory on the cross. This book is a valuable addition to the quest for an authentic African Christian theology.
James Nkansah-Obrempong, PhD
Professor of Theology and Dean, School of Theology-NEGST,
Africa International University, Kenya
