The Blind Beggar

I’ve never been accused of not liking what Scot McKnight has to say on almost any subject, so I’ve been looking forward to reading his newest book, “A Community Called Atonement.” This book deals with the doctrine of the atonement and I’ve got to say that it is one of the best reads around! A much needed and well done treatment of the subject.

Before you reject reading a book on atonement theology, be reminded that good theology lays the foundation for good praxis, and as Tim Keel, Pastor of Jacob’s Well, says, “by removing atonement theology from the provisionally personal and relocating it to the dynamically missional and relational heart of God expressed in Christ, McKnight offers Christian communities a holistic approach to the atonement that will help to incarnate and animate the good news in your postmodern world.”

Premise of the Book

Theologians have for centuries set forth a number of atonement theories, what Scot calls metaphors, and have vehemently held to the supremacy of one theory over all others. Scot argues that we cannot hold only one atonement theory. Doing so is like playing golf with only one club. He argues that what we need most today is not an “atonement war” for a privileged metaphor, “but a vigorous discussion of the value of each of the metaphors so that each image is invited to the table.”

“The issue of atonement is…both central to the gospel and has amazingly drawn so much controversy of late that I hope this book can put out some of those fires. Maybe some will find a reason to debate the book’s theses as well.”—Scot McKnight

What is Atonement?

Scot rightly, IMHO at least, indicates that it is only understood as a complete story with a beginning; we were created in God’s image, reflecting his nature (created as Eikons). With conflict; a rebellion against God that distorted and corrupted our relationship with God and also with self, others and the world (we became “cracked” Eikons). With a resolution; the act of God to restore cracked Eikons (through the perfect Eikon, Jesus Christ) in relationship with God, self, others and the world. With a purpose; to create a kingdom people shaped into Christ-like Eikons who are missional beings designed to love God, self, others and to represent God in this world and participate in his atoning work. And finally, with an end; glorified and fellowshipping Eikons throughout eternity.

A Brief Outline

Scot breaks this work into four parts comprising 19 chapters and 177 pages. The four major sections are:

• Atonement and Convergence: Where to Begin?
• Atonement and Image: With Which Image?
• Atonement as Story: Whose Story?
• Atonement as Praxis: Who Does Atonement?

I’m particularly appreciative that Scot included the final section, “Atonement as Praxis: Who Does Atonement?” Most books would have stopped with the theological, but Scot understands that atonement is something done not only by God for us but also something we do with God for others. Atonement is praxis. So he explores atonement as missional praxis including fellowship, justice, missio dei, living the story of the Word, baptism, Eucharist, and prayer.

Get it and read it. It will revolutionize your understanding of the Story.

Here is what some others are saying about this book:

Michael Kruse, Josh Brown, Erika Haub, Len Hjalmarson, and Tony Myles.

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