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 PrintableVersion God the peacemakerHow atonement brings shalomAtonementGOD THE PEACEMAKER Without doubt, the subject of this excellent book should be at the heart of every Christian’s understanding. We live in an age when the doctrine of atonement is attacked on every side, even by some who once held it dear. What has caused such a change and how should we respond to it? This accessible book is an ideal primer for believers, enabling them to respond to the growing number of arguments that are made against this vital biblical doctrine. Working through the themes that necessitate and achieve atonement, Graham Cole draws upon his extensive learning to bring together a very readable volume. Having established the need and way of atonement, he helpfully applies the doctrine to Christian living. His book is full of anecdotes and quotations from Christian leaders and writers throughout church history and he seeks to share the riches of their teaching with the contemporary believer. While this book would profit the individual to read, I would judge that it would be an ideal study guide for small groups. The excitement of learning of the achievements of the crucified and risen saviour will bring joy and confidence to the hearts of those who make the effort to reflect upon them. There are two points that need to be raised. Firstly, one of the book’s strengths is that it introduces the reader to contemporary theological thought. However, it does not always do this with the caveats that would guide the untrained mind. For example, the author cites a scholar who uses 4 Maccabees 17.21-22 in order to understand Romans 3.21-26 (p.136), by implication supporting its use. Much more discussion is needed before it can be demonstrated that intertestamental writing is relevant to an understanding of Paul. (Indeed, my research leads me in the opposite direction.) The second point that needs to be raised is the book’s classification as biblical theology. Even though there is a study of relevant biblical passages, it is much closer, in my mind, to apologetics or, better still, systematic theology. In biblical theology, the focus of study is the text of Scripture and not the church’s teaching throughout the centuries. Dr. Tom Holland, © Evangelicals Now - December 2011 |
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