Recovering the Scandal of the Cross: Atonement in New Testament and Contemporary Contexts
Proclaiming the Scandal of the Cross: Contemporary Images of Atonement
“Recovering the Scandal of the Cross,” the book I co-authored with Joel Green, contends that if the New Testament writers use diverse images to proclaim the saving significance of the cross, then we should too!
Viewing penal satisfaction theory as the one correct explanation of the atonement has made it difficult for many to see the diversity of images in the New Testament. It also impedes our ability to develop alternative contemporary images. I have written an article that points out some of the problems with using the image of penal substitution as the foundational explanation of the atonement, and offers an alternative foundational narrative of the atonement: Two Foundational Stories of the Cross: How They Affect Evangelism
How do we help people embrace a wider understanding of the cross and resurrection? In addition to offering in-depth biblical and theological explanations like those in “Recovering the Scandal of the Cross,” and sharing well developed contemporary images like those in “Proclaiming the Scandal of the Cross,” I have found it helpful to briefly list a variety of ways that Jesus' life, death and resurrection provide salvation.
A List of Biblical Images of How the Cross Saves
Ten Ways the Cross Saves: Brief Explanations
A List of Fourteen Things that Jesus' Death Accomplishes, as Seen in New Testament Texts
The book, “Proclaiming the Scandal of the Cross” explores the need for contextualized atonement theology, offering creative examples of how the cross can be proclaimed today in culturally relevant and transformative ways. As I develop or encounter other contextualized images of atonement I will add them to this site.
“Aunt Lizzie’s Wedding: A Parable of Love,” Paulette Lovelace, June 2007
“Blood Breaks the Barriers,” Daniel A. Bunker, April 2007
“Freedom From the Cycle of Retaliation,” Scott Carolon, April 2007
“Down a Slippery Slope,” Paulette Lovelace, April 2007
“The Black Quilt,” Eliberto Mendoza, April 2007
“Saving Significance of the Cross in a Honduran Barrio,” Mark D. Baker, Mission Focus Annual Review 14 (2006) 59-81.