The Necessity of the Atonement

To put it simply, this book may propose the greatest paradigm shift on the Atonement since Cur Deus Homo (Anselm, 1098). It develops an impressive new theory about the problems of human evil and suffering, the nature of original sin, and the question of "Why did Jesus have to die?" After tracing the atonement through a 3000-year period, it challenges all sides of the atonement controversies of the past 1000 years, and offers an undeniable and compelling premise never before considered as an explanation of the atonement. Upon a solid foundation of historical inquiry and biblical exegesis, and with great clarity, this absorbing exploration involves a host of interconnected theological topics such as Christology, soteriology, hamartiology, the image of God in humans, the problem of evil, the nature of original sin, the passibility (emotionality) of God (including the nature of the wrath of God), and spiritual formation and sanctification. All these topics are addressed comprehensively, and transcend any denominational partiality.