Christology in The Books Store

". . . this book illuminates anew how Jewish Jesus was. That should come as no surprise to Jews or to Christians, although it often does. Jesus grew from the soil of his people. In reading this book I was struck again and again with how Jesus' teachings were paralleled in my own tradition. . . . Dr. Young's book is not intended to diminish Jesus' teaching, but to show its roots."
—Rabbi David Wolpe, University of Judaism, Los Angeles

A long history of biblical exegesis and theological reflection has shaped our understanding of the atonement today. The more prominent highlights of this history have acquired familiar names for the household of faith: Christus Victor, penal substitutionary, subjective, governmental. Recently the penal substitutionary view, and particularly its misappropriations, has been critiqued, and a lively debate has taken hold within evangelicalism. This book offers a "panel" discussion of four views of atonement maintained by four evangelical scholars. The proponents and their views are:

• Gregory A. Boyd: Christus Victor view
• Joel B. Green: kaleidescopic view
• Bruce R. Reichenbach: healing view
• Thomas R. Schreiner: penal substitutionary view

Following an introduction written by the editors, each participant first puts forth the case for their view. Each view is followed by responses from the other three participants, noting points of agreement as well as disagreement.

This is a book that will help Christians understand the issues, grasp the differences and proceed toward a clearer articulation of their understanding of the atonement.

• Pastors and thoughtful lay people
• Students and professors of theology

• Gives the opportunity to see proponents of various views put forth their case and respond to others.
• Offers perspective on an important debate in evangelical theology.
• Helps readers shape their own views.

Denying that Christ suffered and died is like denying the Holocaust. For some it is simply too horrific to affirm. Others suspect it is an elaborate religious conspiracy to coerce sympathy. Those who deny either event live in a historical dreamworld. Jesus suffered unspeakably and died.

The Passion of Jesus Christ shows that the gore of Christ's suffering is turned to glory by the enormity and diversity of what his death achieved. To do this, John Piper uncovers fifty accomplishments of Christ's suffering. He shuns embellishment and shows from the Bible key evidence for each outcome of Christ's death.

When it is all said and done, the most crucial question is: Why? Why did Christ suffer and die? The answer has everything to do with you.