Healing the Gospel: A Radical Vision for Grace, Justice, and the Cross

by Derek Flood

Why did Jesus have to die? Was it to appease a wrathful God's demand for punishment? Does that mean Jesus died to save us from God? How could someone ever truly love or trust a God like that? How can that ever be called ''Good News''? It's questions like these that make so many people want to have nothing to do with Christianity.

Healing the Gospel challenges the assumption that the Christian understanding of justice is rooted in a demand for violent punishment, and instead offers a radically different understanding of the gospel based on God's restorative justice. Connecting our own experiences of faith with the New Testament narrative, author Derek Flood shows us an understanding of the cross that not only reveals God's heart of grace, but also models our own way of Christ-like love. It's a vision of the gospel that exposes violence, rather than supporting it--a gospel rooted in love of enemies, rather than retribution. The result is a nonviolent understanding of the atonement that is not only thoroughly biblical, but will help people struggling with their faith to encounter grace.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity, Spirituality, Nonfiction

136 pages, Paperback

First published August 6, 2012

Reviews

[Randy Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

With this book Derek Flood has put the 'Good' back in Good News. This is the radical vision of the Father, Son and Spirit that I fell in love with back in 1971. For those who think something has been 'off' in how the gospel has been taught to them, read this book and then look at Jesus afresh and you will see the light of the glory of the Father in the face of Jesus.

[Daniel Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derek opens that there are enormous problems with penal substitutionary atonement theory:
1) It sees a conflict between the mercy and justice of God. Jesus is punished to end this "conflict". So God's anger must be appeased, so we cower in fear wondering who God really is. Can't God's mercy and justice be seen in a fashion that work with each other rather than in some sort of yin vs. yang? And isn't this sort of appeasement more inline with a pagan's view of god than the enemy love revealed in Jesus Christ?
2) The doctrine of imputation (either God's wrath on Jesus, or Jesus' righteousness on our account) makes no rational or biblical sense and has also been debunked by the New Pauline Perspective, largely followed in some form by Pauline scholars today.
3) It results in low self-worth of many who believe. Spurgeon wrote for instance: "I feel myself to be a lump of unworthiness, a mass of corruption, and a heap of sin, apart from His almighty love." This attitude infects much of conservative evangelicalism today, and Derek believes this causes mental problems.
4) It results in punitive violence such as capital and corporal punishment, the latter being proven in numerous and exhaustive studies to only inflict mental harm on a child. This punitive attitude also negatively impacts our justice system in general and our attitudes toward war.
5) Apart from an abstract doctrine that Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly to become the perfect sin sacrifice--didn't Paul claim that he did was blameless regarding the law (Phil 3.6) and yet this was regarded rubbish, and the emphasis in the Gospels is certainly not Jesus as a scrupulous follower of the law--the life and works of Jesus as restorer and healer have little play in what he accomplished on the cross.
6) It minimizes the importance of the resurrection. Penal substitution theory has little to say how the resurrection figures in our healing from sin.
7) Ironically, it has a low view of sin, as it touches it almost exclusively in a legal fashion rather than relational and doesn't understand how victimhood also separates us from God.

But oddly enough, the solution is not to chart new territory, at least entirely. It is to claim the dominant atonement theory held by Christians for the first millennium of the faith, before Calvin, and even before Anselm, that of Christus Victor. It is a grand sweeping narrative of God's rescue on our behalf, through Jesus, from both our sin as assailants as well as the crippling effects of sin on our lives as victims. We are broken sinners, sick and in need of a doctor, and only by incarnating into our lives as the son of man can a mystical union take place where our hurts, sins and pains are joined to him. And in the resurrection, God vindicates Jesus, the ultimate victim of our sin, wrath and hurts, thus giving us a way for the Spirit to heal ourselves, for if the darkest of nights is conquered in love than so can our condition as well. In this fashion, God's restorative justice is accomplished--true justice!--restoring and cleansing our broken lives causing us to live in the Spirit toward true righteousness (not imputed) and in the process propitiating the natural wrath that is upon us.

The implications are startling! God, through Jesus, as restorer, prompts me to offer this same enemy love to others. I don't need my primitive need for retribution to be accomplished before I forgive someone. Rather, in imitation of Jesus I let go of the anger and pursue reconciliation and relationship with the one who have wounded me. That's ultimately what it's all about, relationship. God's actions on our behalf are not about some abstract atonement theory of vindication, they're like a loving Father pursuing the prodigal son to the depths of hell because He tenderly wants the best for him and wants to relationally restore him. And the power of the cross and resurrection is ultimate. No matter where the prodigal son has wandered and where his suffering and hurts have distanced him from his Father, there is always a pathway back home.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

The primary thesis of this book, as I understood it is this: The retributive justice championed by the penal substitution model of Christ's atonement is false. Christus Victor, the classic and dramatic model of the atonement, reveals the other model for the falsehood that it is and then destroys it through the restorative justice that Christus Victor represents.

In short, all Christians and anyone interested in Christian theology ought to read this book. In the end you may still not agree with it, but it is important to understand the development of penal substitution theory that was based on the perspectives of the medieval church period. It is important to understand that there are other ways of understanding and interpreting the nature and importance of Christ's work through his life, death, and resurrection. It is important to understand that penal substitution is not rejected simply because it seems offensive, but because there is substantial biblical support for an alternative view, that in the author's and this reviewer's perspective, is more coherent with the whole of scripture.

Derek Flood does an excellent job of laying out the evidence for Christus Victor and against penal substitution. He goes through and logically dismantles the usual arguments in favor of penal substitution. He spends one chapter in this book working through the Suffering Servant passage of Isaiah 52-53 and shows that instead of God demanding some kind of punishment, it shows humans and the natural consequences of sin caused Christ to undergo suffering. The Appendix in the book is one of the most important portions as Mr. Flood works through the proper understandings of key soteriological terms: righteousness, justice, justifies, justification, and wrath. He shows how these should not be interpreted within a legal, forensic framework, but in a restorative and natural consequences framework.

This book builds upon Gustaf Aulen's original "Christus Victor" work. Aulen's work is quite scholarly and in it describes the history of the development of the three models - classic (Christus Victor), objective (Latin, penal substitution), subjective (moral influence) - of the atonement. Aulen's shows how classic is best supported by scripture and history.

What Mr. Flood does is take the next step. If one accepts Christus Victor, then the other models are not only inadequate, but they are false, particularly the penal substitution model. Mr. Flood explains how Christus Victor is, in particular, the antithesis of the penal substitution model and how the p-s model not only does not treat sin seriously enough, but it portrays a picture of God that is diametrically opposed to that which Jesus came to reveal.

Christians accept the Bible as the revelation of God. By "revelation of God" I don't mean in the sense of God reveals things but rather in the sense it shows humans what God is like. How one chooses to understand the cross and the atonement is critical for interpreting the rest of scripture. It is the lens through which we see God and how we portray God to others. If we get it wrong, we unknowingly end up lying about God. This book provides a clear differentiation between two ways of viewing God. It is critical to learn the support and reasoning behind the two opposed views and make the right choice.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about questioning and reframing our modern western view of atonement and what the cross is and accomplished for us. The author goes through the most common western view of atonement, penal substitution, and discusses why he believes it's an inaccurate view of both the purpose of the cross and the nature of God. The author reframes our view of justice from a retributive view, which he considers the opposite of God's nature, to a Godly and biblical view of restorative justice. The Gospel and the cross are about healing, not appeasement.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who's questioned the view of penal substitution (essentially God needed a perfect sacrifice to beat up on so that His holiness could be satisfied and free Him to forgive us) or shied away from Christianity because of the harsh view of the Father we as the church have often portrayed.

[John Martindale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reflections upon the difference of retribution and restorative justice and I must say that I am in agreement that God is more interested in the latter, but exactly how Jesus' bloody execution on a cross brings this restoration about, this is where the book kinda left me flat. I needed no convincing of the many problems and biblical challenges to the penal-substitutionary view of the atonement, everything Flood wrote concerning this--I gave a hearty amen, but yeah, Floods positive case seemed lacking, maybe due to the shortness of the book, but yeah, I still remain just as baffled concerning the atonement. Even though Flood rejects it, I almost am in favor the view C.S Lewis presented in the Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe, where the Lion offered himself as a ransom to the Witch in exchange for Edmond, yes it is very metaphysically out there, and repulsive to many Christians, that God pays the devil and all, but it actually makes a sort of sense to me in a way that atonement as a perfect display of God's hatred or sin, or as an inspiring moral example or ultimate display of divine love to melt the hardest heart, doesn't.

[Pearl Loewen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small book that packs a punch. Derek Flood articulates in a hundred pages what others have needed tomes to say. This was my first reading of Flood, who argues against the penal substitution atonement theory in favor of a Christus Victor narrative framework. Flood extends the definition of sin and salvation in a compelling way. It's not simply theology, however, but a challenge and inspiration to act on it.

[Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flood does an amazing job unveiling the problem with modern Evangelical understandings of the atonement and contrasts it beautifully with the ancient restorative model. I found his logic and process easy to follow and understandable, which helped me in sorting out my own thoughts on the tensions I've been feeling around the good news of the gospel. Seen in this light we open ourselves up to new vistas of seeing God's goodness and reconciliation all around us. It changes our outlook and inspires us to be agents of reconciliation alongside the Spirit. This is a must read. I've read it twice now.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am sympathetic to the author’s interpretation of the cross, Romans, and Old Testament sacrifice. He makes many good points. I’m still trying to wrap my mind around why Christ’s death would restore someone to health. The argument seems to fall short there, and the author seems to be stating that Jesus was just being a good example for us. The book is well written and concise for regular people.

My main concern is how the Bible and theology of the cross can be interpreted in opposite ways by our most educated people. How can someone know what is true? A central tenant of the Bible is called into question - that Christ died in our place, due to God’s wrath toward sin. This author says no, God overlooks and forgives the sin without needing a substitute lamb, and Christ’s death is unrelated to wrath. Either way, it’s interesting to think about.

[Heather Kidd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derek Flood highlights the difference between retributive justice and restorative justice in this book and how "the way many of us have learned to present the 'good news' can sound like anything but good news." Which is something I have always struggled with. What seems so freeing in my heart when I try to tell others becomes such a heavy weight, and I realize that I've been telling them what I've been taught rather than what I actually believe.

Derek talks about how many of us have been taught to understand that Jesus had to die to fulfill the demands of an angry God out to punish and shame us and that Jesus was punished "instead" of us. However, this is not the case as he goes on to explain using multiple scriptures and references. Jesus died "for" us in the sense that God in Christ acts to heal us of our brokenness and sin sickness. That Christ acts in love and love doesn't conflict with justice but rather love is how justice comes about because Gods idea of justice radically differs from our idea. The understanding of justice that the New Testament of the Bible shows us is that justice is not ultimately about punishing through violence but about setting things right–––through restoration.

He asserts that restorative justice is "rooted in compassion and reflects a desire to see things made right, to see relationships restored, to see broken lives mended, to see hurtful and hurting people come to their knees in repentance and be made new."

This book is a book full of good news that highlights how "centuries of projecting our own cultural assumptions of punitive justice onto the Bible are not easy to shake off." How these assumptions have become "so ingrained, so indoctrinated, into our religious imagination that it seems self-evident."

Derek goes on to show how it is easy to read the Bible through the lens of retributive justice and that this is precisely how Paul read the Scriptures prior to his encounter with Christ, and yet how he later came to read the Scriptures in a radically different way that focuses on God's way of restorative justice in Christ. Beyond the New Testament, he also goes on to work through the passages of Isaiah 53 and the "Suffering Servant" as well as takes you through the sacrificial system and it's purpose, all through the lens of restorative justice.

This is a deep and thoughtful book that will make you consider all angles of what you believe and have been taught. I found it to be a book ultimately about hope and healing!

[Danny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow and almost aggregating to start the book presents a senecio of how a punitive system of justice has no merit. However it takes him 3/4 of the way through to present any actual evidence of this other than his own biased hope and experience. Even if social patterns indicate some flaw in punitive justice I don't think such comparisons actually hold weight in the case of God's kingdom. I also felt like the book was concentrated on the fact of Jesus' death as the focal point rather than on the resurrection. In this I felt he was misrepresenting those who actually would hold to the traditional punitive model of atonement. In that God's wrath must be appeased. The last 1/4 of the book swings around. I feel as though the book should have been much shorter and that it was stretched out to appease a publisher not because there was that much meaningful content. That last 1/4 though was incredible. Especially his exegesis of Isaiah 53 and his filling out the picture of restorative justice being a case study for how we live out lives in others centred grace filled living. It also makes sense. I would pick up the book if you are really curios about why Jesus died and how that has any impact on your life.

[Zac Talbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Derek Flood really does something special in this short but very DEEP book. He takes centuries of atonement views rooted in penal, punitive justice and then eloquently and scripturally makes the case for a restorative model of justice rooted in redemption and love. Flood offers a new course for the church and for evangelism that takes the ancient "Christus Victor" model of the early church fathers and then wraps it in the teachings of Christ and the apostles. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because the language at time is too "academic" for an average reader, so I don't think this book is quite as approachable as I wish it was. Nonetheless, this is an important book for the church. All Sunday School teachers, pastors, lay leaders and others should give this book a serious read. It will transform and restore your views of the Gospels, the cross and Christ's triumphant resurrection.

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Progressive Christians have long had problems dealing with the issue of the atonement. There are biblical texts that suggest that the cross has implications for the divine-human relationship, but what is it? Over time theologians have sought to draw out the implications, often turning to legal metaphors, leading to the idea that Jesus averts God's retributive justice. Since God is just and needs proper payment (penal substitution), Jesus pays the price for us -- the innocent for the guilty.

Derek Flood offers up the idea of restorative justice, that is the incarnation, the cross, and the resurrection don't pay the "debt we could not pay," but instead restores us to relationship with God, by making us through Christ the righteousness of God.

It's brief, but deep. If you're struggling with this issue, I think you'll benefit from a close read!

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an audible listen. Flood argues the atonement is less about penal justice (i.e. penal substitution), and more about restorative justice (i.e. Christus Victor). Flood makes an intelligent case against substitutionary atonement. I am a multi-metaphor guy and don't have the same axe to grind against substitutionary models of the atonement (if they are put alongside other images of Christ's work) However I think he does a good job of exploring the dramatic and narrative power of restorative models and I find the thrust of restoration to be significant.

[Ruben · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone interested in the truth of the gospel message, one will walk away with the sense that God loves us unconditionally, completely and without limitations. In todays society where the Christian faith is being used to demean, defraud and control various sectors of the society, this read clarifies the gospels in ways that would overturn much of what present day players of Christianity have created: a theocracy that seeks to control, which is far from the truth of the gospel. Flood has created a book that is fluid, easy to read and makes its point clearly.

[Jim Wall · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Rebel God” Understanding the Cross-and The Radical Love of God.

Four Chapters currently written, excellent piece… each chapter/part 14 to 23 pages in length… You can copy and paste the addresses below into your browser to take a peak. Try the 2-page introduction, if it be current food for you be blessed, if it is just more Christian information I would say take a pass on it…

...a point of view which broadened my view of the love made manifest on the cross...

[Chris Plemmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great introduction to the other side of atonement theory(compared to what I've read in the past). I say introduction because at times I felt like he could have gone much deeper into discussing a topic and should have, as well there were times where an editor may have helped him construct an outline that helped him with thought flow. But I do believe he has a great style of writing that makes me want to read his next book as I was thrilled at the way he constructed some thoughts.

[Michael Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent and concise statement of a kind of Christianity that detaches from a retributive justice view of the cross and embraces a healing, restorative view. It is a relatively easy read and is accessible to someone who wants to explore an alternative view of the cross from traditional penal, substitutionary atonement. Very well done.

[Danu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flood does a great job of high lighting restorative justice as viewed and understood by ancient Jews as opposed to retributive justice as understood by the modern evangelicalism. An excellent book that brings out the nature of atonement - for healing and NOT for retribution.

[Dara Dietz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye Opening

The value of any book is that it teaches you something new, provides the opportunity to expand your mind. This work does just that, whether you agree or disagree you will not leave these pages unaffected.

[Michael Powe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dense and thoroughly argued refutation of the doctrine of atonement in the Christian church.

[Dwight P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very valuable contribution for those who seek an understanding of how Jesus looks at justice and why it truly is good news.

[Jon Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshing view of the cross and the Good News.

[Carl A · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great reminder that the purpose of the Christian faith is healing, restorative justice rather than punitive justice.

[Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect

No really, it is. What a great book on love, compassion, forgiveness, and the meaning of the cross. Highly recommend.

[Dave Pettengill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated this short book on atonement. There is great hope and life within these pages.

[Jonathan Brauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best most easily readable books I've read with a more restorative view of the atonement.