Atonement for a Sinless Society: Second Edition

by Alan Mann

""Sin isn't relevant anymore."" Alan Mann takes seriously this oft-heard assertion and instead goes in search of the real plight at the heart of contemporary Western society. What he finds there is a personal, pervasive, and self-diminishing dis-ease impacting the lives of millions of people--shame. With this insight, Atonement for a Sinless Society seeks a fresh encounter with the biblical narrative, building a more meaningful understanding of the story of Jesus and his disciples for the world in which we live; bringing the Christian understanding of atonement into the twenty-first century. ""In spite of the centrality of the cross to biblical faith, old formulations and cultural formulations today cloud its significance. Alan Mann's voice is needed and welcome. In these pages, we find a moving narrative of atonement, from a penetrating analysis of the world we inhabit to the resolution of the human experience of chronic shame in the invitation of the Eucharist."" --Joel B. Green, Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Fuller Theological Seminary ""Thought-provoking, mission-focused, and culturally challenging. An insightful, timely, and creative view of the atonement."" --Steve Chalke, Founder, Oasis Global ""A creative and well-researched presentation of faith thinking . . . [A]nyone who desires to communicate the Gospel to a contemporary audience will find this both a challenging and a rewarding read."" --Graham McFarlane, Vice Principle Academic, London School of Theology ""Rather than simply repeating an articulation of the gospel from another time and culture, Alan Mann asks how the cross is good news for his culture and how to communicate that good news in his context today. We have much to learn from how he answers those questions."" --Mark D. Baker, Professor of Mission and Theology, Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary ""Alan's book is clear, creative, deep, compelling, and inspiring."" --Brian McLaren, author, speaker, and activist ""Alan Mann's Atonement for a Sinless Society is one of the few books in our day that probes classic atonement theories in the context of a radically shifted audience . . . Instead of ramping up older theories and seeking to impose them on a conscience no longer amenable to such theories, Mann starts afresh with the concept of shame in our world and shows how a reframed story can lead yet again to the magical moment of history: the cross of Jesus Christ."" --Scot McKnight, Professor of New Testament, Northern Baptist Theological Seminary ""I was a huge fan of this book in version 1.0. But the 2.0 version? Wow! As a theological thought leader and insightful cultural exegete, Alan has given us a great update, integrating new material that makes this even more relevant to our current cultural and church landscape. Please get a copy and buy more for your leaders and pastoral colleagues; this conversation needs a wide hearing!"" --Ron Martoia, Transformational architect, author, speaker ""By viewing the atonement through the lens of isolating shame, Alan Mann frees that important understanding of God's reconciling work from the single, judicatory interpretation that tends to dominate Western Christian thinking. Mann shows how the Eucharist expresses the reconciliation of the self with God and others, and offers a fresh way for people to engage in the richness of the atoning work of Jesus Christ."" --Mike McNichols, Affiliate Assistant Professor of Intercultural Studies and Director of Fuller Theological Seminary Orange County Alan Mann is a writer and author based in the UK. He has worked in education and for several leading Christian organizations. His works include A Permanent Becoming (2008) and, with Steve Chalke MBE, The Lost Message of Jesus (2003) and Different Eyes (2010).

Genres: Theology

146 pages, Paperback

Published October 16, 2015

Reviews

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful and challenging look at atonement in a society that doesn't 'get' sin. Those who work cross-culturally will understand the need to look into shame, fear and guilt as outcomes of sin and the need to recognise relationship as well as doctrine. Unfortunately many in the west see these explorations as changing doctrine or eisegesis, not recognising the culture within the context of the scriptures themselves. Alan works to develop the idea that the post-modern self is broken and not 'at-one' with itself or with others and the cross is the display of ultimate 'at-one-ment'. The Christian life then is one that lives for the other, that dies to self but in so doing restores relationship with the other and with God and finds coherence and wholeness. The book explores how church liturgy and communion might go about drawing in those who don't have this internal coherence before and during the process of making them aware of their sin - the power that breaks up the self and the relationship with the other and with God. Lots to think about, well worth the read.

[Thomas Creedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating book. Not really about the atonement, more about how to tell stories that point to Jesus. Also makes sense of the Eucharist missionally. Three stars as it wasn’t the book it started out as, and it seems to make a number of moves without reason. But useful for thinking about speaking of shame and sin today, and the aforementioned place of the Lords Supper.

Full review to follow on my blog.

[Andy Gore · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is so much to recommend about this book especially in its description of the human condition in a post industrial, post Christian society. However, the huge drawback is his language; it is incredibly dense that to remember what he’s said is so hard. The point of writing is for your style not to obscure but to illuminate and sadly that is not what he does. This is a book well worth reading and pondering and praying through but it is like wading through treacle at times!!

[Rieneke K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating take on communicating the reality of the atonement in a generation who doesn't recognize sin as a problem! Great read!

[Makeesha Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a bit heady and rambling at times but a really bold exploration into the issue of the atonement

[Chris Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Alan is an amazing author.