Atonement for a Sinless Society

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.

Genres: Theology

148 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 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.