Atonement and the New Perspective: The God of Israel, Covenant, and the Cross

by Stephen Burnhope

Atonement has been described as the central doctrine of Christianity and yet, surprisingly, the church has never insisted on a particular understanding of how redemption in Christ was achieved. Instead, a miscellany of metaphors has been employed, each picturing "something" of Christ's work. Recent debate within Reformed Evangelicalism has been characterized by claims for hegemony to be granted to penal substitution versus counter-arguments for a kaleidoscopic, multi-model understanding. Notably absent in these discussions, however, are two considerations. One is any common nexus to draw atonement thought together. The other is any positive theological contribution deriving from God's preexisting relationship with Israel (the presumed role of which has rather been to provide a negative contrast of law-versus-grace and works-versus-faith, as the dark background against which the light of Christ may shine more brightly). Recent scholarship, however--particularly the "new perspective on Paul"--has comprehensively dismantled the old stereotypes concerning first-century Judaism. This book asks how differently we might think about the atonement once it is brought into conversation with the new scholarship. It concludes by proposing a "new perspective" on atonement in which Christ is central, Israel and Torah are affirmed, and the traditional metaphors continue to find their place.

"In his compelling 'new perspective' on the atonement, Burnhope confronts and repairs a pervasive Israel-forgetfulness in atonement theology, and at the same time draws out important theological ramifications of 'the New Perspective on Paul.' Speaking into a lacuna between two significant literatures, his ground-breaking book is at once scripturally resonant and theologically generative."
--Susannah Ticciati, King's College London

Stephen Burnhope and his wife Lyn currently serve as the Senior Pastors of Aylesbury Vineyard Church, in Buckinghamshire, UK.

Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2018

Reviews

[Thomas Creedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a joy to be given a copy of this book by the author – a fellow Vineyard scholar/theologian, with whom I’ve shared genuine friendship, robust disagreement, and serious dialogue. Atonement and the New Perspective: The God of Israel, Covenant, and the Cross is a revision of Steve’s Kings College PhD, in which he examines a central doctrine of Christianity, the atonement, and considers a number of questions. Firstly there is an examination of the fact that historically the Church has not insisted on one understanding of the Atonement. Second, Steve rightly brings the doctrine of the Atonement into conversation with the work of Pauline scholars in the ‘New Perspective’ group(s). Thirdly, Steve bravely and prophetically raises the uncomfortable question of the place of Israel and the Jews in discussions around the atonement, covenant, and the church today. These three are big areas of dissent and discussion, and so Atonement and the New Perspective reads more like a theological thriller than a dry thesis – even (And perhaps especially) where one disagrees.

Read my full review on my blog: https://www.thomascreedy.co.uk/book-r...

[Ben Burkholder]

Good overview of the New Perspective and the questions it asks Atonement theology. The primary weakness is that it fails to account for the exile in Israel's experience under the Sinai Covenant.

[Rick Brookens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! Yes! Yes! I have not read a better book on the atonement. Answers many questions. Some areas still to work on and nuance, but very good!

[Fr. River · Rating 5 out of 5]

ATONEMENT AND THE NEW PERSPECTIVE

The God of Israel, Covenant, and the Cross

Stephen Burn Hope

Hope through a scholarly work discusses the doctrine of Atonement, how it developed and why the Jews were alienated from the process. He then brings all of it together to show the antisemitism that resulted, and presents a unifying argument for atonement between Christian and Jews.

It is an excellent, scholarly book, but in my preview I found that this doctrine is often used to separate us from the reign of God on the earth, and separate us from other religious expressions.

The Jesus that I have experience through out my life is one who is inclusive of everyone. He is portrayed in the Gospel of John as the One who walks to his own death leading by example and in dying communicates the Spirit to his followers, who move through out the world in his name. He is the Cosmic Christ surrounding us, nourishing us and calling us to nourish our brothers and sisters. He is but one expression in the world of the many faces of God.

This is a good book, but limits the the Gospel in its expression and targets academics. In a world suffering from war, homelessness, and poverty, it provides no hope or guidance.

Fr. River Damien Sims, sfw, D.Min., D.S.T.

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