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Approaching the Atonement: The Reconciling Work of Christ
In many ways, the death of Jesus Christ on the cross stands at the heart of the Christian faith. But how should we understand the theological significance of Christ's death? How has the church interpreted that event in developing a doctrine of atonement? Should we limit our doctrine of the atonement to the cross, or is Christ's work more expansive than that? Theologian Oliver Crisp explores such questions around the meaning of the cross and the various ways that the death of Jesus has been interpreted in the church's history--from ransom theory in the early church to penal substitutionary theory to more recent feminist critiques. What emerges from this study is a more complex, expansive, and fruitful understanding of the atonement and its significance for the Christian faith today.
224 pages, Paperback
First published February 11, 2020
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About the author
Oliver D. Crisp
52 books35 followersOliver D. Crisp (PhD, University of London, DLitt, University of Aberdeen) is professor of analytic theology at the University of St. Andrews. He is the author of several books, including Analyzing Doctrine: Toward a Systematic Theology, Saving Calvinism: Expanding the Reformed Tradition, Jonathan Edwards Among The Theologians, and The Word Enfleshed: Exploring the Person and Work of Christ. He is a founding editor of the Journal of Analytic Theology, and co-organizes the annual Los Angeles Theology Conference with Fred Sanders.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 4, 2022
My high rating here doesn’t necessarily reflect the entertainment value of reading ~180 pages on atonement theology, but does reflect my appreciation for Crisp’s thorough explanation/analysis of historical models of atonement (and light suggestions for constructing new-ish theology on atonement). As with all theology, I have a lot more questions than answers, but understand more than I did before?
January 15, 2025
This is a great one-stop shop for understanding atonement theories. Crisp offers an overview of all the major (and several minor) theories and deals with their respective strengths and weaknesses. He argues for his own view (what he calls the “union account”) in the last chapter.
The best aspect of this work is that Crisp really engages with each theory. He not only points out the strengths and weaknesses of each theory, but also offers adjustments that might account for the weaknesses (even for theories he disagrees with). It’s also not super technical (I have only dabbled in systematic theology, and I found it quite readable) and has a very clean, crisp (sorry) writing style. Honestly, I don’t have any real criticisms; I would have liked him to go deeper in some areas, but that’s not really the purpose of the book.
As far as Crisp’s own proposal, he only gives a brief and simplified overview (he does have a book which gives a fuller treatment, which I hope to read eventually). I’ll need to give it more thought, but I’ve been leaning towards an account of the atonement that prioritizes participation for a while myself, so I found a lot to like in his presentation.
This doesn’t mean much since I haven’t read a lot of books about the atonement, BUT if someone asked me for a single book on the subject, this is where I’d send them.
The best aspect of this work is that Crisp really engages with each theory. He not only points out the strengths and weaknesses of each theory, but also offers adjustments that might account for the weaknesses (even for theories he disagrees with). It’s also not super technical (I have only dabbled in systematic theology, and I found it quite readable) and has a very clean, crisp (sorry) writing style. Honestly, I don’t have any real criticisms; I would have liked him to go deeper in some areas, but that’s not really the purpose of the book.
As far as Crisp’s own proposal, he only gives a brief and simplified overview (he does have a book which gives a fuller treatment, which I hope to read eventually). I’ll need to give it more thought, but I’ve been leaning towards an account of the atonement that prioritizes participation for a while myself, so I found a lot to like in his presentation.
This doesn’t mean much since I haven’t read a lot of books about the atonement, BUT if someone asked me for a single book on the subject, this is where I’d send them.
July 19, 2020
Summary: A study of different models of the atonement, explaining and critiquing each model, focusing on the "mechanism" of atonement, the issue of violence, and the author's own preferred approach.
The atonement. This is the idea that Christ's died for our sin and thus made possible reconciliation with God. The question that has arisen throughout Christian history is how Christ's death accomplishes that reconciling work. What is the "mechanism" of atonement? What are the different models that have been held through history and how do they differ? How to we reconcile the presence or even necessity of violence in these models with a loving God? Are there ways that the models compatible that might point to a greater whole?
This slim volume offers a survey of different models of the atonement formulated throughout history, clear explanations of each, critiques and possible responses of each, and how these models might be relate to each other. He begins with patristic accounts of the atonement, those of Irenaeus and Athanasius. He then turns to the ransom or Christus Victor accounts, Anselm's satisfaction account, moral exemplarism proposed through history from Abelard to John Hick, versions of the penal substitutionary, governmental and vicarious penitence doctrines, approaches that may be described as "mash-ups" or "kaleidoscopic." Amid the discussion, the author takes a chapter to discuss the problem of atoning violence implicit in several of these models. He concludes with a recent proposal, the union or participation proposal that he favors.
Several aspects of this book make it an ideal introduction to discussions on the atonement. One is the conciseness and clarity of Crisp's explanation of each model, including distinguishing between variants on a model, like versions of penal substitution that focus alternatively on the substitute taking punishment in place of the guilty versus taking on the penal consequences of sin, but not the actual punishment. He also offers helpful discussions of atoning violence, including an emphasis that the atonement was accomplished by the Triune God, not setting Father against Son in ways that separate the unity of the three-personed God. He also explores the double effect response and the distinction between atonement proper, and crucifixion, which are often conflated.
He uses memorable images in his discussion, such as the idea of "one theory to rule them all," most often in reference to penal substitution, referencing a classic article by recently deceased J.I. Packer that also serves as an example of a "mashup" approach that recognize various models as aspects or facets of the atonement. His discussion of moral exemplarism is an example, where in critique he observes the lack of a mechanism of atonement, raising the question of the necessity of Christ's death, but also observes that exemplarism is an element, or implication of most models. Likewise, older models, such as the early models of Athanasius, and the satisfaction of approach of Anselm, are treated as far more formidable and important than often credited in modern treatments. His concluding treatment of union or participatory approaches most associated with Michael J. Gorman, suggest this may be a way forward, both drawing upon other models and drawing heavily on the biblical material of the corporate aspects of fallen and redeemed humanity as significant to the mechanism of atonement.
What marks this work is its even-handed discussion of the various models, focusing both on strengths and criticisms for each, understanding each in the context they were first framed. Contrary to the "rhetorical flourish" approach that many who respond to critiques of atoning violence, he shows how these are often question begging and tries to approach this in a way that takes the issue seriously. Each chapter provides a bibliography, and the book concludes with a more extensive bibliography of the literature. Crisp offers a scholarly introduction to contemporary discussions of the atonement that serves as a syllabus for more in depth study on this central doctrine of Christian faith.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The atonement. This is the idea that Christ's died for our sin and thus made possible reconciliation with God. The question that has arisen throughout Christian history is how Christ's death accomplishes that reconciling work. What is the "mechanism" of atonement? What are the different models that have been held through history and how do they differ? How to we reconcile the presence or even necessity of violence in these models with a loving God? Are there ways that the models compatible that might point to a greater whole?
This slim volume offers a survey of different models of the atonement formulated throughout history, clear explanations of each, critiques and possible responses of each, and how these models might be relate to each other. He begins with patristic accounts of the atonement, those of Irenaeus and Athanasius. He then turns to the ransom or Christus Victor accounts, Anselm's satisfaction account, moral exemplarism proposed through history from Abelard to John Hick, versions of the penal substitutionary, governmental and vicarious penitence doctrines, approaches that may be described as "mash-ups" or "kaleidoscopic." Amid the discussion, the author takes a chapter to discuss the problem of atoning violence implicit in several of these models. He concludes with a recent proposal, the union or participation proposal that he favors.
Several aspects of this book make it an ideal introduction to discussions on the atonement. One is the conciseness and clarity of Crisp's explanation of each model, including distinguishing between variants on a model, like versions of penal substitution that focus alternatively on the substitute taking punishment in place of the guilty versus taking on the penal consequences of sin, but not the actual punishment. He also offers helpful discussions of atoning violence, including an emphasis that the atonement was accomplished by the Triune God, not setting Father against Son in ways that separate the unity of the three-personed God. He also explores the double effect response and the distinction between atonement proper, and crucifixion, which are often conflated.
He uses memorable images in his discussion, such as the idea of "one theory to rule them all," most often in reference to penal substitution, referencing a classic article by recently deceased J.I. Packer that also serves as an example of a "mashup" approach that recognize various models as aspects or facets of the atonement. His discussion of moral exemplarism is an example, where in critique he observes the lack of a mechanism of atonement, raising the question of the necessity of Christ's death, but also observes that exemplarism is an element, or implication of most models. Likewise, older models, such as the early models of Athanasius, and the satisfaction of approach of Anselm, are treated as far more formidable and important than often credited in modern treatments. His concluding treatment of union or participatory approaches most associated with Michael J. Gorman, suggest this may be a way forward, both drawing upon other models and drawing heavily on the biblical material of the corporate aspects of fallen and redeemed humanity as significant to the mechanism of atonement.
What marks this work is its even-handed discussion of the various models, focusing both on strengths and criticisms for each, understanding each in the context they were first framed. Contrary to the "rhetorical flourish" approach that many who respond to critiques of atoning violence, he shows how these are often question begging and tries to approach this in a way that takes the issue seriously. Each chapter provides a bibliography, and the book concludes with a more extensive bibliography of the literature. Crisp offers a scholarly introduction to contemporary discussions of the atonement that serves as a syllabus for more in depth study on this central doctrine of Christian faith.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
June 25, 2020
I liked his historical theological format. He ends up proposing that union with Christ resolves many issues. To me he ends up with a penal substitution union with Adam/Christ mashup. I don't follow his sensitivity to the problem of violence in the atonement. I feel his names and descriptions for certain ideas are self evidently descriptive of his own opinions: thin, mashup, rhetorical flourish, etc. He is also suggesting that Union theology is new on the block, but it seem to me to be much like federal headship in reformed thinking. I also wonder if the Union theme could have been brought forward earlier. It seems that patristic theology of recapitulation is one place.
Good format, lots to pursue in his bibliography. I didn't notice the glossary until near the end, helpful to keep track of the players.
Good format, lots to pursue in his bibliography. I didn't notice the glossary until near the end, helpful to keep track of the players.
February 21, 2024
This is a very helpful discussion about the variety of atonement theories and how they relate to historical and contemporary problems with atonement doctrine.
Crisp is a clear writer and is able to break down very complex concepts. I appreciated his work to actually locate the patristic "ransom" (Christus Victor) account of atonement and to separate 'penal' substitution from Anselm's "objective atonement."
This is a fraught topic for many reasons and Crisp provides a cogent introduction. But as he advances his own proscriptive solution to the problem he relies on linguistic coherence with very thin Biblical reasoning. His own proposal about "participation in Christ" that leans heavily on recent Pauline scholarship deals mostly with Jesus as a part standing for the whole. The notion of the cross in which Jesus "became sin who knew no sin" is restricted to a kind of assignment than a true ontological reality. As much as it might not be logically satisfying scripture does testify that the 'mechanism' for atonement is Christ's physical body which actually does the work of bearing our sin and bringing about reconciliation and not some legal adjustment (Col 1:22). Crisp overlooks this by dwelling wholly in the realm of the cross as some sort of legal necessity.
Crisp is a clear writer and is able to break down very complex concepts. I appreciated his work to actually locate the patristic "ransom" (Christus Victor) account of atonement and to separate 'penal' substitution from Anselm's "objective atonement."
This is a fraught topic for many reasons and Crisp provides a cogent introduction. But as he advances his own proscriptive solution to the problem he relies on linguistic coherence with very thin Biblical reasoning. His own proposal about "participation in Christ" that leans heavily on recent Pauline scholarship deals mostly with Jesus as a part standing for the whole. The notion of the cross in which Jesus "became sin who knew no sin" is restricted to a kind of assignment than a true ontological reality. As much as it might not be logically satisfying scripture does testify that the 'mechanism' for atonement is Christ's physical body which actually does the work of bearing our sin and bringing about reconciliation and not some legal adjustment (Col 1:22). Crisp overlooks this by dwelling wholly in the realm of the cross as some sort of legal necessity.
April 3, 2025
The Best Overview of Historical Views on Atonement
I am currently writing my capstone project for my undergraduate degree on Religion. The thesis is that Jesus' atoning work effects time, space, and people everywhere, at everytime, all at once. I realized I didn't know hardly anything about different theories on Atonement. This book was very clear and succinct in discussing all the different historical theories.
I truly enjoyed that Dr. Crisp would properly explain the theory and then bring up objections. This allows for an honest review before knocking down the walls of historical doctrines of Atonement.
Great read for any Christian that wants to know more about Christ's work at the cross!
I am currently writing my capstone project for my undergraduate degree on Religion. The thesis is that Jesus' atoning work effects time, space, and people everywhere, at everytime, all at once. I realized I didn't know hardly anything about different theories on Atonement. This book was very clear and succinct in discussing all the different historical theories.
I truly enjoyed that Dr. Crisp would properly explain the theory and then bring up objections. This allows for an honest review before knocking down the walls of historical doctrines of Atonement.
Great read for any Christian that wants to know more about Christ's work at the cross!
April 14, 2022
Long story short, participation and union with Christ is the more suitable doctrine of atonement
July 10, 2024
This book serves best as a helpful introduction to various views of atonement espoused in Christian theology over the centuries. If one is newish to atonement theory, or in need of a refresher, this is a decent place to engage. Crisp's explanations of the views of others are fairly helpful (if not too reductive at times). Crisp defines atonement well, and offers helpful distinctions between key issues such as forgiveness, reparation, and punishment.
Having said that, I had a lot of issues with the book. First, it was far too often that, when Crisp tried to identify problems with certain atonement models, that he left too many questions unasked, supplied insufficient answers to the questions he did ask, and completely ignored Scripture while processing ideas. My margins in this book are littered with questions he missed, answers he did not provide, and passages he should have discussed.
Second, Crisp relies heavily on analogies, and these were very hit or miss, and mostly a miss. I'm not one of these people who complains that all analogies fail. They do, but I know this, and I still think analogies, when well designed, are helpful. But, I far too often found Crisp's analogies unhelpful - they too often fell short of making proper comparisons. The correlations between the analogies and the things being compared were just not often close enough, and I found them frustrating.
Third, Crisp offers a constructive account of atonement at the end of the book, which he describes as "new" and "novel," and there is nothing in this account that seems new to me. I really mean it here - I read his account carefully, and I'm puzzled by what he thinks is "new." I've been in neo-reformed circles for years - I have a PhD in Bible, and going back to the reformers, everything he said in his constructive account is not only found in literature going back a long time, but it's found in lots of the literature. Crisp has another newer book on this, published in 2022, so maybe I'll get a better indication of what he thinks is new about his view by reading that book, but all Crisp did was describe stuff I've read and known about the atonement since I started studying it in the late 1990s.
This book has value. I recommend it to those who don't know much about historical views of the atonement. But, it has its shortcomings which often led to my own annotations in the margins, looking for better answers.
Having said that, I had a lot of issues with the book. First, it was far too often that, when Crisp tried to identify problems with certain atonement models, that he left too many questions unasked, supplied insufficient answers to the questions he did ask, and completely ignored Scripture while processing ideas. My margins in this book are littered with questions he missed, answers he did not provide, and passages he should have discussed.
Second, Crisp relies heavily on analogies, and these were very hit or miss, and mostly a miss. I'm not one of these people who complains that all analogies fail. They do, but I know this, and I still think analogies, when well designed, are helpful. But, I far too often found Crisp's analogies unhelpful - they too often fell short of making proper comparisons. The correlations between the analogies and the things being compared were just not often close enough, and I found them frustrating.
Third, Crisp offers a constructive account of atonement at the end of the book, which he describes as "new" and "novel," and there is nothing in this account that seems new to me. I really mean it here - I read his account carefully, and I'm puzzled by what he thinks is "new." I've been in neo-reformed circles for years - I have a PhD in Bible, and going back to the reformers, everything he said in his constructive account is not only found in literature going back a long time, but it's found in lots of the literature. Crisp has another newer book on this, published in 2022, so maybe I'll get a better indication of what he thinks is new about his view by reading that book, but all Crisp did was describe stuff I've read and known about the atonement since I started studying it in the late 1990s.
This book has value. I recommend it to those who don't know much about historical views of the atonement. But, it has its shortcomings which often led to my own annotations in the margins, looking for better answers.
February 20, 2024
Dr. Crisp provides helpful summaries of historic and modern models of atonement, and he explains the differences between certain models such as satisfaction, penal substitution, and governmental models of atonement. I found his succinct explanations to be enlightening.
The weakest parts of this book were the chapters on the problem of atoning violence and the participatory model of atonement that Dr. Crisp espouses. In the chapter on atoning violence, Crisp gives too much credence to the criticisms of liberal and feminist theologians. The Bible repeatedly states that the suffering and death of Christ was necessary, and his crucifixion was unapologetically violent. While Crisp's chapter on his preferred model of Union with Christ is intriguing, he almost completely ignores the crucifixion as a key component to the reconciling work of Christ.
The weakest parts of this book were the chapters on the problem of atoning violence and the participatory model of atonement that Dr. Crisp espouses. In the chapter on atoning violence, Crisp gives too much credence to the criticisms of liberal and feminist theologians. The Bible repeatedly states that the suffering and death of Christ was necessary, and his crucifixion was unapologetically violent. While Crisp's chapter on his preferred model of Union with Christ is intriguing, he almost completely ignores the crucifixion as a key component to the reconciling work of Christ.
March 2, 2023
Not at all a bad read. A little redundant in some instances and a little bare in others. This book would have been great either 50 pages longer as a more in depth look at how the models interact not just with philosophy and theology, but with more Biblical texts (for example, how does the Union account of atonement square with Isaiah 53? I’m not suggesting that it doesn’t, I’m just curious how he would parse that sort of thing out), or 50 pages shorter (as a kind of quick reference handbook for the basic stats of atonement models).
That said, the illustrations he uses for each of the models are worth the price of the book. Those suckers were brilliant and very helpful. Overall, I’m a little disappointed but I don’t think I’ve wasted my time at all.
That said, the illustrations he uses for each of the models are worth the price of the book. Those suckers were brilliant and very helpful. Overall, I’m a little disappointed but I don’t think I’ve wasted my time at all.
September 10, 2022
A very short and concise, but still fairly interesting overview of different atonement models offered through the centuries. If you’re looking for a deep engagement with biblical texts, this clearly isn’t the book to go to. Crisp cites Bible verses here and there, but mostly takes their interpretation for granted. Its strength rather lies on the historical side, and though I sometimes think Crisp oversimplifies things, he still gives ample food for thought. Plus, it’s always refreshing with a reformed evangelical who’s honest about the problems with penal substitution.
January 31, 2023
I found this book valuable because Crisp succinctly covers a wide breath of atonement views will engaging with crucial questions for each view. While inevitably such a work is biased by the author’s own perspective, Crisp writes with a balanced perspective seeking to establish both pros and cons. This really helped me to clarify my understanding of various perspectives where there are capabilities and incompatibility between views.
Oh and extra kudos for extended use of Tibbles the Cat thought experiment.
Oh and extra kudos for extended use of Tibbles the Cat thought experiment.
May 9, 2023
Concise, accessible, and sober. If I had to teach a class on atonement, this is the book I'd use. I love Crisps' strong-man presentation of the various atonement theories, as well as his ability to diagnosis the various deficiencies of those theories. And, as a treat, he offers his own theory, though he discusses that theory in much greater detail in his newer book, Participation and Atonement.
Three cheers for Oliver!
Three cheers for Oliver!
April 27, 2021
Crisp lays out the various theories and doctrines of the atonement brought about through Christ. He compares them, assesses their potential problems, and provides His own alternative response. It is well balanced, theologically rigorous, and clearly presented. As someone who is a novice in his knowledge of the historical atonement doctrines, I appreciate this work!
February 24, 2023
This book examines the main views of the atonement, asks questions, and raises objections about potential weaknesses. I like Crisp’s clear and methodical approach. I’m also very interested in learning more about his own view which incorporates elements from some of the patristics. His “Participation and Atonement” is going on my short list.
March 16, 2023
This is a good survey of atonement theories, including discussion regarding some of the challenges re: violence as it relates to atonement.
December 24, 2025
His presentation of historical atonement accounts is crisp (no pun intended) and lucid. I’m still chewing on his discussion of participation/union account of atonement.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews