A good Read Phil. While I have not read Kellar's book I am half way through Potts.I still have Remission and Resurrection to read. I agree the moment one lets go of Penal Substitution the sky opens up to all kinds of possibilities. In light of our current political climate and retaliatory tariffs, his words on retaliation are further food for thought. "what compensates for suffering is not equal suffering, and certainly not the replacement of a lost good, but the satisfaction of seeing wrong visited upon the one whom we resent."
The crucifixion is so powerful and mysterious that we have only metaphors to describe it. I think PSA atonement theory is the result of taking one such metaphor and making it into the whole.
What I see in scripture is a gradual process of God teaching the human race that retribution is NOT the way of the Kingdom.
Recently I saw this in I John 4:18 “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (NIV)
If we simply look at our own research on how we treat criminal behavior, we see that restorative practices work far better than retributive. If God’s ways are even better than ours, then God cannot be retributive, but will take restorative justice to a breathtaking extreme. That, I believe, is the cross.
Rob, I agree – we are in trouble anytime that we try and say "atonement is this." I also think that atonement understanding needs to be rooted in the life and not just the death of Jesus. That actually changes a lot!
If Penal Substitutionary Atonement is true, then God commanded humanity to practice limitless forgiveness (Matthew 18:21–22) while God Himself was unable to extend that kind of forgiveness until after the crucifixion. Are we really supposed to believe that Jesus commanded us to do something God Himself was unable to do?
Phil, I’m grateful to you for your willingness to dig into scripture and prayer. Even more thankful for Jesus to bear all of our sin, shame and judgment. During this time of Lent, I become so aware of His great love for us all. Love the Amplified version of 2 Cor. 5:19. “It was God personally present in Christ, reconciling the world to favor with Himself, not counting up and holding against ( men) their trespasses but cancelling them, and committing to us the message of reconciliation. Lay hold of the divine favor offered you. . . “ I want that to be my ministry, as a layperson and a grandma. Love to you and your precious family.
Thanks for this article. It’s interesting that in the PSA account of forgiveness, love and mercy are not just secondary, but absent. If forgiveness is about God receiving payment vicariously through Jesus, then this is simply an economic transaction and there is no need for love or mercy. Further, the offer is revoked if anyone rejects it. It’s no different from striking a deal with a prosecutor for a reduced sentence. But no one would ever confuse this with love on the part of the prosecutor.
A good Read Phil. While I have not read Kellar's book I am half way through Potts.I still have Remission and Resurrection to read. I agree the moment one lets go of Penal Substitution the sky opens up to all kinds of possibilities. In light of our current political climate and retaliatory tariffs, his words on retaliation are further food for thought. "what compensates for suffering is not equal suffering, and certainly not the replacement of a lost good, but the satisfaction of seeing wrong visited upon the one whom we resent."
I can’t stop thinking about your comment, Randy. I don’t know what to do with it, but I can’t stop thinking about it.
The crucifixion is so powerful and mysterious that we have only metaphors to describe it. I think PSA atonement theory is the result of taking one such metaphor and making it into the whole.
What I see in scripture is a gradual process of God teaching the human race that retribution is NOT the way of the Kingdom.
Recently I saw this in I John 4:18 “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (NIV)
If we simply look at our own research on how we treat criminal behavior, we see that restorative practices work far better than retributive. If God’s ways are even better than ours, then God cannot be retributive, but will take restorative justice to a breathtaking extreme. That, I believe, is the cross.
Rob, I agree – we are in trouble anytime that we try and say "atonement is this." I also think that atonement understanding needs to be rooted in the life and not just the death of Jesus. That actually changes a lot!
Much love, my friend!
Indeed — it does seem that a lot of theology cares nothing for the actual teachings of Jesus. They almost seem embarrassing in a capitalist society.
Agreed!
This is a great article.
If Penal Substitutionary Atonement is true, then God commanded humanity to practice limitless forgiveness (Matthew 18:21–22) while God Himself was unable to extend that kind of forgiveness until after the crucifixion. Are we really supposed to believe that Jesus commanded us to do something God Himself was unable to do?
Phil, I’m grateful to you for your willingness to dig into scripture and prayer. Even more thankful for Jesus to bear all of our sin, shame and judgment. During this time of Lent, I become so aware of His great love for us all. Love the Amplified version of 2 Cor. 5:19. “It was God personally present in Christ, reconciling the world to favor with Himself, not counting up and holding against ( men) their trespasses but cancelling them, and committing to us the message of reconciliation. Lay hold of the divine favor offered you. . . “ I want that to be my ministry, as a layperson and a grandma. Love to you and your precious family.
Amen, may we all become ministers of reconciliation! Bless you, friend!
Thanks for this article. It’s interesting that in the PSA account of forgiveness, love and mercy are not just secondary, but absent. If forgiveness is about God receiving payment vicariously through Jesus, then this is simply an economic transaction and there is no need for love or mercy. Further, the offer is revoked if anyone rejects it. It’s no different from striking a deal with a prosecutor for a reduced sentence. But no one would ever confuse this with love on the part of the prosecutor.