Celebrating the Resurrection, But Denying the Atonement
A new article called Celebrating the Resurrection, But Denying the Atonement from the Lighthouse Trails blog says:
….This weekend, people throughout the world will be celebrating Christ’s resurrection. Even people who don’t believe in the resurrection are celebrating the weekend and wishing Happy Easter to others. But while that seems odd to celebrate a day when you don’t even believe in its reason, what is more odd is that so many Christians are celebrating the resurrection but are throughout the year promoting a spirituality that ultimately denies the atonement….
One of the ways listed by this article in which the atonement is being denied is through a book called Stricken by God - NonViolent Identification & the Victory of Christ, which was mentioned in an earlier ROM post (see Mennonites and the New Paradigm). The book is a collection of essays which provide different perspectives on the sacrificial atonement. In fact, many of these essays even deny the atonement. To the embarrassment of Menno, as noted previously, some of the people who are involved with this book are Mennonites.
For example, Willard Swartley, Professor Emeritus of Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, wrote the Foreword in which he endorses these “alternative perceptions of atonement”. Another endorser is Ted Grimsrud of Eastern Mennonite University, who writes on the back cover of this book:
“It is difficult to overstate the importance of this collection. These essays proved that crucial work in articulating peaceable approaches to atonement is being done across the theological spectrum – and they further that work in powerful ways.”
However, if one takes the time to read the book review recommended by the Lighthouse article, it soon becomes apparent that this book denies the power of the sacrificial atonement of Christ.
The Preface of Stricken by God is written by the book’s co-editor, Michael Hardin of Preaching Peace, who attends Akron Mennonite Church. The other editor of this book is Brad Jersak (a graduate from Briercrest Bible College) who formerly worked at Bethel Mennonite Church in B.C., Canada.
Incidently, emerging church leader Brian McLaren is on the same page as these Mennonites. And no wonder, as he has already had a great influence on the Mennonites, as shown in last September’s post called Emerging Mennonites.
Here is what he says of this book:
“I am thrilled with Stricken by God?. It is a highly important contribution at a critical time. I will refer to it often and recommend it widely.” (See here.)
McLaren’s endorsement on the back cover of Stricken by God says:
“Stricken by God? is a highly important contribution at a critical time, bring together a range of thoughtful voices who raise important questions and pose needed and well-defined answers.”
How sad Menno would be to see that some Mennonites are among those who are celebrating the resurrection this weekend but denying the power of the atonement.
ROM Index: High
