Jesus and the Doctrine of the Atonement

by Cees J. den Heyer

Professor den Heyer, the most well-known theologian in the Netherlands today, explores the tremendous gulf separating the historical Jesus and the many and varied responses to him in the New Testament, and the classical Christian doctrines of the atonement. He asks how it is that someone who died on the cross as the result of an alliance between Jewish leaders and Roman occupation forces can be seen as fulfilling God's preordained will. What, in fact, were Jesus' intentions? Does later Christian doctrine do justice to these intentions?

In investigating these complex questions, the author makes a thorough study of all passages in the New Testament relating to the death of Jesus. The variety of New Testament images and metaphors makes an almost chaotic impression on the reader, thus standing in marked contrast to the clear lines of the doctrine of atonement. Rather than resolving the problem, then, this study accentuates it even further. It demonstrates that no easy or immediate resolutions are possible and, at the same time, poses very profound questions for Christian faith. Though dealing with a difficult matter, this book is particularly easy to read and a masterpiece of clear writing.

C. J. den Heyer is Professor of New Testament at the Theological University of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands and author of Jesus Matters, also published by Trinity Press.

158 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1998

Reviews

[Kitap Yakıcı · Rating 2 out of 5]

Clearly written, slender, and interesting enough exegesis of the New Testament narratives about Jesus's crucifixion and its variegated interpretations. Evidently this book caused quite a controversy when it was originally published in the Netherlands, and the author subsequently left the Reformed Church and became a Mennonite theology professor. (Go Mennonites!) This is a fine book, but in my opinion the Bible's lack of a single doctrine of atonement and the multiple metaphors for the cross and its meaning has been explored more engagingly elsewhere.

At least the classical dogmas and confessional languages spoke a clear language: Christ died on the cross as a complete atonement for our sins. We have not met this clear language in the writings of the New Testament. The multiplicity of images and metaphors give a chaotic impression: they come tumbling over one another, influence one another and are interwoven with one another; they complement one another, but also contradict one another at the same time. The Bible does not contain a well-rounded and systematic "doctrine" of the atonement. Evangelists and apostles told stories about the "historical" Jesus, reacted to questions which were alive in the community and investigated the meaning of the suffering and death of Christ. The New Testament is not only variegated; it also has a fragmentary character. It contains a confusing mixture of visions and views.... Is the New Testament foundation sufficiently firm to support this top-heavy building [of systematic Christian atonement doctrine]? Anyone who has read the previous chapters will not be surprised to hear that I would answer this last question in the negative.... I have tried to demonstrate that no dogmas are formulated in the New Testament writings. Anyone who seeks a clear message will find that a failing. I readily grant that dogma is clearer. The Bible creates more confusion than clarity. Sometimes it seems to be a cacophony of different voices. But I find its variegated nature healthy and a source of inspiration. Many different stories can be told about God.... The Bible does not put us in a position to make a balanced judgment. Life is not like that, and the God is Israel is not like that either. He is different from what we think. (pp. 131-3)