Atonement for a 'sinless' Society: Engaging With an Emerging Culture

by Alan Mann

"Sin doesn’t really exist as a serious idea in modern life," wrote the journalist Bryan Appleyard. He is not alone in his views. Sin has become just as tainted, polluted and defiled in the postmodern mind as the word itself indicates. Atonement for a "Sinless Society" is about an encounter between two the story of the postmodern, postindustrialized, post-Christian "sinless" self and the story of atonement played out in the Passion narrative. Alan Mann charts a way through the apparent impasse between a story that supposedly relies on sin and guilt to become meaningful, and one that fails to recognize the plight of humanity as portrayed in this way. Drawing on cultural commentators, narrative therapists and contemporary theologians, Alan Mann shows that the biblical narrative needs to be re-read in the light of this emerging story so that it can speak meaningfully and sufficiently to an increasingly "sinless" society.

Genres: Theology

224 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2005

Reviews

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful and challenging look at atonement in a society that doesn't 'get' sin. Those who work cross-culturally will understand the need to look into shame, fear and guilt as outcomes of sin and the need to recognise relationship as well as doctrine. Unfortunately many in the west see these explorations as changing doctrine or eisegesis, not recognising the culture within the context of the scriptures themselves. Alan works to develop the idea that the post-modern self is broken and not 'at-one' with itself or with others and the cross is the display of ultimate 'at-one-ment'. The Christian life then is one that lives for the other, that dies to self but in so doing restores relationship with the other and with God and finds coherence and wholeness. The book explores how church liturgy and communion might go about drawing in those who don't have this internal coherence before and during the process of making them aware of their sin - the power that breaks up the self and the relationship with the other and with God. Lots to think about, well worth the read.

[Thomas Creedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating book. Not really about the atonement, more about how to tell stories that point to Jesus. Also makes sense of the Eucharist missionally. Three stars as it wasn’t the book it started out as, and it seems to make a number of moves without reason. But useful for thinking about speaking of shame and sin today, and the aforementioned place of the Lords Supper.

Full review to follow on my blog.

[Andy Gore · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is so much to recommend about this book especially in its description of the human condition in a post industrial, post Christian society. However, the huge drawback is his language; it is incredibly dense that to remember what he’s said is so hard. The point of writing is for your style not to obscure but to illuminate and sadly that is not what he does. This is a book well worth reading and pondering and praying through but it is like wading through treacle at times!!

[Rieneke K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating take on communicating the reality of the atonement in a generation who doesn't recognize sin as a problem! Great read!

[Makeesha Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a bit heady and rambling at times but a really bold exploration into the issue of the atonement

[Chris Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Alan is an amazing author.