Preaching the Atonement

We are delighted to announce that this book has been short listed for the prestigious Michael Ramsey prize for the best in theological writing. For more information please visit: www.michaelramseyprize.org.uk   Preaching the Atonement explores some classic texts which throw light on the atonement. Each chapter focuses on a key Biblical passage, offering a theological commentary which will help both preachers and church members gain a deeper understanding of the atoning work of Christ. Each chapter contains a sermon on the chosen text, illustrating how these themes may be communicated to contemporary congregations. Seeking to be sensitive to the literary forms of the chosen texts, these sermons employ a range of homiletical strategies. The sermons are drawn from the works of preachers on both sides of the Atlantic. Preaching the Atonement assumes that the preacher's role is not to squeeze every passage of Scripture into the same mould. Each passage bears witness to another aspect of the many splendoured work of Christ; as the preacher invites the congregation to listen to the testimony of this cloud of biblical witnesses.

About the Author :
Peter Stevenson is Director of Training and Tutor in Applied Theology and Open Learning at Spurgeon's College, London. Stephen Wright is Tutor in Biblical Studies and Practical Theology at Spurgeon's College, London

Review :
"Both authors have become authorities in the field of homiletics via other theological dissciplines, which indeed is reflected in their creative manner of integrating their various areas of experience in an exploration of preaching the central Christian doctrine of atonement." "this is a very helpful resource" Mention -Theology Digest, Summer 2006 'Stevenson and Wright have worked a wonder--to proclaim one of the great mysteries of the faith with orthodox vitality and with biblical fidelity. This is a quite wonderful book of thoughtful exegesis, lively proclamation, and homiletical critique.' Bishop William H. Willimon 'How can we preach atonement in a troubled century. Evil has grown so large and the will to justify ourselves relentless. Here's a book for every thoughtful preacher. Two authors, a New Testament scholar and a Theologian, an Anglican and a Baptist, have put their wisdom together and written a wonderful book. Beginning with Genesis and working through to Hebrews they study the ten major biblical passages that undergird the doctrine. Exegesis is up-to-date excellent and theological reflection profound. With each passage there is a helpful contemporary sermon, critically reviewed. PREACHING THE ATONEMENT is not simply an excellent book, it is foundational, a book that belongs in every preacher's library. The two collaborators write well, think well, and care about preaching. A splendid book!' David Buttrick, Drucilla Moore Buffington Professor of Homiletics and Liturgics, Emeritus, Vanderbilt University, USA 'Preaching the Atonement is a thoughtful and provocative book on a most important topic. Any preacher who has shied away from preaching about the difficult themes of the cross and the atonement will, by virtue of the solid biblical essays and the creative sermons in this volume, be encouraged to take the plunge into the deep end of the theological pool.' Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor of Preaching, Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, USA. "The book employs an innovative method to help with preaching the atonement... This is a very helpful resource for those who want to preach the atonement in a traditional way."   John Matthews, College of Preachers Bulletin. "There is much of value and interest here to anyone who preaches regularly, or who wants to open up to others something of the dynamics of preaching. And the book may be useful as a tool in understanding doctrine also - there's a doctrine text book on the atonement contained within these pages...a careful pondering of issues and a sustained reflection on how these can be made clearly relevant to our contemporaries. An excellent book." '[A]n illuminating introduction to the subject of atonement....They take seriously the wider context of their various readings and do well to ground the discussion within the framework of ideas and concerns of the respective biblical authors. They are clearly aware of the current theological debates...and are generally sensitive to the complexities that lie hidden in these quite difficult texts...this is a most timely book.'