Atonement: Soundings in Biblical, Trinitarian, And Spiritual Theology

Atonement by Margaret Turek develops a synthesis of the chief insights and convictions concerning the mystery of atonement gleaned primarily from the works of four theological guides: John Paul II, Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI, Hans Urs von Balthasar, and Norbert Hoffmann. All four are extraordinary representatives of the renewal of Catholic theology in the twentieth century. 

The book argues for the central importance and perennial value of a theology of atonement, even as it puts forward reasons for the modern aversion to it. The book locates the nub of the problems in the heart of the mystery of God. Hence the book’s central aim is to deepen our understanding of the biblical claim that God shows himself to be love precisely in view of sending his Son as atonement. “In this is God’s love... that he sent his Son as expiation for our sins” (1 Jn 4:10). 

The book develops a compelling vision of atonement as a “patrogenetic” process: a process which originates from and is engendered by God’s own power to love. It is a vision which not only takes account of the gravity of sin and its consequences, but also provides a clear illumination of the wholly gratuitous, radically forgiving, passionate nature of the redeeming love of God for the human race. 

Distinct from the majority of theological accounts of atonement - which focus almost exclusively on the role of Christ - this book highlights the role of God the Father. Among the features of God’s paternal love that emerge is a biblical understanding of the Father’s passionate love for us, which shows its efficacy in engendering an imaging correspondence in his filial beloved, whose love is effective in atoning for sin.