Vincent Brümmer: Atonement

Vincent Brümmer: Atonement, Christology and the Trinity (2005).

He contends that the church's ancient doctrines are no longer readily intelligible because of their "Platonic categories," and that they should be re-formulated in existential or personalist categories. His starting point is a theological anthropology that highlights the human aspirations to fulfill one's self, to enter into communion with others, and to become united with God. The struggle between humanity's deepest longings and its frustrations is the result of our estrangement from God. In order to move toward wholeness, people must open themselves to God's grace. When they do, they find that God is intent on healing the alienation in human life, and, in response to God, men and women can undergo a change of heart and mind that re-orients them toward God, self, and neighbor. This dynamism of divine forgiveness and human repentance constitutes "the matrix of faith" exists at the heart of Christianity. According to Brummer this matrix or movement also operates in Judaism and Islam, therefore it can serve as the common ground for interreligious dialogue among the Abrahamic religions. In Brümmer's judgment the Christian conviction that God extends forgiveness to all people should anchor Christian reflection on God's saving work in Jesus Christ. Indeed, this conviction calls into question theologies that speak of Jesus Christ paying humanity's debt to God, or propitiating God's anger, or becoming the sacrifice that satisfies God. Christians must remember that God "would rather suffer at our hands than to turn his back on us" This soteriological idea leads to a christological one: Jesus Christ is the revealer of God's love for us and also of our most appropriate response to God.

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Christology Readings: Atonement, Christology and the Trinity: Making Sense of Christian Doctrine, By Vincent Brummer

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