The Mosaic of Atonement offers a fresh and integrated approach to historic models of atonement.
While modern treatments of the doctrine have tended toward either a defensive hierarchy, in which one model is singled out as most important, or a disconnected plurality, in which multiple images are affirmed but with no order of arrangement, this book argues for a reintegration of four famous "pieces" of atonement doctrine through the governing image of Christ-shaped mosaic.
Unlike a photograph in which tiny pixels present a seamless blending of color and shape, a mosaic allows each piece to retain its recognizable particularity, while also integrating them in the service of a single larger image. If one stands close, one can identify individual squares of glass or tile that compose the greater picture. And if one steps back, there is the larger picture to be admired. Yet in the great mosaics of age-old Christian churches, the goal is not for viewers to construct the image, as in a puzzle, but to appreciate it.
So too with this mosaic of atonement doctrine. While no one model is set above or against the others, the book notes particular ways in which the "pieces"--the feet, heart, head, and hands--mutually support one another to form a more holistic vision of Christ's work. "This is my body," Jesus said to his followers, and by reintegrating these oft-dismembered aspects of atonement, we will note fresh ways in which it was given for us.

The Mosaic of Atonement: An Integrated Approach to Christ's Work

Religion & Spirituality

McNall, Joshua M.

Christian Books & Bibles

Zondervan Academic

The Mosaic of Atonement Video Lectures: An Integrated Approach to Christ's Work

Product Description 
The Christian life requires faith. That means that believers are sometimes faced with uncertainty. But is all uncertainty bad? 
Theologian Joshua McNall encourages readers to reclaim the little word "perhaps" as a sacred space between the warring extremes of unchecked doubt and zealous dogmatism. To say "perhaps" on certain contested topics means exercising a hopeful imagination, asking hard questions, returning once again to Scripture, and reclaiming the place of holy speculation as we cling to a faith that stands distinct from both pervasive skepticism and abrasive certainty. 
In this day especially, it's time Christians learned to say "perhaps." 
 Review 
"Perhaps a meadow exists between dogmatism and skepticism, a fruitful space for cultivating beautiful truth. Perhaps Origen, Augustine, and Edwards can converse there with Flannery O'Connor and Cormac McCarthy. Perhaps instead of rehearsing or debunking information, we can foster theological imagination. Perhaps Joshua McNall's wit and wisdom has pointed the church toward a better future. Perhaps we should listen." -- Matthew W. Bates, author of Gospel Allegiance and associate professor of theology at Quincy University\n"Drawing on the best insights from believers, thinkers, and artists of the past, Perhaps demonstrates that the brightest future of the church will be cultivated through the kind of theological imagination modeled here. Such an imagination―robust and inviting, informed and inquisitive―encourages a confidence in Christian belief that, paradoxically, can come only with a willingness to wonder what might be. Perhaps is one of the most faith-building books I've read in a long time." -- Karen Swallow Prior, author of On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books and Booked: Literature in the Soul of Me\n"In a polarized world with the rigidity of fundamentalisms on the one hand and the nihilism of skepticisms on the other, McNall enters to sketch a way forward for the holiness of intellectual humility. This is a creative book that not only argues winsomely from Scripture, theology, and literature, but also invites the reader into a narrative that portrays how the weight of its claims press on everyday life. Perhaps will be especially helpful for the student wrestling with the challenges of Christian orthodoxy, and all looking for breathing room to wonder, hope, and ultimately, trust." -- James M. Arcadi, associate professor of biblical and systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School\n"Faith is not knowing all truth. And faith is not making it up as you go along either. McNall presents faith as an expedition into the unknown led by a known God. This is a hope-filling book that intentionally does not give you all the answers. Pilgrims: take this book with you on your journey." -- Nijay K. Gupta, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary 
 Review 
"Faith is not knowing all truth. And faith is not making it up as you go along either. McNall presents faith as an expedition into the unknown led by a known God. This is a hope-filling book that intentionally does not give you all the answers. Pilgrims: take this book with you on your journey." -- Nijay K. Gupta, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary 
 About the Author 
Joshua M. McNall (PhD, University of Manchester) is associate professor of pastoral theology, ambassador of church relations, and director of the honors program at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. He is the author of The Mosaic of Atonement: An Integrated Approach to Christ's Work, Long Story Short: The Bible in Six Simple Movements, and A Free Corrector: Colin Gunton and the Legacy of Augustine.

Perhaps: Reclaiming the Space Between Doubt and Dogmatism

IVP Academic

How can a doctrine about reconciliation with God create so much controversy among God's people? Theologian Jackson W. believes Christians can gain clarity and unity on the doctrine of the atonement through a renewed attention to the biblical evidence. While theological theories are necessary and useful, they can obscure reality as much as clarify it. And we're often ignorant of the role that cultural and historical context plays in shaping these views. Instead of beginning by comparing atonement theories, he argues, we need to delve deep into the Bible, where we find a handful of motifs that combine to form a richer, more robust theology of atonement. The Cross in Context presents a perspective on the atonement that seeks to reconcile theological camps and enable Christians to interpret the Bible more faithfully. It draws from the entire biblical canon and considers the New Testament in light of its Old Testament background, focusing on the internal logic of Israel's sacrificial system. Applying his intercultural ministry experience and expertise on honor and shame, W. also considers how to effectively contextualize the multifaceted message of salvation in diverse cultural contexts. Combining missiology, theology, and biblical studies, The Cross in Context provides a refreshing and nuanced look at the atonement and what it means for the life and witness of the church.

The Cross in Context: Reconsidering Biblical Metaphors for Atonement

W., Jackson

Vaughn, Brad

"How does Jesus save us by dying on the cross?" 
One night, as Josh McNall was talking with his young daughter before bedtime, she asked him this seemingly simple question. How would you answer? 
The fact that "Jesus saves" is perhaps the most basic claim of Christianity. Theologians and scholars refer to the way Jesus saves us as the atonement. the follow-up question—How does he save?—demands the attention not just of theologians but of every Christ follower. How exactly does a brutal and shameful crucifixion bring salvation? Why does the Bible call it good news, and why should we? 
In How Jesus Saves, McNall—professor and host of the podcast Outpost Theology—answers common questions and resolves misunderstandings that many people have about the atonement. You'll explore questions like: If Jesus conquered death, why doesn't it look like it? How could an innocent person justly pay the penalty for the guilty? Why couldn't God simply forgive apart from the cross? Doesn't following Jesus' sacrificial example actually enable abuse? 
Through Scripture, story, and real-life applications, McNall addresses this great Christian doctrine with simplicity without sacrificing the nuance it demands. 
Clear and readable, How Jesus Saves will deepen your faith and commitment as a Christian, giving you the comprehension and confidence you need to explain the atonement not only to your curious loved ones but also to skeptics who might challenge your faith. 
This book includes reflection questions at the end of each chapter.

How Jesus Saves: Atonement for Ordinary People

Zondervan