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Alan Spence is the author of The Promise of Peace: A Unified Theory of Atonement
The Promise of Peace offers a defence of a mediatorial interpretation of the atonement, that is one in which Christ is held to have become as we are, so that he might on our behalf make peace with God. It is argued that such an interpretation is not one of a number of valid descriptions of Christ’s saving work, but the normative redemptive account. The erosion of this classic view of the atonement can be explained partly by a number of developments that have taken place in theological thought during the past two hundred years. These include the emergence of a christology in which Christ’s divinity is linked to his saving ministry; a new interpretation of Pauline theology in which issues of justification are held to be secondary to those of participation; a return to the more dualistic world-view of the Church Fathers; difficulties with the concept of divine judgement; and a culture of relativism in which a unified or coherent account of the atonement not only no longer seems possible, but is generally not even considered desirable. The book achieves its purpose by engaging critically with these various theological ideas. It is as much a clearing of the undergrowth from the foundations of soteriology as it is the construction of a coherent account of Christ Jesus as the one mediator between us and God. It goes on to consider the relation of such an account to the proclamation of the gospel and the response required of its hearers.
The Promise of Peace has won some powerful endorsements:
‘Seasoned by years on the front lines of ministry, both in missions and human rights work, the author’s profound insights into the logic of redemption bear a sense of urgency and pastoral depth. The Promise of Peace is not simply another summary of Christian doctrine; it is a judicious and passionate – at times even polemical – defense of the heart of the gospel for our time. This is the clarity and wisdom that the church desperately needs in our day if we would turn from fads to faith in the promise-maker of peace.’ Professor Michael Horton, Westminster Theological Seminary, California.
‘Alan Spence’s new book is a very welcome addition to the literature on the doctrine of atonement. Dr Spence has read widely and deeply, and engages seriously and sympathetically with many others in developing his own distinctive proposal. More than that, however, any book so well written will gain a heart-felt welcome from scholars so used to wading through impenetrable prose. With the style and urgency of a true preacher, and the knowledge and insight of a true scholar, Dr Spence offers us a book of genuine interest and worth. I am very happy to commend it.’ Dr Steve Holmes, St Andrews.
‘Alan Spence advocates and practises a non-nonsense approach to Christian theology: clear, accessible, passionate, not afraid of controversy, but always pastoral, and, above all, eager to be faithful to the Christian Gospel. Even those who do not agree with his conclusions will enjoy engaging in conversation with him.’ Professor Christoph Schwöbel, Tübingen.
Alan taught theology in Zimbabwe, was Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa and is now minister of the United Reformed Church in Ealing in London.
Alan is the most incisive, passionate and pastoral teacher of Christian doctrine I know, and invariably galvanises every seminar he turns up at. He has been coaching postgraduates who find him through his work on England’s great puritan theologian John Owen. Alan’s book on Owen appears from T & T Clark next year. He is powerful proof that you can still find Christian theology in London.
