Substitutionary atonement #2

[sandandfoam]

Got no responses in general religious debates so I'll try again here

I've been reading Philip Newell. His take on the doctrine of substitutionary atonement is that it is damaging and "opposed to our deepest experience of forgiveness in life". He argues that the suffering and bleeding of Christ was about the love and self-giving of God. Not payment.
Newell's view, poetic rather than doctrinal (his words), appeals greatly to me. What's your take on it?

 

[sojourner]

I agree. But then, I'm a Newell fan. Unfortunately, Augustinian theology is so deeply imbedded in orthodox Xy, I think that Substitutionary Atonement has gained more than a foothold. Happily, reformation always happens from within. That's why I plan to stay where I am and continue to fight the good fight.

 

[sandandfoam]

What's your opinion of Spong?

 

[sojourner]

What's your opinion of Spong?

Love him. (But not in an altar boy sense...):run:

 

[sandandfoam]

Love him. (But not in an altar boy sense...):run:

LOL.
I've read a few of his books now and I find that although I'm not with him on everything, taken together with Newell, Christianity makes an awful lot of sense to me.

 

[sojourner]

LOL.
I've read a few of his books now and I find that although I'm not with him on everything, taken together with Newell, Christianity makes an awful lot of sense to me.

Until you consider the "mush gospel" of some loud and powerful groups...
Seems to me that the community of Iona has the right idea about how to "do" and "be" Christianity.

 

[sandandfoam]

Seems to me that the community of Iona has the right idea about how to "do" and "be" Christianity.

Couldn't agree more. :yes:

The next bit of 'religious' reading on my list is something about MacLeod and somethig by Teilhard.
Nonviolence is an important part of what I believe and MacLeod seems to have been right up my street.