Unlimited Atonement - by Michael Bird & Scott Harrower (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Limited atonement is not the only Reformed model of atonement

"Hypothetical universalism," or "unlimited atonement," states that Christ's death is sufficient for the guilt of all people yet is only effectively applied to those with faith. This tradition, typified by the French Reformer Moïse Amyraut, has continued among Anglicans and Baptists for over four centuries, yet has been underexplored in Reformed systematic theology.

Unlimited Atonement fills a gap in resources on atonement theology that begin with the unlimited love of God. Editors Michael F. Bird and Scott Harrower draw on the specialties of each of the ten contributors, addressing themes such as - the biblical and historical sources of the soteriological position known as Amyraldism - distinctive features of Anglican atonement theology - hypothetical universalism, election, and the Baptist theological tradition - other prominent advocates of unlimited atonement - the issues of systematic theology at stake - atonement theology in preaching Unlimited Atonement is the most comprehensive analysis of Amyraldism to date, providing a resource for theology and Bible students and teachers in an esoteric stream of Reformed theology. Bird and Harrower provide a starting point for anyone who wants to understand the sources and merits of Amyraldism.

Review Quotes

"Bird and Harrower have brought together a diverse group of scholars who represent many of the best and varied answers to the perennial question, 'For whom did Jesus die?' The end result is a helpful collection of essays that dig deep into the biblical text and the history of the church, pushing us to consider this question afresh."--Brandon D. Smith "Assistant Professor of Theology and New Testament, Cedarville University, co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal" (12/20/2022 12:00:00 AM)

"Studies in the history of Christian doctrine simultaneously chasten, nourish, and inspire constructive contemporary theological work. This volume on Amyraut and hypothetical universalism opens the door to a trajectory within church history that promises to do precisely that, particularly in regard to the doctrine of the atonement."--Adam J. Johnson "Biola University" (12/20/2022 12:00:00 AM)

"This volume addresses a pressing theological issue by assembling colleagues with different points of interest and expertise (interpreters, theologians, historians, philosophers, and preachers). In the best ways, this volume feels like an engaging conversation in which the participants strike different tones, some quite irenic making precisely qualified claims and some a bit fierier challenging established patterns of thought. The result is a well-rounded look at unlimited atonement within the Reformed tradition through philosophical, theological, historical, and pastoral perspectives."--Joshua E. Williams "Associate Professor of Old Testament, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary" (12/20/2022 12:00:00 AM)