Spectacular Atonement

If there is any biblical or theological concept that needs all the attention that we can give it in Africa, it is Christ’s atoning death. Dr. Robert Falconer’s book, Spectacular Atonement, has made a significant contribution to our understanding of this key area of theology in Africa. This is a must-read book! I recommend it to Christians, Christian professionals and theological educators both in private and public institutions across Africa.

Sunday Bobai Agang, PhD
Provost,
ECWA Theological Seminary, Jos (JETS), Nigeria

Christianity is an alive and growing religion in many African contexts. This presents both promise and peril for the faith and persons entering the Christian faith across the continent. This book presents an appreciative and a critical engagement with some important theories of atonement in relation to African contexts, cultures and philosophies. I highly recommend it to African Christian theologians and those who have an interest in the decolonization and contextualization of African Christianity.

Dion A. Forster, PhD
Chair of Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology,
University of Stellenbosch, South Africa

This book shows how the church’s practices of discipleship, preaching and apologetics can be enriched through helpful contextual theology that is grounded in the Scriptures but always looking outwards to the perennial African issues such as ancestors, evil spirits, suffering and witchcraft, thereby “offering liberty and hope.” I highly recommend this book as biblically faithful, theologically astute, African-oriented and ministerially focused.

Kevin Muriithi Ndereba, PhD
Lecturer and Head of Department,
Department of Practical Theology, St. Paul’s University, Kenya

In this work, the author offers a harmonized clear perspective of Christus Victor and penal substitution demonstrating that Christ is all-sufficient to fulfil the African Christian holistic yearning for him. Here lies the necessary foundational truth for every follower or seeker of Christ. The book lays a very helpful etic basis in bringing Christ to the centre of African cultural transformation. This book is a treasure for every Christian. Whether you are a student of the word, a pastor or a theologian, this book is a great resource for teaching, reflection and ministry.

David Ngaruiya, PhD
Associate Professor,
International Leadership University, Kenya

Spectacular Atonement is a well-argued book that puts into dialogue the various strands of historic Christian interpretations of the atonement, together with African interpretations and understandings of the atoning work of Christ. It is theologically, biblically and culturally grounded and is practical in applying the efficacy of Christ’s victory on the cross. This book is a valuable addition to the quest for an authentic African Christian theology.

James Nkansah-Obrempong, PhD
Professor of Theology and Dean, School of Theology-NEGST,
Africa International University, Kenya

Falconer’s book is a must-have for theologians, students and other scholars. He elevates, as of uttermost importance, Christ, and his atoning work, over the African understanding of God, hence Jesus’s spectacular atonement. This book will be especially useful to those seeking to unravel how the yearnings of the African people in their traditions become fulfilled in the cross of Christ, which made them a new creation.

Rev. Canon Francis Omondi, PhD
Canon, All Saints Cathedral Kampala, Church of Uganda
Adjunct Lecturer, St. Paul’s University, Kenya

Spectacular Atonement by Dr. Robert Falconer is fascinating, insightful, creative and innovative. The true meaning of atonement hangs on two complementary concepts: penal substitution and Christus Victor. This book focuses on the harmony between penal substitution and Christus Victor as defined in both Scripture and theological writings. Ultimately, the author makes the African perspective of atonement deliberate, instructive and methodological.

Yusufu Turaki, PhD
Professor of Theology and Social Ethics,
ECWA Theological Seminary, Jos (JETS), Nigeria

Throughout this captivating book, Dr. Robert Falconer eloquently justifies his use of “spectacular” in the title. The author grew up in Africa where he has spent his professional life as a theological educator. This background is demonstrated in his multifaceted Scriptural exposition of the closely related themes of substitutionary atonement (the cross) and its divine-human agent, the victorious Christ. I highly commend this insightful, accessible study as one that all Christians in Africa will learn and benefit from.

Ernst R. Wendland, PhD
Visiting Professor, Department of Ancient Studies,
University of Stellenbosch, South Africa

1. Foreword
2. Preface
3. 1 Introduction
4. Part 1
5. 2 Atonement in Scripture
6. 3 Atonement in Christian Theology
7. 4 Atonement in African Christianity
8. Part 2
9. 5 African Spirituality
10. 6 Atonement in African Traditional Ritual
11. 7 The Problem of the African Idea of God
12. 8 Christ and the Ancestors
13. 9 The Cross of Christ and Evil Spirits
14. 10 The Cross of Christ and Sin
15. 11 The Cross of Christ and Witchcraft
16. 12 The Cross of Christ and Suffering
17. 13 A New African Humanity
18. 14 Cosmic Harmony and an African Hope
19. Bibliography