A Relational Theory of the Atonement: African Contributions to Western Philosophical Theology

— —

Kirk Lougheed (LCC International University, Lithuania)

A Relational Theory of the Atonement

African Contributions to Western Philosophical Theology

Kirk Lougheed (LCC International University, Lithuania)

$81.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

QTY:

English

Routledge
28 November 2024

Ethics & moral philosophy; Philosophy of religion; Christianity; Tribal religions; Cultural studies

Series: Routledge Studies in the Philosophy of Religion

While the atonement is a central component of Christianity, there is little agreement in the tradition about how it should be understood. This book develops and defends a novel relational theory of atonement inspired by African relational ethics.

This book brings important themes from African ethics into conversation with the contemporary philosophical literature on the atonement. The author employs an African relational ethic that says an act is right inasmuch as it is friendly where friendliness is understood as identifying with others and expressing solidarity with them. This relational ethic sheds new light on the problem of sin, by emphasising the relational disharmony it produces between God and humans. When applied to the Atonement, the passion and death of Christ can be understood as an ultimate act of friendliness in reconciling humanity to God. The author also explores questions about the nature of justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation. He shows how constructive punishment ought to be included in genuine forms of reconciliation and as such how punishment can be part of his Relational Theory of the Atonement. The last part of the book develops alternative theories of the atonement based on two important African normative theories located in personhood and in life force. Overall, the book makes the case that the Relational Theory of the Atonement should be considered as a serious competitor to longer-established Western theories.

A Relational Theory of the Atonement will appeal to scholars and advanced students interested in philosophy of religion, philosophical theology, African philosophy, and comparative philosophy.

By: Kirk Lougheed (LCC International University Lithuania)
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm,
ISBN: 9781032536354
ISBN 10: 1032536357
Series: Routledge Studies in the Philosophy of Religion
Pages: 132
Publication Date: 28 November 2024
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , Primary , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Kirk Lougheed is Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Center for Faith and Flourishing at LCC International University. He is also Research Associate at the University of Pretoria. He has published numerous books and articles in epistemology, philosophy of religion, and African philosophy.

Reviews for A Relational Theory of the Atonement: African Contributions to Western Philosophical Theology

""Lougheed’s combination of African moral theory with recent work in analytic atonement theology promises to deepen the conceptual tools through which we can glimpse the reasonability of Christ’s work. It is a welcome addition to the ever-increasing and widening literature on the doctrine of atonement today."" Jonathan C. Rutledge, Harvard University, USA