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Atonement for a 'Sinless' Society: Engaging with an Emerging Culture

Author:	Alan Mann
Published By:	Paternoster Press (Milton Keynes)
Pages:	224
Price:	£7.99
ISBN:	1 84227 355 8

Reviewed by Kevin Scott.

In this closely-argued book, Alan Mann contends that, with the rejection of meta-narratives and the rise of relativism, the sole reference point for contemporary men and women is the Self. It is no longer the standards of God or society by which people judge themselves, but against an Ideal Self of their own creation - an ideal which can never be attained. Instead of being burdened by Guilt for Sin committed against an Other, the human condition is now prone to Shame for failing to live up to the Ideal Self; for personal incoherence and lack of integrity.

For many, there is now no Other to forgive them, no Other to absolve them. Traditional theologies of the Atonement are meaningless, he writes, for a generation with no concept of sin, but crippled by shame.

Drawing on the insights of narrative therapies and sacramental theology, Mann works towards a re-telling the salvific Jesus story. As God Incarnate, Jesus lives a life and dies a death which, uniquely, is true to himself. He conquers the death of non-being in his own body and lived-life. The complete integrity of Jesus, his absolute wholeness, becomes available to all who identify with him at the deepest level of their being. Mann goes on to describe how the Eucharist offers opportunities to make that identification fully and frequently.

This is not an easy book to read, but Mann’s description of contemporary western humanity will resonate with many who minister to their fellow human beings. His attempt to relate the Good News to that human condition is both encouraging and inspiring.

Alan Mann has worked with the Oasis Trust UK and co-authored publications with Steve Chalke.