A Narnian Vision of the Atonement: A Defense of the Ransom Theory
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
How can we have redemption or atonement (at-one-ment) with God? Ancient Christians proposed a ransom theory, according to which God pays the ransom for us through heroic self-sacrifice so we can be liberated from the power of the demonic, sin, and death. This theory is widely rejected by philosophers and theologians, yet C. S. Lewis boldly portrays atonement in precisely such terms in his seven-volume The Chronicles of Narnia. In this book, philosopher Charles Taliaferro defends the integrity and beauty of redemption in these stories and offers a Narnia-inspired Christian theory of atonement. He writes for those intrigued by Lewis’s imaginary world of Narnia and for those interested in thinking about temptation, how wrongdoing may be overcome, confession, repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation, restitution, death, resurrection, and personal transformation. Taliaferro argues that Lewis’s work is no mere entertaining fairytale for children but an important lens through which to view deep themes of redemption and atonement, and all the vital stages involved in overcoming evil with the superabundant good of God’s loving self-sacrifice.
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- Defends the integrity and beauty of redemption in these stories.
- Offers a Narnia-inspired Christian theory of atonement.
- Writes for those intrigued by Lewis’s imaginary world of Narnia.
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- Chapter One Atonement in Narnia
- Chapter Two A Gregorian Ransom Theory
- Chapter Three The Christus Victor Ransom Theory
- Chapter Four Good Bedfellows: The Ransom Theory and Rival Accounts of the Atonement
- Chapter Five Redeeming Narnia
- Bibliography
This is an engaging, light-hearted but also deeply serious work in defense of Lewis’s Narnia, and of the ‘ransom’ theory of the atonement. Taliaferro makes good sense of the theological notion that Christ ‘paid the price of sin’ and of the moral consistency of Aslan’s ‘ransom’ and rescue of the young Edmund, answering objections to both with sympathy and precision. A book that literary critics and Christian theologians alike should learn from.
—Stephen R. L. Clark, University of Liverpool
Taliaferro brings to this project warm affection for Lewis and his Chronicles as well as critical expertise. He deftly plumbs the depths of these delightful stories to give us a creative version of the ransom theory of atonement that skillfully avoids its famous flaws. This is Narnian theology at its sparkling best!
—Jerry Walls, Houston Baptist University
This book is a delight to read. Like Lewis himself, Taliaferro combines imagination, erudition, and philosophical acumen with a refreshing clarity of expression. Taliaferro’s playfulness and generosity of spirit shine through his prose, allowing his insights to be easily shared by the reader. One’s views of both atonement and Narnia will be the better for having read this fine book.
—Victoria S. Harrison, University of Macau
- Title: A Narnian Vision of the Atonement: A Defense of the Ransom Theory
- Author: Charles Taliaferro
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2022
- Pages: 150
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
- ISBNs: 9781666796544, 9781666796520, 1666796549, 1666796522, 9781666796537, 1666796530
- Resource ID: LLS:NRNNVSNRNSMTHRY
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-10-25T00:58:05Z