Explores many alternative theories about Christian atonement theology, its origins, its usefulnes... more Explores many alternative theories about Christian atonement theology, its origins, its usefulness for today, its biblical antecedents, its problematic developments.
The Apostle Paul draws upon scapegoat, sacrifice, redemption, and justification (acquittal) image... more The Apostle Paul draws upon scapegoat, sacrifice, redemption, and justification (acquittal) imagery to illustrate what he believes the death of Jesus the Messiah accomplished. He mixes his metaphors to convey meaning, for instance, allowing a cultic category (sacrificial blood) to achieve a result in relationships (salvation and reconciliation) in Rom 5:9-10.
The Family Metaphor in Jesus' Teaching: Gospel Imagery and Application, 2013
Looks at Jewish families, Roman families, Jesus' and Paul's radical sayings, the status of women ... more Looks at Jewish families, Roman families, Jesus' and Paul's radical sayings, the status of women and children in the early church. Takes a glance at Confucianism as another option on families.
Bullying is very common, even by a church's most dedicated volunteers. The gospel teaches respect... more Bullying is very common, even by a church's most dedicated volunteers. The gospel teaches respect and attentive listening. Jesus on reformers being treated “without honor.” Cases where Jesus defends the vulnerable against bullying. Discusses the near-impossibility of reasoning with a narcissist. Alternatively, looks at Kohut’s theory that everyone has “normal” narcissistic needs. Getting people to use “I statements” in communicating when they feel hurt.
Sacrifice and Atonement: Psychological Motives and Biblical Patterns, 2016
Looks at self-interested motives for sacrifice (in Psalms); S. Rado on self-punishment to reconci... more Looks at self-interested motives for sacrifice (in Psalms); S. Rado on self-punishment to reconcile with parents; at the prophetic critique of sacrifice; and at Jesus' own views
Problems with Atonement: The Origins of, and Controversy about, the Atonement Doctrine, 2005
Looks at the Incarnation as foundational, and at atonement as an attempt to communicate the Incar... more Looks at the Incarnation as foundational, and at atonement as an attempt to communicate the Incarnation. Examines sacrificial and scapegoat metaphors in the Apostle Paul, "noble death," and saving faith.
Whole chapter on this letter, with significant attention to Paul's teachings on the afterlife and... more Whole chapter on this letter, with significant attention to Paul's teachings on the afterlife and the spiritual body
Theosis: Deification in Christian Theology, Feb 25, 2006
Explores Soloviev's Christology, Trinitarianism, philosophic categories, and teachings on theosis... more Explores Soloviev's Christology, Trinitarianism, philosophic categories, and teachings on theosis, with an emphasis on his expose of false Theosis in his War, Progress, and the End of HIstory.
Theosis: Deification in Christian Theology, vol 2 , 2011
Article looks at "kingdom of God is within you," "Be ye perfect," "I said 'you are gods,'" and de... more Article looks at "kingdom of God is within you," "Be ye perfect," "I said 'you are gods,'" and debate over these passages. Also looks at the Gospel of Thomas.
The Didache: A Missing Piece of the Puzzle in Early Christianity , 2015
Uses Social Identity Theory (SIT) to study the Didache community’s identity formation, including ... more Uses Social Identity Theory (SIT) to study the Didache community’s identity formation, including showing an instance of “group polarization.” The group holds on to a symbolic Jewish identity, but evinces its Christian identity in its practice of Eucharist, baptism in the name of the Trinity, and affirmation of Jesus as Messiah. Notably, however, there is no atonement teaching , nor any mention of Jesus’ death.
Examines sacrificial metaphors and images (including the Ransom Saying) in the Gospels, Paul, Heb... more Examines sacrificial metaphors and images (including the Ransom Saying) in the Gospels, Paul, Hebrews, and briefly in First Peter and First John
Bibliographic article showing important works on many aspects of Atonement: theories about Hebrew... more Bibliographic article showing important works on many aspects of Atonement: theories about Hebrew sacrifice, Greek sacrifice, Paul's metaphors, classic theories of atonement, critics and defenders of these theories, and how atonement relates to other key themes (reconciliation, redemption, purity).
Looks closely at Paul's and Hebrews's use of rationalization, internalization, sacrificial metaph... more Looks closely at Paul's and Hebrews's use of rationalization, internalization, sacrificial metaphors, and ideas of the spiritualization of reality.
Explores many alternative theories about Christian atonement theology, its origins, its usefulnes... more Explores many alternative theories about Christian atonement theology, its origins, its usefulness for today, its biblical antecedents, its problematic developments.
The Apostle Paul draws upon scapegoat, sacrifice, redemption, and justification (acquittal) image... more The Apostle Paul draws upon scapegoat, sacrifice, redemption, and justification (acquittal) imagery to illustrate what he believes the death of Jesus the Messiah accomplished. He mixes his metaphors to convey meaning, for instance, allowing a cultic category (sacrificial blood) to achieve a result in relationships (salvation and reconciliation) in Rom 5:9-10.
The Family Metaphor in Jesus' Teaching: Gospel Imagery and Application, 2013
Looks at Jewish families, Roman families, Jesus' and Paul's radical sayings, the status of women ... more Looks at Jewish families, Roman families, Jesus' and Paul's radical sayings, the status of women and children in the early church. Takes a glance at Confucianism as another option on families.
Bullying is very common, even by a church's most dedicated volunteers. The gospel teaches respect... more Bullying is very common, even by a church's most dedicated volunteers. The gospel teaches respect and attentive listening. Jesus on reformers being treated “without honor.” Cases where Jesus defends the vulnerable against bullying. Discusses the near-impossibility of reasoning with a narcissist. Alternatively, looks at Kohut’s theory that everyone has “normal” narcissistic needs. Getting people to use “I statements” in communicating when they feel hurt.
Sacrifice and Atonement: Psychological Motives and Biblical Patterns, 2016
Looks at self-interested motives for sacrifice (in Psalms); S. Rado on self-punishment to reconci... more Looks at self-interested motives for sacrifice (in Psalms); S. Rado on self-punishment to reconcile with parents; at the prophetic critique of sacrifice; and at Jesus' own views
Problems with Atonement: The Origins of, and Controversy about, the Atonement Doctrine, 2005
Looks at the Incarnation as foundational, and at atonement as an attempt to communicate the Incar... more Looks at the Incarnation as foundational, and at atonement as an attempt to communicate the Incarnation. Examines sacrificial and scapegoat metaphors in the Apostle Paul, "noble death," and saving faith.
Whole chapter on this letter, with significant attention to Paul's teachings on the afterlife and... more Whole chapter on this letter, with significant attention to Paul's teachings on the afterlife and the spiritual body
Theosis: Deification in Christian Theology, Feb 25, 2006
Explores Soloviev's Christology, Trinitarianism, philosophic categories, and teachings on theosis... more Explores Soloviev's Christology, Trinitarianism, philosophic categories, and teachings on theosis, with an emphasis on his expose of false Theosis in his War, Progress, and the End of HIstory.
Theosis: Deification in Christian Theology, vol 2 , 2011
Article looks at "kingdom of God is within you," "Be ye perfect," "I said 'you are gods,'" and de... more Article looks at "kingdom of God is within you," "Be ye perfect," "I said 'you are gods,'" and debate over these passages. Also looks at the Gospel of Thomas.
The Didache: A Missing Piece of the Puzzle in Early Christianity , 2015
Uses Social Identity Theory (SIT) to study the Didache community’s identity formation, including ... more Uses Social Identity Theory (SIT) to study the Didache community’s identity formation, including showing an instance of “group polarization.” The group holds on to a symbolic Jewish identity, but evinces its Christian identity in its practice of Eucharist, baptism in the name of the Trinity, and affirmation of Jesus as Messiah. Notably, however, there is no atonement teaching , nor any mention of Jesus’ death.
Examines sacrificial metaphors and images (including the Ransom Saying) in the Gospels, Paul, Heb... more Examines sacrificial metaphors and images (including the Ransom Saying) in the Gospels, Paul, Hebrews, and briefly in First Peter and First John
Bibliographic article showing important works on many aspects of Atonement: theories about Hebrew... more Bibliographic article showing important works on many aspects of Atonement: theories about Hebrew sacrifice, Greek sacrifice, Paul's metaphors, classic theories of atonement, critics and defenders of these theories, and how atonement relates to other key themes (reconciliation, redemption, purity).
Looks closely at Paul's and Hebrews's use of rationalization, internalization, sacrificial metaph... more Looks closely at Paul's and Hebrews's use of rationalization, internalization, sacrificial metaphors, and ideas of the spiritualization of reality.
Uploads
Books by Stephen Finlan
Papers by Stephen Finlan
Book Reviews by Stephen Finlan