Saved from Sacrifice: A Theology of the Cross [Paperback]

Mark S. Heim (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 10, 2006

The cross has long been not only a scandal but also a profound paradox: filled with saving significance and power, it is at the same time a sobering tragedy. In Saved from Sacrifice theologian Mark Heim takes on this paradox, asserting that the cross must be understood against the whole history of human scapegoating violence.

In order to highlight the dimensions of his argument, Heim carefully and critically draws on the groundbreaking work of French theorist and biblical scholar René Girard. Yet Heim goes beyond Girard to develop a comprehensive theology of the atonement and the cross through his fresh readings of well-known biblical passages and his exploration of the place of the victim.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

S. Mark Heim is Samuel Abbot Professor of Christian Theology at Andover Newton Theological School, Newton Centre, Massachusetts. He is also the author of Salvations: Truth and Difference in Religion.

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (August 10, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802832156
• ISBN-13: 978-0802832153
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #495,539 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A life changing book!, June 22, 2007

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S. Willis (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Saved from Sacrifice: A Theology of the Cross (Paperback)

With this book Heim offers a thorough presentation of the "Girardian" perspective as it applies to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. As a friend of mine said who recommended this book to me, once you see it, you won't be able to "unsee" it. The sacrificial motif is all around us. Literature and the arts (and religion and politics et al) are simply infused with sacrificial elements. For anyone who has ever worried about the apparent cruelty of the Old Testament narrative, or felt that the Passion story makes the Judeo/Christian God look like nothing more than a petty diety demanding bloody justice, this is the book for you. Heim does not attempt to create a new systematic theology. Rather, drawing heavily on the writings of Rene Girard, he merely presents the Crucifixion as the ultimate result of the human scapegoating tendency and how Jesus, by his resurrection, broke the cycle of violence and sacrifice and gave mankind a model of forgiveness available to perpetrators and victims alike. Heim also shows how this is NOT a newly discovered "thing" pulled out of thin air. He gives much evidence that the early Christian community understood the Passion's relation to ancient sacrificial practices and how even today primitive societies respond to this in a way that is hard for "modern" people to comprehend. Truly a great book!

51 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A much needed new look at the Atonement., September 2, 2006

By 

Richard C. Woodhouse "woodhouse43" (Bradford, PA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Saved from Sacrifice: A Theology of the Cross (Paperback)

I wanted to write a brief review of S Mark Heim's new book. I found a lot of good arguments in this book. He states in the beginning that his focus is on this new insight on the Atoning death of Jesus Christ, that has been put forth by French Philosopher Rene Girard. The Anthropological insights on the ScapeGoating propensities of Human Nature, are right on target In my opinion. Also the fact that people and Nations often unite in the mutual hatred of another to take the stress of their own inner tensions away. Heim writes how in the New Testament Pilate and Herod who disliked each other became friends after a sort, in their Abuse of Jesus. There are many other facets to the arguments of the book. Its one of those books that I will read again and refer to in the future. I need to read it again, for one reason to get a better grasp of the argument being put forth. As just a laymen, it is a bit of hard reading at times, but Heim makes difficult material accessible. I recommend this book, and I hope it stirs some reflection on what the Death of Jesus means for us all. As a Christian who struggles with doubt, I still am convinced that Jesus and Christianity is the worlds only real hope. Not a popular opinion to hold, but one that I think is true nevertheless. Thanks for listening. Richard from Bradford PA.

24 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A superb work of atonement theology, March 17, 2007

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a theologian in Texas - See all my reviews

This review is from: Saved from Sacrifice: A Theology of the Cross (Paperback)

I am a professor of theology with an interest in the doctrine of the atonement. I recommend this book very highly. It draws on Rene Girard's anthropological theory of violence, interprets key passages from the Bible, surveys the history of atonement thought, touches on historical examples of violence such as slavery, and presents a constructive theological and ethical perspective on atonement. I wish I could make this book required reading for all seminarians.