Atonement Synthesis: Meaning and Significance for African Metaphysics

Too often the philosophical and spiritual needs and desires of African Christians have not been adequately met by Christianity. Atonement synthesis for African metaphysics provides a significant atonement theology for African Christianity that is loaded with meaning for the African. Falconer acknowledges two seemingly distinct atonement theories, the penal substitution and Christus Victor motifs, and then explores how they harmoniously complement one another as a synthesis. This atonement synthesis is then applied to African metaphysics to demonstrate its efficacy in a fascinating, and oftentimes very challenging cultural context. Atonement synthesis fills a profound need in African Christianity. The meaning and significance of atonement synthesis demonstrates that Christ’s atonement is more than capable in dealing with African metaphysic realities. Without Christ’s penal substitutionary atonement and Christus Victor, the African would have no hope of liberty, redemption and the rediscovery of the lost gifts of immortality and resurrection spoken about in their legends. Atonement synthesis ultimately offers a new hope of Africans being reunited with God now and at the end of this age when the gifts of immortality and resurrection will once again be enjoyed.