Forgiveness vs Atonement in Christian Thought

This chapter delves into the distinctions between forgiveness and atonement within Christianity, highlighting that forgiveness involves no penalty and is based on repentance, while atonement requires a payment to resolve a moral debt. It explores how Jesus emphasized forgiveness in his teachings, in contrast to the focus on atonement by his followers after his death, questioning the necessity of Jesus' suffering for forgiveness if God can freely forgive sins.