Books by Tom Smail

To articulate a credible doctrine of the atonement in today''s cultural situation is fraught with difficulties. How can we do justice to the central New Testament claim that the work of Christ at one point in history is decisive for God''s relationship to the whole of humanity at every other point in history?Tom Smail takes the connection between the atonement and the Trinity as the underpinning of ''Once and for All''. If we recognize that the work of the cross has to be seen to involve all three persons, and their relationships to one another, we have a structure that enables us to deal with the problems the doctrine of the atonement raises. This presentation of Christ''s atoning work in his cross and resurrection both does justice to its decisive character as a once and for all historical event, and at the same time explores the sense in which a long past historical act can be universally relevant to and effective for everyone.Tom Smail makes contemporary theological thinking on this subject accessible, and also, in investigating the spiritual and pastoral dimensions of the gospel of the cross, gives expression to his personal struggle with it throughout fifty years of ministry. It is his own confession of the cross, guided by the Scriptures and the many diverse strands of the Christian tradition that are precious to him.''Once and for All'' will help us all to understand better, and to enter into, the unique and enduring mystery at the heart of our faith.Tom Smail is now retired. He was formerly Rector of Sanderstead, South London, and previously Vice-Principal of St. John''s College, Nottingham, and a director of the Fountain Trust. He is the author of several highly acclaimed books including ''The Giving Gift'' and ''The Forgotten Father''.

Society today shows signs of disintegration. Institutions such as the monarchy, parliament, and the Church itself have come under intense scrutiny and deeply disturbing weaknesses have been exposed. We are bombarded with news of wars and injustice and the advance of science poses new moral dilemmas that leave us confused and looking for help. In the midst of such perplexity, Tom Smail invites us to 'survey the wondrous cross' - not, he says, to find instant answers to particular questions, but so that we can find our bearings and our confidence in the way God deals with confusion and destructiveness in the world. We can also discover there clues about how we might respond to the difficult situations we have to face. The book examines many different perspectives on the cross: from the New Testament themes of reconciliation, sacrifice, justice, and freedom to the more contemporary approaches of sharing of suffering and victory over sin. Throughout, Tom Smail seeks to instruct and explain the biblical teaching, unlocking its meaning and motivating us to a fresh devotional and practical response to what God has done for us in the death of Jesus. 'Windows on the Cross' contains questions at the end of each chapter and is ideal for reflective reading by individuals and groups. It will be widely welcomed.