ABSTRACT
In this introduction, we encounter a puzzling passage in the Prodigal Son where forgiveness and the need for atonement – i.e., especially the sort of atonement involved in Christ’s sacrificial work – appear to come apart. After some momentary discussion of the passage itself from the perspective of a few scholars, we turn to a characterization of the book as a whole; that is, as one focused on understanding both forgiveness and atonement, and then bringing them together to address how reconciliation with God consequently might be achieved. We conclude with a minimalist road map of all the chapters that explains how each chapter contributes to the vision of the monograph as a whole.
