The Gift of the Atonement: Favorite Writings on the Atonement of Jesus Christ

I really enjoy this little book. It is full of short but inspirational writings/thoughts on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It is great for "reflecting" on the purpose and meaning of life.

This is a perfect book to pick up when you need a spiritual boost. Each time I read a section/chapter, I learn and feel so much about my Savior. The way these authors share their testimony and feelings about Christ is so clear and wonderful. Their words hit me deep down and I can actually imagine the scenes they are describing about the Savior's life and his love for us. Reading about their feelings and experiences helps me to conform my life more to the will of the Savior because I can feel the spirit deep in my soul. I just feel really good every time I sit down and read a few chapters. Especially when I start wondering why I'm having a problem or a challenge, reading a chapter in this book reminds me of how much Jesus Christ went through and his willingness to do that for me, and all of mankind. I recommend this book for everyone who is a Christian.

"Without the Resurrection, the gospel of Jesus Christ becomes a litany of wise sayings and seemingly unexplainable miracles-but sayings and miracles with no ultimate triumph. No, the ultimate triumph is in the ultimate miracle: for the first time in the history of mankind, one who was dead raised himself into living immortality. He was the Son of God, the Son of our immortal Father in Heaven, and his triumph over physical and spiritual death is the good news every Christian tongue should speak."--Howard W. Hunter, page 84.This is my new favorite book. I hope it starts appearing at baptisms, confirmations, ordinations, farewells, and in Christmas stockings.As Joseph Smith taught, the atonement is the central doctrine, with all other things being mere appendages (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 121). This book, then, focuses us on this one thing that matters most. This book has selections from both the prophets and the scholars.Contributors include Presidents Howard W. Hunter, John Taylor, and Bruce R. McConkie. In fact the first entry is by Joseph Fielding Smith, so it starts out on the right foot. But other contributors are Chieko Okazaki, Sheri Dew, and Ardeth Kapp, so we have the distaff adding testimony. There are even quotes by Hugh Nibley, Gerald Lund, and it also has Steven Robinson's "Parable of the Bicycle," so all the bases are covered.Also included are Orson F. Whitney's, and Melvin J. Ballard's visions of the SaviorTwo criticisms: There is no index, just a table of contents, and they missed Joseph Smith's quote that I alluded to earlier. The first is forgivable, the second isn't. They also missed Lorenzo Snow's, David O. McKay's and David B. Haight's visions of the Savior (Ensign, Nov. 1989). People at Desert Book can e-mail me for more comments.This is not a "brass-knuckles" doctrinal treatise, but a soft, reassuring testimony of Christ and how His atonement applies in our lives. Indeed, this book provides a great way to buttress talks, testimonies, and lessons with verifiable and reliable statements on the Savior.I have nothing but raves about the packaging. The book is both informative and beautiful. The profound picture fix the passion and emotion associated with Christ's life. Philosopher Adam Smith pointed out in his "Theory on Moral Sentiments" that sight was the key to moral feelings, and they have capitalized on our capacity to feel by sight.This book provides a great overview of the Atonement from many authors and many points of view. All of these testimonial arrows hit their target, which is our heart and our mind.