I read this book because I admire the author, Tad R. Callister and because my mom said that she enjoyed it.
Before I talk about The Infinite Atonement, I need to mention another book that I read by the same author called The Inevitable Apostasy and Promised Restoration. I LOVED IT. The strong organization and eloquent writing gave me a wonderful glimpse into a superior intellect and helped me to understand so much about apostasy in the early Christian church. The author draws upon the works of early Christian writers to show the origins of many modern Christian doctrines. It was a healing read for me.
I knew that the author had written another book, The Infinite Atonement, but I decided to wait to read it because I knew it would be doctrinally heavy and probably emotionally draining.
With the kids away at school and the house a little more under control, I felt like I was ready to bring it home from the bookstore. It was an emotional read. I most enjoyed (translation: wept the most during) the middle chapters about the infinite suffering, love, time, depth, and coverage of the atonement of the Savior. The book is also strong in the doctrine of The Fall and the necessity of the atonement.
I was not presented with a lot of new doctrine, but the book helped me to experience a depth of feeling about doctrines that I had mostly experienced superficially. The author’s strong organization also helped me feel the magnitude of the topic.To complement the words of scripture and apostles, the author quotes from Milton, Shakespeare, C.S. Lewis, and others to find mankind’s most poignant words for the Savior’s gift.
During the days that I read this, I would go to choir and I couldn’t sing about Calvary because of my feelings. I found myself sneaking minutes to read here and there throughout the day. That was best, because this book needed to be read in measured doses. The margins are full of notes. It was a good inaugural Christmastime read.