Book Review: When the Atonement Becomes Personal by Toni Sorenson

Book Description:

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is our hope that life can get better . . . that we can get better. To find strength in our struggles, it is vital to look to the One who understands our pains and afflictions, the One who never forsakes us. Christ atoned for our sins, but what does that really mean, and how can we harness the relief He provides? The answer to this question and many others is made simple in When the Atonement Becomes Personal.

As one who works with the downtrodden and marginalized, author and therapist Toni Sorenson offers unique insight into the individual nature of the Atonement. Her signature warmth and engaging tone become a powerful catalyst for understanding as she intersperses scripture with personal narrative, not shying away from real problems and solutions. She outlines ways we can reconnect when we feel distanced from our Creator. She sheds light on paths we can take to restore self-worth when life has grown impossibly hard and dark. In this unique and hopeful approach to the gospel's most complex topic, embark on a journey of self-discovery into why the Atonement does not become truly powerful until it becomes truly personal.

Review:

This book has SO much information in it! It's definitely not one that can be read quickly, you need to take your time so you can absorb and ponder the information you learn. 

I'll admit, I haven't ever studied the atonement in depth before. I know what it is, I know what happened, and I know how important it is, but I have never really made it personal. 

One thing that really stood out to me (OK, there were a lot of things that stood out. This book is covered in yellow highlighter now) is that it's our job to love others, and not withhold that love because they don't meet up to our standards and expectations. Really, the main theme of this book is love. Love like Jesus did (and still does.) 

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about how to make the atonement mean so much more in a personal way.

Title: When the Atonement Becomes Personal

Author: Toni Sorenson

Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.

Published: February 2021

ISBN: 1524417165 

Source: I received an e-copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book