This one didn't really grab me like it seems to so many others in the church. Much of the book contained interesting ideas and a comprehensive overview of Christ's Atonement, but it just didn't present anything that really blew me away, and it was just too samey to me with all the other information taught to every member from birth. 3/4ths through there was a lot of talk about some pretty deep "we-don't-really-know" kind of stuff that went beyond the scope of the rest of the book, and I did like that. I'm sure that the average church member tends to be blown away by this one. I try to spend zero time in the "I know that I know, so let me read stuff that confirms everything I already know" camp. I am more of a skeptical point-me-in-a-direction " Ask why" person, and this just was not for me.

"One does not speak lightly of the Atonement or casually express his appreciation. It is the most sacred and sublime event in eternity. It deserves our most intense thoughts, our most profound feelings, and our noblest deeds. One speaks of it in reverential tones; one contemplates it in awe; one learns of it in solemnity. This event stands alone, now and throughout eternity." -pg. 334

It is finished! haha this took me a while to get through because it made my brain think SO DEEP but I loved it! It's definitely one of the most thought out, beautiful books on the Atonement I've ever read! I highlighted and highlighted this one! I would highly recommend it to everyone! As the above quote says the Lord deserves our most intense thoughts and this book will definitely spark those!

"How much easier to follow and love that leader who has felt all that we have felt and more-who not only sympathizes, but empathizes with our cause. Even though the Savior may have known all things in the Spirit, even the travails of the flesh, the fact that he took upon him a body of flesh and bones, and there-after suffered the indignities of man, increases both our affection for him and our ability to identify with him. Elder Maxwell quotes G.K. Chesterton in this regard: "No mysterious monarch, hidden in his starry pavilion at the base of the cosmic campaign, is in the least like that celestial chivalry of the Captain who carries his five wounds in the front of the battle." It is such a "wounded" leader we are fortunate to have. It is such a wounded leader who succors us in our wounds." -pg. 210

Wow. Amazing in-depth look at the atonement which is at once scholarly and yet intimate and accessible. I have lent it to friends, gifted it on occasion, quoted from it in talks, and marveled at its rich insights.

One aspect I particularly responded to was the idea that everything in the gospel has a physical symbol, and Callister's suggestion that the symbol for the atonement is an embrace.

I also knew the author as a missionary and believe that he lives these principles as fully as he understands them. He is a true disciple.

After I read his explanation of the Adam and Eve story I couldn't read any further. I found it hurtful to women and doctrinally unfounded. I don't understand how people can still have that point of view when there are so many quotes by our prophets and apostles that state otherwise.

Amazing. Especially love the last 5 chapters. Will read them over and over. Very thorough and complete book on Atonement.

My all-time favorite, life-changing book on the atonement. A must-read for everyone.

3.5 stars

This book definitely gave different and enlightening insights to the Infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ. It helped increase my knowledge on the subject. I gained a greater understanding of Christ’s love, which is beyond words. Reading this book made me want to delve into the scriptures and talks more to see what personal insights I get in regards to the Savior and His Atonement.

As far as critiques, I felt like the number of quotes and scriptures used were helpful and at times distracting, interrupting the flow of the book making it more difficult for me to read. There was quite a bit of repetition which, similar to the use of quotes, at times contributed well to the book and other times unnecessary.

Overall, I found this book instructive. It reminds me how grateful I should be for all the Savior has done for me.

Profoundly deep and spiritualy moving, I wish I could give this book 6 stars. This book helped me to look at the atonement in a new light. I found new ways to access this infinite gift. This was, for me, a life changing book.

Powerful book with uniquely powerful insights. This book is about the Savior Jesus Christ. Every page is a testimony of his divinity, grace, and love. Tad Callister expounds beautifully upon scripture, ask questions of the soul that resonated with me, then provided thoughtful answers using scriptural and prophetic sources. I felt edified throughout and it’s broken up into small sub-sections within chapters so I felt like I could read 2-3 pages at a time and get something out of it. I recommend to all.

Wow. Well written and worth reading again. There was so much in this book, some of which went over my head. I really appreciated the chapter on how commandments actually give us freedom. There was a lot of great insights in this book. I took it slow, reading just a few chapters a week.

5 stars for the subject matter of this influential work. Elder Callister plumbs the deepest of subjects and thoroughly answers important questions. At some points, it can be difficult to wade through, but with a focused effort the reader will reap meaningful insights. At the end, I wanted to know the Savior better. I feel a greater reverence for Him.

I have very mixed feelings about this book. While it is very comprehensive (which I really appreciated) and the subject was beautiful, it was very verbose and repetitive at times. This is one of those books you read a chapter of at most once a week instead of reading it continuously because it starts to feel like, well, an infinite book. There were some parts where the author quotes literary classics to evoke some emotion or make some comparison but they just didn't do it for me. I've read a lot of church books at this point and despite its popularity, it's definitely not my favorite.