What do we mean when we say that "Jesus saves"? Unlike the doctrines of the Trinity and Christology, there is no ecumenical consensus regarding the Christian doctrine of the atonement. Instead, there are a number of divergent atonement theologies found in various streams of the Christian theological tradition.
This introduction maps the biblical, historical, and theological terrain of the doctrine of the atonement. Beginning with the early Christian era, the book traces the origins, development, and divergent streams of atonement theology throughout the Christian tradition and proposes key criteria by which we can assess their value. The authors introduce essential biblical terms, texts, and concepts of atonement; identify significant historical figures, texts, and topics; and show how various atonement paradigms are expressed in their respective church traditions. The book also surveys current "hot topics" in evangelical atonement theology and evaluates strengths and weaknesses of competing understandings of atonement.
256 pages.
Contents
Introduction: What Is Atonement?
1. Atonement as Incarnation: Irenaeus and Athanasius
2. Atonement as Christus Victor: Church Fathers and Gustaf Aulén
3. Atonement as Satisfaction: Anselm of Canterbury
4. Atonement as Divine Love: Peter Abelard and the Wesleys
5. Atonement as Fittingness: Thomas Aquinas
6. Atonement as Penal Substitution: John Calvin and Charles Hodge
7. Atonement as Moral Example: Hastings Rashdall
8. Atonement as Reconciliation: Karl Barth
9. Atonement Today
Index
Mapping Atonement: The Doctrine of Reconciliation in Christian History and Theology is in the following collections:
