Description
Book SynopsisWith the subject of the atonement of Christ attracting such a lot of polemical work at this time, it is easy to conclude that the current debate is generating more heat than light. ''Atonement Theories'' presents the beginning student, pastor, or researcher with an accessible and fair treatment of every school of thought on this subject.''Atonement Theories'' signifcantly updates previous histories of the doctrine, providing analysis of some fascinating and highly signifcant recent developments. It also intriguingly highlights at various points where aspects of this central message of Christianity might find a connection within contemporary culture. It aims to empower the reader to quickly gain a working knowledge of current debates and the history behind them.
Trade Review"The author, Ben Pugh, provides us with a well-written and informative book on atonement [...] Students in theology, but also researchers and ministers will find the book most helpful and stimulating." Cornelis van der Laan, Journal of the European Pentecostal Theological Association, vol 35 issue 1, April 2015 ''This scholarly but highly readable overview of the theories of God's atoning work in Christ is a 'must have' for anyone who is tasked with preaching on the subject..I would warmly recommend this book to preachers, and theological students working in contexts ranging from A-level to ministerial training, as well as to spiritual directors and those who train them.'' Lorraine Cavanagh, Modern Believing, Vol. 57:1, January 2016 "Ben Pugh casts a Protestant eye over the varied ways in which the atonement has been understood through Christian history. A series of perceptive summaries produce a mini-encyclopedia of the atonement, for which students will be particularly grateful, but he skilfully sets out the sometimes surprising ways in which different approaches have interacted." Dr Forster, Church Times, 15 January 2016
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction Part One: Christus Victor 1 The Ransom to Satan 2 Recapitulation and Theosis Part Two: Objective Theories 3 Satisfaction Guaranteed: Anselm 4 Luther and Calvin 5 The Nineteenth Century 6 Twentieth and Twenty-First Century Developments Part Three: Subjective Theories 7 The Cross as Transformative Revelation 8 "The Spirit Comes from the Cross": The Pneumatological Synthesis Part Four: A New Option? Anthropological Theories 9 The Story of Nonviolent Atonement 10 The Way Through the Maze: Some Initial Deductions Conclusion Bibliography
