Atonement, law, and justice : the cross in historical and cultural contexts

Offers an in-depth analysis of the legal and political contexts within which various major atonement theories arose and provides a helpful resource for contemporary discussions. Adonis Vidu tackles an issue of great current debate in evangelical circles and of perennial interest in the Christian academy. He provides a critical reading of the history of major atonement theories, offering an in-depth analysis of the legal and political contexts within which they arose. The book engages the latest work in atonement theory and serves as a helpful resource for contemporary discussions. This is the only book that explores the impact of theories of law and justice on major historical atonement theories. Understanding this relationship yields a better understanding of atonement thinkers by situating them in their intellectual contexts. The book also explores the relevance of the doctrine of divine simplicity for atonement theory. Justice, law, and the cross in patristic thought Medieval atonement and the legal revolution The Reformation : Luther, Calvin, and the tradition of penal substitution Modernity : atonement and the cure of the soul Atonement and the postmodern critique of law Atonement and the perfection of divine agency.