What Did the Cross Accomplish?
Description
In this book, readers will enjoy a fascinating and cordial discussion between N. T. Wright and Simon Gathercole on the meaning and nature of the doctrine of atonement. These two highly respected scholars discuss in clear and understandable language the meanings of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Their discussion explores various theories of atonement and looks closely at the Old Testament to discover Paul's meaning of his words that "Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures."
Wright presents his case first, then Gathercole responds with a contrary point of view. Their discussion confronts questions including: What exactly is this "scandal of the cross"? What role does the notion of sacrifice, as understood in its ancient context, play in the atonement of Christ? Is the atonement a "victory"? How so? Was Christ a "substitute," taking humankind's place on the cross and suffering the death and judgment that sinners deserve? How does the death of Christ on the cross rescue or liberate sinners from death? Does the cross achieve benefits for only humans, or do those benefits extend to the entirety of creation? This book is a succinct conversation in which all these questions receive attention, with nuanced differences between the two interlocutors. This conversation along with Robert Stewart's introductory framework make this book an excellent primer to the study of the atonement, and readers will come away with a deeper understanding of the meanings of the cross.
All prices
More details
Other editions
Additional editions
Persons
Simon Gathercole is Reader in New Testament Studies and Director of Studies in Theology at Fitzwilliam College at the University of Cambridge. He previously taught at the University of Aberdeen. Gathercole is a leading expert in Christology and the doctrine of atonement. Among his numerous publications is his Defending Substitution: An Essay on Atonement in Paul.
Content
- Intro
- Endorsements
- Half Title
- Title Page
- Copyright
- Dedication
- Epigraph
- Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Theology, Worldview, and the Meal Celebrating the Cross: Theological Method and the Atonement
- Theology and Worldviews
- Atonement and the Lord's Supper
- The Meaning of the Atonement: N. T. Wright and Simon Gathercole in Dialogue
- N. T. Wright: Opening Statement
- Simon Gathercole: Opening Statement
- Point-Counterpoint: Discussion
- Questions and Answers
- Day 2: Concluding Comments, Q and A
- Further Reading
- Classic Works on the Atonement
- Other Sources
- Index
