The Cross in Context - by Christopher G Woznicki (Paperback)

About the Book

Discover a biblically grounded, historically informed, and theologically robust survey of atonement theology from an evangelical perspective.

Book Synopsis

In The Cross in Context: A Historical, Contemporary, and Global Introduction to Atonement, Christopher G. Woznicki offers a biblically grounded, historically informed, and theologically robust survey of atonement theology from an evangelical perspective. Organizing the work by key theological figures and movements, Woznicki surveys:

• Historical atonement accounts from Irenaeus to Harnack
• Contemporary atonement accounts from Aulén to the Analytics
• Global atonement accounts from East to West and back again

Students and pastors alike will find this book an indispensable resource for grasping the continuities and changes in atonement theology across time and culture and will be better equipped to communicate the 'faith that was delivered to the saints once for all.'

Review Quotes

"Here is a textbook that provides the reader with a state-of-the-art overview of the history of the doctrine of atonement, focused on the key concepts and ideas that have shaped the different accounts of this central tenet of Christian theology. Its scope and scholarship is impressive--a significant achievement. I highly recommend it."
--Oliver Crisp, professor of analytic theology, St Mary's College, University of St Andrews

"In this informative and engaging volume, Christopher Woznicki helpfully surveys the varied accounts of atonement across the historical and contemporary landscape. He also guides the reader through this terrain by providing basic evaluations of each account and suggestions for further reading in each chapter. Readers seeking an entryway into this contested but vital and central Christian doctrine will be aided by this irenic and careful exploration."
--Matthew Y. Emerson, dean of theology, arts and humanities, Floyd K. Clark Chair of Christian Leadership, professor of religion, Oklahoma Baptist University

"Christopher Woznicki's The Cross in Context brilliantly enlivens our praise for God in light of his cross-shaped love for humanity. This landmark work is keenly insightful in its descriptions, analyses and theological reflections on how God saves us in Christ. Most helpfully, by drawing upon scriptural, historical, contemporary and ecumenical theological resources, Woznicki models the pathway to a fulsome theology of the atonement, and therefore promotes mature systematic theology in each reader."
--Scott Harrower, lecturer in systemic theology and christian history, Ridley College, Australia

"Whereas the theology and 'logic' of atonement have seen a growing number of specialized studies and investigations, a major textbook with a comprehensive historical and contemporary theological perspective, including ecumenical and global/contextual diversity, has so far been lacking--until this amazing resource by Dr. Christopher Woznicki. Not only wide-reaching in its scope, this manual also focuses on numerous "case-studies" through the lens of leading theologians. And on top of everything, alongside sympathetic-critical assessment of each view carefully exposited, there is a marvelous constructive outline of key desiderata at the end of the book. This text will soon establish itself as a standard source for all-things-atonement not only in the classroom but also in the church."
--Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, professor of systematic theology, Fuller Theological Seminary and docent of ecumenics, The University of Helsinki

"If C.S. Lewis is right that the variegated traditions of Christianity are analogous to a hallway with many rooms then Woznicki acts as something of a tour guide of the many rooms with an eye towards accounts of the atonement (even showing rooms rightly categorized as outside the house.) Woznicki takes readers on a journey spanning centuries, continents, and confessions all towards seeking to hear what the church, throughout her history, has confessed regarding the death of Christ and its application in atonement. As a tour guide, Woznicki points out strengths and weaknesses of various atonement articulations and gives students further reading throughout. The Cross in Context will be of great service to readers both as a substantive source in itself and pointing to further resources beyond on the vital doctrine of Christ's atoning work."
--Ronni Kurtz, assistant professor of systematic theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

"The atoning work of Christ continues to stimulate fresh insights and the theological landscape surrounding the cross is constantly changing. Students of theology will find here an informed guide, who is both familiar with the landmarks, and willing to steer clear of the tourist traps. Woznicki will help the reader not only to get their bearings, but also to fall in love with the place."
--Adonis Vidu, Andrew Mutch Distinguished Professor of Theology, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

About the Author

Christopher G. Woznicki (PhD. Fuller Theological Seminary) is affiliate assistant professor of theology at Fuller Theological Seminary.