This introduction 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.

The Baker Academic Studies on the Atonement collection examines the difficult doctrine of the atonement with clear, biblical discussion. This collection explores how this doctrine affects our participation in the life of God and in the shared life of the Christian community while tracing the origins, development, and divergent streams of atonement theology throughout the Christian tradition. These volumes affirm the centrality of the death and resurrection of Christ and the need for each successive generation of Christians to affirm and apply the doctrine of the atonement to contemporary contexts.