The notion of atonement, a process by which humans are made right before God, is central to the logic of Christian theology. In spite of this, major thinkers in the Christian traditions have held vastly different understandings of both the way atonement works and what it means. These differing accounts have become intellectual traditions which continue to influence both academic theology and spiritual practice today. In spite of the strong dependence of much contemporary thought on early ideas, linguistic and cultural barriers often preclude serious study of the original materials. Patristic and Medieval Atonement Theory takes a close look at the doctrines that depend on and influence views of atonement in order to make clear what place atonement occupies within the larger system of Christian theology. Junius Johnson also considers key concepts and tensions within the doctrine of atonement itself, which may be emphasized or glossed over to create the shape of particular doctrines. Johnson's guide briefly discusses major figures in the development of Christian doctrines of atonement to the end of the Middle Ages. Johnson then turns to the major primary and secondary sources and provides an orientation to the rich literature existing on this topic. The attention given to the anatomy of the concepts involved, the introduction to the ideas of major thinkers, and the survey of available literature makes this an essential guide for students and scholars of Christian theology of any period, as well as those who research the Middle Ages but are not specialists in theology.
Introduction Part I: Atonement Theory Explained 1 Introduction to Atonement Theory 2 Illuminating the Context 3 Christ Our Brother: Likeness and Unlikeness in Christ's Human Nature Part II: Key Thinkers in Atonement Theory 4 Athanasius (C. 296-373): The Image of God in Us 5 Gregory Nazianzen (329-390): Deification 6 Gregory of Nyssa (335-395): Ransom Theory 7 Augustine of Hippo (354-430): Legal Conceptuality 8 Anselm of Canterbury (C. 1033-1109): Satisfaction Theory 9 Peter Abelard (1079-1142): Moral Influence 10 Bonaventure (1221-1274): Nuanced Anselmianism 11 Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274): Christ's Merits 12 Julian of Norwich (1342-1416): Courtesy and At-one-ment Part III: Annotated Bibliography of Selected Resources 13 Patristic Period: Primary Sources 14 Patristic Period: Secondary Sources 15 Medieval Period: Primary Sources 16 Medieval Period: Secondary Sources 17 Secondary Sources Common to the Patristic and Medieval Periods
