"In this seminal study of the Christian theory of the atonement, Anthony Bartlett claims that a logic of violence and sacrifice has dominated the key Western doctrines of atonement. Throughout history these understandings of the atonement have sanctioned widespread violence in the name of Christ. Even now politicians and others continue to use these theories to condone violent punishments and war.".

"Cross Purposes offers a historical and theological overview of the evolution of various atonement theories, using literature, art, and philosophy to provide a creative and provocative reading of Christian atonement. But Bartlett argues that a minority tradition of the compassion of Christ provides a possible way out of Christian violence.

His study gives this tradition a dynamic new reading, showing how it undoes both divine and human violence and offers a powerfully transformative version of the atonement for the contemporary world."--BOOK JACKET.