The Wrath of God Satisfied?: Atonement in an Age of Violence

Description: What do Robben Island Colonel Gadaffi the earthquake in Haiti the riots in London credit crunch child abuse and the death of Christ have in common? They are all linked by the common thread of violence. Tom Stuckey reexamines the traditional theories of atonement which he argues are contextual and utilitarian as he searches for meaning and hope in these contemporary events. In The Wrath of God Satisfied? Tom Stuckey argues that because we live in a violent world we should not dismiss the idea of the wrath of God or the disturbing metaphors of blood debt satisfaction and sacrifice. While not subscribing to the theory of penal substitution he does not dismiss it. Within a dynamic interpretation of the Trinity the author draws on the insights of Athanasius Anselm Abelard Luther Calvin Julian Girard Augustine Barth and contemporary theologians to show how divine wrath being satisfied poses the question of God in its most acute form. Stuckey sees Gods wrath as a necessary shadow cast by the powerful light of hope and argues that wrath cannot be dismissed if justice is to be restored. Endorsements: This is a brave book. At a time when more and more Christians believe more and more fervently in less and less Tom Stuckey is not afraid to wrestle with profound and difficult themes using vivid topical illustrations. This is preached theology at its most lucid. --Colin Morris Former Head of Religious Broadcasting in Britain and Former President of the Methodist Conference Our understanding of the atonement affects our understanding of God. In this readable book Tom Stuckey reexamines the classic theories of the atonement and offers a fresh global perspective weaving together big stories Scripture theory and little stories. Read prayerfully it will enrich our understanding our worship and our social action. --David Holgate Principal Southern Theological Education and Training Scheme In this important book Tom Stuckey explores the relationship between a range of atonement theories and the complexities of our modern violent world. His accessible yet provocative style encourages readers to make connections between contemporary experience and classical theory. This book will challenge those who seek to dismiss the idea of Gods wrath--but will also challenge those who see no need to interpret that concept in order for it to make sense to twenty-first-century minds. --Christopher Blake Principal Cliff College For many preachers traditional formulations of the doctrine of the atonement are too offensive to be of use in todays world. A loving God they say is more attractive than a God of wrath and vengeance. In The Wrath of God Satisfied? Tom Stuckey takes this popular view head on showing that when located within a vision of the Trinitarian life of God the doctrine of the atonement is a vital resource for the renewal of the church. Here is theology that will preach! --Jason E. Vickers Associate Professor of Theology and Wesleyan Studies United Theological Seminary Tom Stuckey boldly stamps with currency older Christian teaching about atonement. He argues that when thinking about Gods work of saving human beings we cannot dismiss as is the wont of some present-day theologians metaphors such as sacrifice and debt. In a brilliant employment of contemporary culture he shows how these traditional views of divine and human suffering make a decisive difference for the moral life of Christians and non-Christians. All pastors will find this a rich vein for sermon preparation and congregational teaching. --M. Douglas Meeks Cal Turner Chancellor Professor of Theology and Wesleyan Studies Vanderbuilt Divinity School Tom Stuckeys book will appeal to theological students and church study groups alike wanting to grapple with the difficult questions of human sinfulness and how God deals with us. He does so using scholarly tools and an acute and lively awareness of th