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

Synopsis:

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 God's 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 God's 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 today's 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

Author Biography:
Tom Stuckey was President of the Conference of the Methodist Church in Britain (2005) and a former Canon of Salisbury Cathedral. He has ministered over the past thirty-six years in a variety of appointments in Britain and continues to teach and lecture. He is author of Into the Far Country: Mission in an Age of Violence (2001), Beyond the Box (2005), and On the Edge of Pentecost (2007).