This monograph argues that the doctrine of atonement may be presented
more coherently by recognizing judgement as the principle metaphor of
the reconciling work of Christ. Judgement, understood not only as
condemnation but as the whole process of bringing about justice,
provides the pattern to which victory, redemption, and sacrifice may be
compared and to which they should be related. The first section is a
study of twentieth-century British atonement theology to understand the
assumptions that give rise to the difficulties in proclaiming the
atonement. The second section examines Karl Barth's account of
reconciliation in terms of the judgement of Jesus Christ, and its
relationship to victory, redemption, and sacrifice. The proposal is made
that judgement is the paradigmatic metaphor of the doctrine of
atonement. The implications of this claim are then considered for the
response to the work of Christ, and how repentance, baptism, Eucharist,
and holiness are related to judgement. ""In dialogue with major
twentieth-century writers on atonement Justyn Terry develops a
biblically-based, rich, and coherent synthesis of models and metaphors
for Christ's death and also explores our proper response. A valuable
resource for academic theologians and all those committed to preaching
Christ and him crucified."" --Andrew Goddard, Tutor in Christian Ethics,
Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University ""Justyn Terry offers well-documented
and persuasive evidence that judgement is the paradigmatic metaphor and
coordinating principle for a truly biblical understanding of the
atonement. Here is theology in the service of proclamation, in a book
which will challenge pastors and preachers to a more urgent and coherent
presentation of the essential message of the Cross, in the light of
God's eternal character and purposes."" --David Jackman, President of
the Proclamation Trust and Founder/Director of the Cornhill Training
Course ""In arguing that the judgement of God is the central concept of
the atonement that brings coherence to the metaphors of the cross as
victory, redemption, and sacrifice, Justyn Terry shows himself
gloriously free from the pressures of popular fashion and more concerned
about presenting a valid and biblical gospel for today. Written with
preachers in focus, this book is carefully researched, robustly argued,
and clearly written. This is a significant book about the most
significant subject of all."" --Derek Tidball, Principal, London School
of Theology ""Drawing initially on Karl Barth's coordination of victory,
redemption, and sacrifice as paradigms of atonement that are subordinate
to the paradigm of judgement, Terry goes a long way toward restoring the
sharp edge of New Testament teaching both to academic theology and to
public preaching. Not only is Dr. Terry's contribution a needed new
anchoring, within systematic theology, of old and more recently avoided
metaphors of Good Friday, but it constitutes a turning of the page, for
the wider Christian community, to a fresh chapter of existentially
engaged preaching and teaching."" --Paul F. M. Zahl, Dean/President,
Trinity Episcopal School of Ministry, PA Justyn Terry taught physics and
then worked in the electronics industry before training for ordination
at Cranmer Hall, Durham. After a spell in St. John's Hyde Park he became
vicar of St. Helen's Church, North Kensington, London. He now teaches at
the Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, Ambridge, PA.
