Saving Power

For theological geeks (ok, like me) who are interested in atonement theologies - and for those who are surprised at the plural theologies, Peter Schmiechen's Saving Power: Theories of Atonement and Forms of the Church looks fascinating.

What seems especially useful is how the writer links theology to ecclesiology:
what does that belief achieve and mean in that place?

From the Church Times review:
"He brings this out as he explores the cultural reasons why some theories have appealed to particular groups in particular ages; and he also examines some of the present divides between conservatives and liberals, and how these might be healed by a better understanding of the limits of their respective interpretations." (The whole review is here)

Contents:

PART ONE: THEORIES OF ATONEMENT

CHRIST DIED FOR US
1 - Sacrifice, The Letter to the Hebrews
2 - Justification by Grace, Martin Luther
3 - Substitution, Charles Hodge

LIBERATION FROM SIN, DEATH, AND DEMONIC POWERS
4 - Liberation, Irenaeus and Twentieth-Century Liberation Theology

THE PURPOSES OF GOD
5 - The Renewal of the Creation, Athanasius
6 - The Restoration of the Creation, Anselm
7 - Christ the Goal of Creation, Friedrich Schleiermacher

RECONCILIATION
8 - Christ the Way to the Knowledge of God, H. Richard Niebuhr
9 - Christ the Reconciler, I Corinthians 1 & 2
10 - The Wondrous Love of God, Peter Abelard, John Wesley, and Jurgen Moltmann

PART TWO: CONCLUSION
11 - Jesus Christ the Saving Power of God
12 - Christ and the Church

Publisher's info here, including a free view of the introductory chapter.