Construing the Cross reconsiders ways in which the cross of Christ was understood before "atonement theories" narrowed the categories. The "typology" of Passover is explored as probably the very first way in which Christians came to understand the passion. The use of sacrificial imagery is re-examined. The significance of identifying the cross with the Tree of Life is traced across the centuries into medieval times, along with other surprising links with the Eden narrative. The validity of seeking imaginative insights to grasp what the cross signifies is given theological consideration in a chapter that moves into literary and liturgical reflections and is punctuated with cruciform poems. The overall outcome is a quite paradoxical focus, not on death, but on life.

A brilliant new study by a leading expert on early Christian theology, examining the rich and varied ways in which the cross of Christ was understood before medieval atonement theories were put forward to explain it.

About the Author
Frances Young, OBE, FBA, is Emeritus Professor of Theology and formerly Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of Birmingham.

Reviews
A stirring and creative way of drawing on patristic tradition to imagine the beauty, wonder, and mystery of the cross as a gateway to divine life. * Expository Times 128(7) *



Book Information
ISBN 9780281075508
Author The Revd Professor Frances Young
Format Paperback
Page Count 144
Imprint SPCK Publishing
Publisher SPCK Publishing
Weight(grams) 240g