Karl Barth (1886-1968) is widely acknowledged as the greatest theologian of the twentieth century and is shown in this book to be a profoundly political thinker. Though he wrote more than any other twentieth century theologian, he was also fully engaged in social and political ideas. Dr. Timothy Gorringe explores this wealth of material and shows how it is related to the events of the twentieth century.

This book examines the relationship between the theologies of atonement and penal strategies. Christian theology was potent in Western society until the nineteenth century, and the so-called "satisfaction theory" of the atonement interacted and reacted with penal practice. Gorringe argues that atonement theology created a structure of affect that favored retributive policies. He reviews theory and practice in the twentieth century, and makes concrete proposals for both theology and criminal and societal violence.

This book examines the relationship between the theologies of atonement and penal strategies. Christian theology was potent in Western society until the nineteenth century, and the so-called "satisfaction theory" of the atonement interacted and reacted with penal practice. Gorringe argues that atonement theology created a structure of affect that favored retributive policies. He reviews theory and practice in the twentieth century, and makes concrete proposals for both theology and criminal and societal violence.