How can an event that has taken place in the past have an effect upon the human experience of salvation in the present? In examining one of the essential questions of the Christian faith. Paul Fiddes explores the limits as well as the gains to be made in speaking about crucifixion to the continuing process of God's saving activity. He considers the relevance of a past act of atonement to such areas of practical experience as forgivness, liberation, and suffering. The author pays special attention to the social and polical implications of atonement and to the sacraments and community of the church as link between past and present. Atonement is thus seen as a creative act of God, enabling responce, transforming personality, and healing relationships.
