Sets thinking and preaching about atonement in new directions. ""Dr. Young surveys the different types of ideas of sacrifice current in the ancient world, and indicates both their limitations and lasting force. She shows what early Christianity made of the idea of Christ's sacrifice and discusses the spiritual sacrifice it demanded of Christians. A perceptive treatment of the different theories of atonement follows and the continuing moral force of the idea of sacrifice is illustrated and defended."" --Journal of Theological Studies ""This happy blend of understanding of the past with sensitive awareness of present needs, of intellectual honesty with strong personal faith, fives a rich quality to the book and makes it valuable reading for both the theologian and the preacher."" --Expository Times 'This is a valuable study."" --Evangelical Review Frances Young is Professor Emerita of Theology at Birmingham University. She is the author of several books, including Can These Dry Bones Live?, From Nicea to Chalcedon, and Face to Face.