Christus Victor: An historical study of the three main types of the idea of the atonement

by Gustaf Aulén

First published in 1931, Aulen's historical study of the doctrine of the Atonement continues to be essential reading for those studying theology. His survey of the three main Atonement theories ('Ransom Theory', 'Satisfaction' or 'Penal Substitution Theory', and the 'Moral Influence' theory) as well as his own unique contribution to the debate means that this book has become an enduring classic. The book is now part of the SPCK Classic series and includes a new foreword by David Ford, Regius Professor of Divinity at the University of Cambridge.

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2010

About the author

Gustaf Aulén (1879-1977) was the Bishop of Strängnäs in the Church of Sweden and the author of Christus Victor: An Historical Study of the Three Main Types of the Idea of Atonement in 1931. This classic work analyzes the doctrine of the atonement of Jesus, suggesting that the three main interpretations in Christian history are the Christus Victor theory, the Satisfaction theory, and the Moral Influence theory. Aulén is also known in the Swedish Lutheran Church as a composer of widely used church music.