Is Chrisitianity a sacrifical religion? What does it mean to say "Christ died for our sins"? Do we offer Christ in the Eucharist? This course will explore the interrelated concepts of "atonement" and "sacrifice" as they are used in Christian theology, especially in the doctrine of the work of Christ, in ecclesiology, and in sacramentology. Readings will include both classic and modern authors, including Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, Luther, M. Douglas, Milgrom, Girard, Mascall, Boersma, Hunsinger. Some attention will be paid to postmodern discussions concerning the logic of gift-giving and exchange (Maus, Derrida, Milbank, Cavanaugh).
Please note: All syllabi are considered draft until the first day of class. Please look for the final version of the course syllabus to be posted on the course's Quercus site.