This book began to materialize in the 1960s and 1970s during clandestine seminars organized by
the author for Czechoslovak thinkers who dared to ponder theological questions during the
communist era. It therefore provides a revealing glimpse of some of the issues that were of
concern to people living under the domination of both the Nazi and communist regimes. This
aspect of the book is evident in its emphasis on questions of theodicy which are raised by the
idea that Jesus' death was initiated by God. At the same time the book is very much concerned
with contemporary issues. By analyzing traditional understandings of the cross held by a number
of prominent theologians the author seeks to address the fact that classic theories of the
atonement do not speak in a compelling way to today's secularized post-Christian milieu. After
examining perspectives that place central emphasis on the salvific consequence of Jesus' death
the author presents his own views regarding the significance that Jesus' life may have for the
present age. He challenges his readers to venture a living interpretation of Scripture and
explores the possibility that God's plan of salvation is most faithfully represented by the
compassion and justice that Jesus modelled throughout his entire life.
