'The Cruciality of the Cross': P.T. Forsyth's Understanding of the Atonement

The writings of British Congregationalist theologian Peter Taylor Forsyth (1848–1921), although traversing a wide range of topics, revolve around a clear centre – his understanding of the significance of the death of Christ on the cross. Commentators on his thought have, however, lamented the occasional nature of his writings on this central doctrine of the atonement, and highlighted aspects of his thought which require clarification. This article seeks to respond to these observations by presenting a fairly complete and systematic view of Forsyth's understanding of the atonement, supplementing his explicit statements where necessary by drawing out the implications of his writings. We hope, at the end, to have demonstrated the robustness of Forsyth's treatment of the atonement, especially its ability to integrate the diverse areas of thought traditionally associated with this doctrine.