This book examines Thomas Erskine, a Scottish Episcopal layman, who had a profound influence on 19th-century British theology. His avowed universalism placed him in direct opposition to the Westminster orthodoxy of the Scottish Kirk, and his writing gave rise to a storm of controversy. The first half of the book traces Erskine's life (1788-1870), drawing upon his published works and voluminous correspondence. The second half of the book analyzes Erskine's thought, paying special attention to this understanding of the doctrine of atonement. A final chapter examines the relation of his theology to that of Frederick Denison Maurice. Contents: Abbreviations; Preface; Death and Life; The Beginnings of Controversy; The Row Heresy; The West Country Miracles; Biblical Authority; The Character of God; The Atonement; Erskine and F.D. Maurice; Appendix; Bibliography.

'The name of Thomas Erskine is one of the more significant landmarks on the map of nineteenth-century British theology. Erskine, though, is little read these days, and there has long been a need for an in-depth authoritative treatment of his thought in order to rekindle our interest. Don Horrocks has provided just such a study. Horrocks' focus on Erskine's soteriology opens up distinctive perspectives on a raft of key theological themes from the doctrine of God to the nature of faith and religious experience, and the authoritative sources for theology. In addition, this informative study captures the mood of that early-mid nineteenth-century intellectual milieu which Erskine's thought both embodies and transcended. Unmatched in its analysis and evaluation of Erskine's contribution.' - Trevor Hart, Professor of Divinity, St Mary's College, University of St Andrews, Scotland 'Don Horrocks is a born researcher who writes with clarity and interest. This book is a splendid contribution to the growing conversations concerning previously neglected theologians. Thomas Erskine's precocity has come of age and I can think of no better a presentation of his context and theology than that offered by Horrocks.' - Graham McFarlane, Lecturer in Systematic Theology, London School of Theology, UK 'Thomas Erskine is one of the seminal but neglected theologians of nineteenth-century Scotland. In his study Don Horrocks introduces us to Erskine's thought in a thematic way that is at once lucid, scholarly and stimulating. It should be on the bookshelf of every serious student of the period.' - Nick Needham, Lecturer in Church History, Highland Theological College, Dingwall, Scotland 'Don Horrocks' work provides a searching analysis of this key nineteenth-century theologian. It is likely to be the first recourse on the subject for many years to come.' - Meic Pearse, Associate Professor of History, Houghton College Don Horrocks spent twenty-five years in business in corporate banking and management consultancy. He completed his Ph.D. on which this work is based at London Bible College in 2002. He has headed up the Evangelical Alliance's Policy Commission for four years. He was appointed Public Affairs Manager for the Alliance in September 2001. He has edited books on transsexuality and on GM Crops and Foods for the Evangelical Alliance Policy Commission. A Research Associate at London School of Theology, he is married with three children.

Will all evil finally turn to good, or does some evil remain stubbornly opposed to God and God's goodness? Will even the devil be redeemed? Addressing a theological issue of perennial interest, this comprehensive book (in two volumes) surveys the history of Christian universalism from the second to the twenty-first century and offers an interpretation of how and why universalist belief arose. The author explores what the church has taught about universal salvation and hell and critiques universalism from a biblical, philosophical, and theological standpoint. He shows that the effort to extend grace to everyone undermines the principle of grace for anyone.