Part one: Introducing the problem. What is a sin? -- A burden to be borne -- A debt to be repaid -- Part two: Making payment on one's debt. Redemption and the satisfaction of debts -- Ancient creditors, bound laborers, and the sanctity of the land -- Lengthening the term of debt -- Loans and the Rabbinic sages -- Early Christian thinking on the atonement -- Part three: Balancing debts with virtue. Redeem your sins with alms -- Salvation by works? -- A treasury in heaven -- Why God became man.
xv, 253 p. ;25 cm.