In "Deceiving The Devil," Darby Kathleen Ray presents the two classical Christian models of the life of Jesus -- the Anselmian and the Abelardian. She then examines objections by feminist and liberationist scholars, and reclaims a third classical model in order to empower the marginalized.

For many feminists, the Anselmian claim that Christ took each sinner's place enfranchises -- perhaps even sanctions -- abuse. Meanwhile, the Abelardian idea of moral influence through the life and teachings of the historical Jesus is one that troubles liberationists: Does it encourage passivity and fail to adequately confront the structures of oppression? Can a possible alternative be discerned from the remaining tradition?

Ray's solution is to retrieve and refine a third, classical model that meets these objections and better meshes with the popular piety of many Christians. A powerful theology, "Deceiving The Devil" underscores how God in Christ rejects the tools of evil in a way that offers hope in a broken world.