The Back Side of the Cross: An Atonement Theology for the Abused and the Abandoned Content warning: Brief mentions of abuse in this post I am part of SpeakEasy, which provides complimentary books in exchange for candid book reviews. Making sense of the cross is one of the most important theological tasks that Christians undertake. “How does one make sense of such a brutal and violent death? What possible salvific purpose could it have?” Throughout Christian history, the emphasis on understanding the cross has often been on, “How does it bring salvation and forgiveness to sinners?”