This book offers a complete study of the doctrine of the cross in the writings of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Until now, this theologically rich topic has not received the attention it calls for. Anthony Lane analyzes and expounds the doctrine of the cross based on the nearly seven hundred references to the cross in Bernards writings. Among the important topics the author explores are:Bernards letter against Abelard, a work of central significance for this topicthe usward aspect of Christs work, its subjective influence on us, and the Godward aspect, the way in which the cross puts us right with Godobjections to this teaching posed by Abelard and othersways in which Bernard applies his doctrine of the crossa concluding assessment of Bernards teaching on the topic