I have a vague memory
of learning about the different atonement theories while taking a course in
theology. Atonement theories are theological explanations that seek to understand the
significance and effects of the atonement, which refers to the reconciliation
or mending of the relationship between humanity and God through the sacrificial
death of Jesus Christ. I
remember it being eye-opening and mind-boggling, but I didn’t store it away as
something to remember because it didn’t affect my relationship with God or
others. I still believed in Trinity God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), and I still
believed in the miraculous and saving power of Jesus’s life and death…so my
philosophy of the atonement theory wasn’t something that I stressed over.
For the past three
days, however, it’s been on the forefront of my mind. I’ve been thinking about
it, talking about it, dreaming about it, and struggling with it. So for those
of you who want to join me in my quest to know and sit with various atonement
theories as held by different traditions and denominations of Christianity,
then read on.
Remember: All of these
are real theories that have been upheld and believed in Christianity throughout
history. There will be some that resonate with you and some that you think are flat
out wrong, but try to understand why someone may believe what you cannot…and remember
that, in the end, these are all theories that try to help us understand what is
beyond our comprehension: God.
- Ransom Theory:
- This theory suggests that
Jesus' death was a ransom paid to Satan to release humanity from bondage.
The idea is rooted in passages that speak of Christ giving his life as a
ransom for many.
- Satisfaction or Substitutionary Atonement:
- This theory, developed by
Anselm of Canterbury, emphasizes the idea that Jesus' death was a
satisfaction of the divine justice offended by human sin. It involves the
concept of Jesus serving as a substitute, taking on the punishment that
humans deserved.
- Moral Influence Theory:
- Proposed by theologian Peter
Abelard, this theory emphasizes that the purpose of Christ's death was to
morally influence humanity. Jesus' sacrifice is seen as a demonstration
of God's love, inspiring people to repent and turn toward God.
- Christus Victor (Victorious Christ) Theory:
- This theory views the
atonement as Christ's victory over the powers of sin, death, and Satan.
It emphasizes the triumph of Jesus' resurrection and the defeat of evil
forces.
- Governmental Theory:
- Developed by Hugo Grotius,
this theory posits that Jesus' death serves a governmental purpose. It
maintains that God, as the divine ruler, uses Christ's sacrifice to
demonstrate the seriousness of sin and uphold moral order.
- Penal Substitutionary Atonement:
- Similar to Satisfaction
Atonement, this theory asserts that Jesus' death was a substitution for
the penalty of sin. Jesus took on the punishment on behalf of humanity,
satisfying the demands of divine justice.
- Recapitulation Theory:
- This theory, associated with
theologian Irenaeus, sees Jesus as recapitulating or redoing human
history in a way that brings salvation. Christ becomes the new Adam,
representing humanity in a perfect way.
- Scapegoat Theory:
- This theory draws parallels
with the Old Testament practice of the scapegoat. Jesus is seen as the
sacrificial scapegoat who takes on the sins of humanity, removing them
and reconciling people with God.
Which theory or
theories resonate with you? What have you been taught? Which theory presents
you with a new thought? Which theory does NOT sit well with you? I’d love to
have a conversation…as long as it’s civil! 😊
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