Lecture 2: Atonement, contd. Flashcards
Explain Gregory of Nyssa’s view of atonement.
Gregory of Nyssa believed in the classical theory of atonement. He coined the term “beneficent deception”.
Name the two heretical components of the Socinian theory.
It is adoptionist and holds a Pelagian view of sin (we can choose to emulate Christ; Adam was just a bad example we should choose not to follow).
Give a problem with nonviolent atonement theory.
It ignores addressing core passages about God’s choice for Christ to suffer (particularly Isaiah).
What background does nonviolent atonement come from?
It comes from modern liberal theology with an emphasis on absolving God from violence.
Give another name for ‘Ransom to Satan’ theory of atonement.
Classical theory of atonement.
Define recapitulation.
The theory of atonement that God reversed the corruption of abstract human nature started by Adam by assuming it.
What evidence did Ireneaus see for the classical theory of atonement?
He believed that only Satan and not God could demand such a violent death.
Which theory could be described as the opposite of moral influence theory?
Governmental theory
Give another name for vicarious substitution.
Penal substitution
Out of what time period and mindset did satisfaction theory arise?
During the medieval era and feudal system
Explain the difference between vicarious substitution and personal atonement.
In personal atonement, the offending party makes amends, but in vicarious atonement, the offended party makes amends.
Define governmental theory.
Christ took the punishment for our sins, with his suffering serving as a warning example for us to deter us from future sin.
Describe Anselm’s beliefs about sin.
Sin was our failing to give God what we owe him - complete subjugation and obedience.
What does moral influence theory say about Jesus’s death?
Moral influence theory proposes that Christ’s life of obedience lead to the cross, but God did not require his death as a sacrifice.
What are substitution and redemption directed towards?
Substitution is directed toward our sin, redemption is directed towards the sinner.
According to satisfaction theory, what role does the cross play?
God did not force or request Christ to die on the cross. However, his life of perfect obedience and justice lead to it. By dying sinlessly, he also offered to God the sacrifice for humanity in a way we could not on our own.
In governmental theory, how are Christ’s death and our sins related?
Christ took the penalty for our sins, but he could not take the sins themselves away.
Define the Socinian theory of atonement.
Christ’s death is meant as an inspiration for us. He absolutely forgives us and no blood was required for justice.
Give two reasons for the popularity of the classical theory of atonement.
1) It described evil as a personified power working against humanity
2) It underscored our need for God to save us from our predicament
Unitarians confess which theory of atonement?
Socinian
Define Christus Victor theory.
Christus Victor emphasizes Christ’s demonstration of his power over darkness/demonic forces. The ransom he paid is better understood as freedom for us from sin rather than a payment to Satan.
Explain Ireneaus’s primary view of atonement.
Ireneaus believed in recapitulation. Specifically, Christ bestowed upon us the possibility of salvation by becoming like us.
Which theory accuses Luther and others of “divinely sanctioned child abuse”?
Nonviolent atonement theory
Give another name for classical theory of atonement.
‘Ransom to Satan’ theory.
