Mark Ortwein

Defense Date

3-26-2015

Graduation Date

Spring 2015

Availability

Immediate Access

Submission Type

dissertation

Degree Name

PhD

Department

Theology

School

McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts

Committee Chair

William Wright

Committee Member

Elisabeth Vasko

Committee Member

Bogdan Bucur

Keywords

Atonement, Gustaf Aulen

Abstract

Contemporary atonement theology offers three general conceptions of the cross: objective, subjective, and dramatic, which corresponds to Gustaf Aulén's classic tripartite typology. Although these different views are important since they contribute to a rich soteriology, when addressing the topic of atonement, or reconciliation proper, the objective type, promoted in satisfaction and penal substitution theories, are by comparison more compatible with Scripture when considering its larger narrative structure. This compatibility is attributable to the seriousness with which they construe the problem of sin that alienates humanity from God and places them in a predicament from which they are unable to extricate themselves. The cross, according to the objective type, is then disclosed as the only solution to the human situation since it is God in Christ who can make satisfactory atonement. Demonstrating the centrality of these themes in Scripture and the comparative consistency of these two theories with the canonical narrative in the works of their leading proponents, Anselm of Canterbury and John Calvin respectively, is the primary goal of this dissertation which will bring fresh insight unto the subject of atonement theology for today.

Format

PDF

Language

English

Download

Share

COinS