Friday, November 21, 2008

Atonement Theories

I'm trying to teach a basic overview of the various atonement theories. I'm trying to find a good mix of depth and simplicity. Line 1 (of each theory) gives a general idea of which groups tend to believe this view. Line 2 says what the theory views as the main problem provoking atonement. Line 3 describes the theory very briefly. Line 4 gives Scriptural support. Line 5 shares a movie that helps to illustrate the theory. Line 6 raises critical questions surrounding the theory. Any recommendations to what I've got?

Ransom Theory
1. Early Church, Eastern Orthodox, Pentecostals
2. Deals with the problem of Satan’s power
3. God trades Jesus for mankind, but gets both
4. Mark 10:45, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 1 Timothy 2:6
5. Illustrated by The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe
6. Satan wins? God deceives? Other Scriptures?

Moral Influence Theory
1. Mainline Protestant, Theological liberals
2. Deals with the problem man’s inability
3. Man is selfish, Jesus shows the way of self-sacrifice
4. Romans 5:8, Philippians 2:5-8
5. Illustrated by Pay it Forward
6. Depravity? Grace and works? Other Scriptures?

Satisfaction Theories
1. Roman Catholics, Conservative Protestants
----a) Commercial (Roman Catholics)
----b) Political (Protestant- Arminian)
----c) Legal (Protestant- Calvinist)
2. Deals with the problem of God’s justice
3. Man is in debt to God, Jesus volunteers to pay
4. Leviticus 16:10, 21-22, John 10:18, 1 Peter 3:18
5. Illustrated by The Last Sin Eater
6. Violence? Justice? Other Scriptures?

1 comment:

Unknown said...

I think you covered it quite well. I came to the conclusion in my doctrine class that all of the theories are valid and need to be viewed as all part of the the same thing.