satisfaction theory of atonement
E7601
The satisfaction theory of atonement is a Christian theological view, rooted in Anselm of Canterbury, which holds that Christ’s death satisfies the honor or justice of God offended by human sin, thereby reconciling humanity to God.
Statements (47)
| Predicate | Object |
|---|---|
| instanceOf |
Christian theological doctrine
→
atonement theory → doctrine of salvation → |
| aimsToExplain |
how Christ’s death reconciles humanity to God
→
|
| associatedWithTradition |
Roman Catholic theology
→
classical Protestant theology → |
| basisInConcept |
feudal notions of honor and satisfaction
→
|
| category |
soteriology
→
|
| centralQuestion |
Why did God become man?
→
|
| claimsThat |
human beings cannot themselves make adequate satisfaction for sin
→
only a God–man can make sufficient satisfaction → |
| contrastsWith |
moral influence theory of atonement
→
ransom theory of atonement → |
| criticizedFor |
portraying God as requiring satisfaction
→
reliance on feudal honor categories → |
| debatedIn |
contemporary systematic theology
→
|
| developedInWork |
Cur Deus Homo
→
|
| distinguishedFrom |
penal substitution by focus on satisfaction of honor rather than legal penalty
→
|
| effectOnBelievers |
forgiveness of sins
→
restored fellowship with God → |
| emphasizes |
divine honor
→
divine justice → objective change in God–human relationship → |
| focusesOn |
death of Christ
→
|
| hasPrimaryProponent |
Anselm of Canterbury
→
|
| historicalPeriod |
medieval Christian theology
→
|
| holdsThat |
God’s honor or justice must be satisfied
→
human sin creates a debt or obligation toward God → human sin offends the honor of God → |
| influenced |
Reformation-era atonement doctrines
→
penal substitution theory of atonement → scholastic theology → |
| influencedBy |
Anselm’s metaphysical and ethical views
→
|
| originatedIn |
Western Christianity
→
|
| relatedConcept |
divine justice
→
divine mercy → sacrifice of Christ → substitutionary atonement → |
| religiousTradition |
Christianity
→
|
| resultIs |
reconciliation between God and humanity
→
|
| scripturalAppeal |
New Testament texts on Christ’s sacrificial death
→
|
| teachesThat |
Christ offers satisfaction to God on behalf of humanity
→
Christ’s obedience and death provide superabundant satisfaction → |
| understandsAtonementAs |
restoration of divine honor
→
|
| understandsChristAs |
one who offers satisfaction beyond what is owed
→
representative of humanity before God → |
| understandsSinAs |
failure to render due honor to God
→
|