The twentieth century has witnessed the spread of the so called moral influence theory among Christian believers. Modern promoters of this theory refer to Peter Abelard’s doctrine of the atonement to support their view that Jesus’ incarnation and death played only an exemplary role rather than a substitutionary one. However, several scholars hold the view that this eleventh century philosopher, theologian, and scholar did not deny the substitutionary part of Christ’s death. Yet, other theologians share the view of the modern proponents of the moral influence theory in regard to Abelard’s atonement theology but criticize it as wrong.
Purpose of the Research
This study analyzes the writings of Peter Abelard with a special focus on the Commentaria in Epistolam Pauli ad Romanos in order to give a comprehensive view of his atonement theology and the factors that may have influenced it.
Methodology
First, I want to give a sketch of Abelard’s life and a list of his works in a probable chronological order. Both the biography and bibliography, in drawing a picture of his personality, behavior, actions, writings, and teachings, will help to provide insight into Abelard’s character, and eventually give reasons for the inevitability of misunderstandings.
Second, a survey through the theology of atonement of the preceding centuries, beginning with the Bible and the church fathers, and concluding with Abelard’s contemporary theologians will show similarities and differences between Abelard’s view and the teachings of his predecessors and contemporaries.
Third, Abelard’s writings on atonement are examined with a special attention to his commentary on Romans. Further, I will observe connections to other theological topics, and how they possibly influenced his atonement theology.
Table of Contents
- I. INTRODUCTION
- Statement of the Problem
- Purpose of the Research
- Methodology
- II. PETER ABELARD: A BIOGRAPHICAL AND BIBLIOGRAPHICAL SURVEY
- The Life of Peter Abelard
- The Works of Peter Abelard
- III. ATONEMENT THEOLOGY IN A HISTORICAL, CONTEXTUAL PERSPECTIVE
- IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
Objectives and Key Themes
This research paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Peter Abelard's atonement theology by analyzing his writings, particularly his Commentaria in Epistolam Pauli ad Romanos. It seeks to clarify the complexities surrounding interpretations of his views, particularly in relation to the moral influence theory of atonement.
- Peter Abelard's life and works as a context for his theological views.
- A historical overview of atonement theology leading up to Abelard.
- Analysis of Abelard's atonement theology, focusing on his interpretation of Christ's death.
- Examination of the influence of factors such as exegetical methods, views on predestination and free will, and understanding of sin on Abelard's theology.
- Comparison of Abelard's views with other atonement theories, both contemporary to him and modern interpretations.
Chapter Summaries
I. INTRODUCTION: This introductory chapter establishes the central problem of the research: differing interpretations of Peter Abelard's doctrine of atonement, specifically the debate surrounding whether his view aligns with the "moral influence" theory or encompasses a substitutionary element. The chapter outlines the purpose of the research – a comprehensive analysis of Abelard's atonement theology through his writings, particularly the Commentaria in Epistolam Pauli ad Romanos – and briefly mentions the methodology employed.
II. PETER ABELARD: A BIOGRAPHICAL AND BIBLIOGRAPHICAL SURVEY: This chapter provides a detailed biographical overview of Peter Abelard's life, encompassing his years as a student, teacher, lover, and monk, highlighting key events and relationships that shaped his intellectual development and theological perspectives. It also presents a comprehensive survey of his works, categorizing them chronologically to trace the evolution of his thought and theological positions, laying the groundwork for understanding the context of his atonement theology.
III. ATONEMENT THEOLOGY IN A HISTORICAL, CONTEXTUAL PERSPECTIVE: This chapter delves into the historical development of atonement theology, tracing its trajectory from the New Testament through early Christian writers to Abelard's contemporaries. It examines relevant theological concepts, such as predestination, free will, the nature of sin, and exegetical methods, demonstrating their influence on Abelard's unique understanding of atonement. The chapter also explores the existing atonement theories and Abelard’s engagement with them, providing a historical and contextual foundation for analyzing his own views.
Frequently Asked Questions: Peter Abelard's Atonement Theology
What is the main topic of this research paper?
This research paper provides a comprehensive analysis of Peter Abelard's atonement theology. It examines his writings, particularly his Commentaria in Epistolam Pauli ad Romanos, to understand his views on atonement and how they relate to existing interpretations, especially the "moral influence" theory.
What are the key objectives of this research?
The research aims to achieve a thorough understanding of Abelard's atonement theology. It seeks to clarify complexities surrounding interpretations of his views, considering his life, works, historical context, and the influences of factors such as his exegetical methods, views on predestination and free will, and his understanding of sin. The research also compares Abelard's perspective with other contemporary and modern atonement theories.
What themes are explored in the research paper?
Key themes include Peter Abelard's life and works as a context for his theological views; a historical overview of atonement theology leading up to Abelard; an analysis of Abelard's interpretation of Christ's death; examination of the impact of exegetical methods, views on predestination and free will, and understanding of sin on Abelard's theology; and a comparison of Abelard's views with other atonement theories.
What is the structure of the research paper?
The paper is structured into four main sections: An introduction outlining the problem, purpose, and methodology; a biographical and bibliographical survey of Peter Abelard; an in-depth exploration of atonement theology in a historical and contextual perspective; and a concluding summary. Each section is further divided into subsections as detailed in the table of contents.
What specific aspects of Abelard's life and works are considered?
The research delves into a detailed biographical overview of Abelard's life, highlighting events and relationships that shaped his intellectual and theological development. It also provides a comprehensive survey of his works, categorized chronologically to trace the evolution of his thought and theological positions, providing crucial context for understanding his atonement theology.
How does the research contextualize Abelard's atonement theology?
The research places Abelard's views within the broader historical development of atonement theology, tracing its evolution from the New Testament to Abelard's time. It examines relevant theological concepts such as predestination, free will, the nature of sin, and exegetical methods, showing their influence on Abelard's unique perspective. The research also explores existing atonement theories and how Abelard engaged with them.
What is the significance of Abelard's Commentaria in Epistolam Pauli ad Romanos?
The Commentaria in Epistolam Pauli ad Romanos is a central focus of this research, as it provides a primary source for understanding Abelard's specific views on atonement. The analysis of this work is crucial for interpreting and clarifying his theological position.
What is the conclusion of the research?
The concluding section summarizes the findings of the research concerning Peter Abelard's atonement theology, drawing together the various threads of analysis to offer a cohesive and comprehensive interpretation of his views.
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- Denis Kaiser (Autor:in), 2008, The Doctrine of Atonement According to Peter Abelard, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/129327
