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 Years as a Student
The Years as a Teacher, Lover, and Monk
The Years with the Final Conflicts
The Works of Peter Abelard
The Early Years (1113 – 1118)
The Years of Rising Theological Interest (1119 – 1138)
The Years of Reflection and Final Conflicts (1139 – 1142)
III. ATONEMENT THEOLOGY IN A HISTORICAL, CONTEXTUAL PERSPECTIVE
An Historical Outline of Atonement Theology
The New Testament on Atonement
Early Christian Writers on Atonement
Contemporary Writers on Atonement
Theological Links to Abelard’s Atonement Theory
The Exegetical Method
Predestination and a Free Will
The Nature of Sin
The Atonement Theology of Peter Abelard
The Rejection of Specific Atonement Theories
The Substitutionary Aspect of Christ’s Death
The Reconciliation of God and Man
The Restoration of Man
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This research paper examines the theological writings of Peter Abelard, specifically his Commentaria in Epistolam Pauli ad Romanos, to provide a comprehensive analysis of his doctrine of atonement and to evaluate the scholarly debate regarding his alleged "moral influence" or "exemplarist" theory in contrast to the substitutionary view.
- The biographical and historical context of Peter Abelard’s life and work.
- A critical survey of historical atonement theories from the New Testament through the Middle Ages.
- An analysis of the influence of Abelard’s exegetical method, view of human free will, and definition of sin on his theology.
- A detailed evaluation of the substitutionary versus exemplary aspects in Abelard's writings.
Excerpt from the Book
The Substitutionary Aspect of Christ’s Death
After having eliminated the theory of the devil’s rights and the ransom to God or to the devil, he wants to explain how Christ’s death accomplishes redemption. Thus he returns to Paul’s statement about Christ’s death as a demonstration of grace and righteousness.
Nevertheless it seems to us in this that we are justified in the blood of Christ and reconciled to God, because it was through this matchless grace shown to us that his Son received our nature, and, by teaching us in that nature by word as much as by example persevered to the death, and bound us to himself even more through love, so that when we have been kindled by so great a benefit of the divine grace, true charity might fear to endure nothing for his sake. … Each one is also made more righteous after the Passion of Christ than before, that is, he loves God more, because the benefit kindles the perfected person in love more than the one who hoped. Therefore our redemption is that supreme love in us through the Passion of Christ which not only frees us from slavery to sin, but gains for us the true liberty of the sons of God, so that we may complete all things by his love rather than by fear. He showed us such great grace, than which a greater cannot be found, by his own word. ‘No one,’ he says, ‘has greater love than this, that he lays down his life for his friends.’ Concerning this love the same person says elsewhere, ‘I have come to send fire on the earth, and what do I desire except that it burn?’ He witnesses, therefore, that he has come to increase this true liberty of charity among men.
Summary of Chapters
I. INTRODUCTION: Defines the problem regarding the moral influence theory and establishes the methodology for analyzing Abelard’s writings.
II. PETER ABELARD: A BIOGRAPHICAL AND BIBLIOGRAPHICAL SURVEY: Chronicles the life, academic career, conflicts, and the chronological evolution of Abelard’s major works.
III. ATONEMENT THEOLOGY IN A HISTORICAL, CONTEXTUAL PERSPECTIVE: Provides an overview of pre-Abelardian atonement theology and investigates the theological foundations of Abelard's specific doctrine.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: Synthesizes the findings, noting that Abelard’s atonement theory is more complex than a simple "exemplarist" label suggests.
Keywords
Peter Abelard, Atonement, Moral Influence Theory, Substitutionary Atonement, Exegesis, Romans Commentary, Grace, Sin, Free Will, Redemption, Medieval Theology, Satisfaction Theory, Christology, Bernard of Clairvaux, Scholasticism
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on Peter Abelard’s doctrine of the atonement, aiming to clarify his theological position by analyzing his commentary on Romans and correcting the reductionist view that he solely advocated a "moral influence" theory.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The core themes include the historical development of atonement theology, the role of divine love and grace, the nature of human sin and responsibility, and the relationship between Christ's death and human justification.
What is the core research question?
The research seeks to determine whether Abelard's atonement theology should be categorized exclusively as exemplary or if it incorporates significant substitutionary elements as part of a broader, more complex theological framework.
Which scientific methodology does the author apply?
The author employs a historical-theological method, utilizing a biographical survey, a comparative study of historical Christian writers on atonement, and a close textual analysis of Abelard’s exegetical works.
What does the main body of the text cover?
It covers the life of Abelard, his literary output, historical perspectives on atonement from the Early Church to the 12th century, and a detailed critique of Abelard's specific stance on atonement theories.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
Key terms include Abelard, Atonement, Substitutionary, Exemplarism, Grace, Sin, Free Will, and Redemption.
How does Abelard distinguish between intention and action?
Abelard argues that external actions are morally indifferent; sin is defined by the mental act of consent and the badness of the inner intention directed toward an act.
Why did Abelard face condemnation by the Church?
His condemnation at the Council of Sens was driven by complex political power plays and ecclesiastical opposition, particularly from Bernard of Clairvaux, who interpreted Abelard’s speculative theological language as heretical.
What is the significance of Abelard's Romans commentary?
It serves as the primary source for the study, demonstrating Abelard’s unique exegetical style and his integration of logic and dialectic into the understanding of central theological doctrines.
How does Abelard view the role of the Holy Spirit in redemption?
Abelard views the Holy Spirit as the catalyst that implants love in the human heart, transforming the believer and enabling them to respond to God’s grace through a renewed life.
- Quote paper
- Denis Kaiser (Author), 2008, The Doctrine of Atonement According to Peter Abelard, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/129327
