Featured Penal Substitution Atonement Theory

I believe Christians can become hostile towards one another when they are not completely engaged in God's work. This may be the difference with those men - although they disagreed about doctrine they shared a common goal and focus.

My church affirms Penal Substitution Theory. It is a wonderful church and I appreciate being a member. I taught at the church until I had to step down (I changed jobs and could not continue). My view is not an issue. We also have free-will people and Calvinists.

At the same time I know some who cannot discuss differences without becoming hostile. Some politely refrain and stick with their own camp while others attack other people for their views.

I think what we see with those you mention is spiritual maturity.

 

Perhaps it does, under the Law. But it is the most unbiblical view of the work of Christ and our redemption.

 

Members,

This point is good. There are too many false arguments against opposing positions.

Penal Substitution Theory does not "break" the Trinity because it views redemption as an act of God (in essence, God is taking upon Himself the punishment He demands). An argument can be made, however, that it holds inconsistencies within the doctrine of the Trinity (this is a legitimate argument scholars have made, but not one I personally would argue).

This also negates the "cosmic child abuse" argument from theologians like Denny Weaver.

That said, I invite members who are willing to lay their beliefs out for examination to re-consider the theory. Ypu may reinforce your position. You may alter your view. But we should routinely go back to Scripture and test what we affirm.

Does Penal Substitution Theory deal with a just God forgiving sinners? Yes, absolutely. BUT is it biblical? Here I say absolutely not. Just because a theory answers our questions does not make it the only answer, and definitely not a biblical answer.

This thread is coming to a close. But the questions will continue (somebody will start another thread, or I will, to continue the discussion).

Let iron sharpen iron.

 

This thread is closed. It was approaching the limit and to be fair to comments introduced I started another thread:

The Penal Substitution Theory of Atonement