Articulating the atonement: Methodology and metaphor in atonement theology

Hartley, William J.O.

Abstract

Doctrines of the atonement have tended either to elevate the status of one biblical metaphor or to gather together various metaphors into a unified concept or chorus of equal metaphors. The purpose of this article is to shed light on how the biblical metaphors function, using by way of reference the contrasting interpretations of Charles Hodge and Joel Green, who tend towards opposing theories of language based on naïve realism and idealism respectively. Drawing on the work of Colin Gunton, I recommend a mediating approach based on a critical realist theory of language which aims to steer a middle course between rationalism and relativism. Such an approach, which values the epistemic and revelatory potential of metaphors, is facilitated by a more integrative theological method with respect to scripture, reason, tradition and experience.

Citation

Hartley, W. J. (2022). Articulating the atonement: Methodology and metaphor in atonement theology. Scottish Journal of Theology, 75(3), 235-249. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0036930622000333

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Aug 19, 2022
• Publication Date: 2022
• Deposit Date: Nov 8, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 9, 2022
• Journal: Scottish Journal of Theology
• Print ISSN: 0036-9306
• Electronic ISSN: 1475-3065
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 75
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 235-249
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/s0036930622000333
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1185940