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Articulating the atonement: Methodology and metaphor in atonement theology

Hartley, William J.O.

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Authors

William Hartley william.j.hartley@durham.ac.uk
PGR Student Doctor of Philosophy



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

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