- Reading 5.2: Irenaeus on “Recapitulation” in Christ
What does Irenaeus mean by “recapitulation”?
- Reading 5.10: Augustine on Redemption in Christ
When Augustine describes the cross of Christ as the “devil’s mousetrap,” what does he mean by this? What do you think of it?
- Reading 5.12: Simeon the New Theologian on Salvation as Deification
What do you think Simeon means by the phrase, “You have made me a god?” Can you think of ways this idea of union with God is helpful—and ways it could be harmful?
- Reading 5.13: Anselm of Canterbury on the Atonement
The problem of sin, for Anselm, is that God’s honor has been insulted by humanity. Therefore, some type of payment or satisfaction for this insult must be made. He states, “So nobody can make this satisfaction except God. And nobody ought to make it except human beings themselves.” From this point, where does he take the logic of this statement? What do you think of his move?
- Reading 5.14: Peter Abelard on the Love of Christ in Redemption
What is your reaction to Abelard’s theory of atoning love in Christ?
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