Date of Award

Spring 6-3-2025

Document Type

Honors Project

University Scholars Director

Dr. Joshua Tom

First Advisor/Committee Member

Dr. Sara Koenig

Keywords

Substitutionary Atonement, Substitution Theology, St. Anselm, Feminist, Feminist Theology

Abstract

In light of feminist critiques from the twentieth and twenty-first century, this paper returns to Anselm’s Cur Deus Homo to examine the earliest expression of the Substitutionary Atonement Model. While acknowledging the harmful rhetoric attached to the model which has been brought to light by feminist theologians, this work examines Anselm's characterization of God, Jesus, and suffering from within his medieval worldview. In addition, this paper utilizes understandings of Christ held by historical women and survivors themselves to provide further context for Anselm’s understanding. Ultimately, this paper asserts that while feminist theologians raise important concerns about the dangers of Substitutionary Atonement transposed uncritically, a deeper analysis of Anselm uncovers themes contrary to the sanctioning and valorizing of suffering.

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