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.
Recommended Citation
Livengood, Abigail Elizabeth, "DON’T TAKE ST. ANSELM FOR A MARRIAGE THERAPIST: THE UTILITY OF SUBSTITUTIONARY ATONEMENT THEOLOGY IN LIGHT OF FEMINIST CRITIQUES" (2025). Honors Projects. 239.
https://digitalcommons.spu.edu/honorsprojects/239
Copyright Status
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Additional Rights Information
Copyright held by author.
Included in
Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons, Practical Theology Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons
