The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #151503   Message #3537214
Posted By: GUEST,Eliza
14-Jul-13 - 05:23 AM
Thread Name: BS: Thoughts on 'Substitutionary Atonement'
Subject: RE: BS: Thoughts on 'Substitutionary Atonement'
I think even the words 'the right' are open to endless debate and argument. Who decides what IS right, and, if they do, are we to accept their decision? People's actions are prompted by a myriad motivations, from contingency, need, fear, defence, and even an inborn personality disorder. Are 'wrong' deeds punishable or even need 'atonement' if the perpetrator couldn't do otherwise? And why would the cruel death of an innocent man (albeit, apparently, God Incarnate) atone for wrongdoing? It appears to be tied up with the idea of a sacrificial lamb (my husband's family still sacrifice a sheep at Tabaski) which is not a part of our culture at all. There are many situations where a Christian would condemn an act (say, killing an intruder who menaced one's children with a knife, or stealing food to save one's family from starvation, punching in great anger a chap who had been caught in bed with one's wife, and dozens more) where I personally would be applauding on the sidelines, not demanding penance and absolution. Many of the tenets of the Christian faith don't hold water for me, and I'm a practising Christian and a member of the PCC in my Parish!!