The Cross as Moral example

who first formulated the model of the Cross as Moral example? Who reinstated it?

Augustine but it was reinstated by Abelard at the beginning of the 12th century in reaction against Anselm’s Satisfaction theory

what does this model propose? What was the model’s main purpose?

Jesus died, not to appease God but to show humans the depth of God’s love for them. The purpose was to lead people into repentance

what is the atonement not aimed at?

the appeasement of God’s honour or justice but at the moral improvement of humankind

what was this theory been criticised for? (1)

• does not explain the crucifixion. Jesus did not need to die in order to provide people with a perfect moral effort. He could have done so by his life and teachings

what has the theory been criticised for? (2)

• teaches that humans can achieve salvation through their own moral effort. It teaches salvation through works, not through faith, and denies the supernatural effect of the death of Jesus