Jane McAvoy, "To be Satisfied: Julian of Norwich and the Meaning of Atonement" (2003)

Overview of Atonement Theology

  • Context of the Discussion

    • The emergence of self-help culture emphasizes personal development and satisfaction through discipline and sacrifice.

    • The central question arises: Does true satisfaction come through sacrifice?

    • The connection between atonement, satisfaction, and the work of Christ in overcoming human issues is explored.

Traditional Theories of Atonement

  • Sacrificial Death of Christ

    • Historically, atonement is often understood through the lens of Christ's sacrificial death as a means to salvation.

    • Pamela Dickey Young critiques this view, raising issues regarding the nature of God's action and human response.

  • Divine Child Abuse Concept

    • The portrayal of God condoning Jesus' sacrifice can be conceived as morally troubling, leading to allegations of 'divine child abuse'.

    • This perspective calls into question the traditional view of suffering as redemptive, suggesting instead that it could be seen as oppressive.

Rethinking Atonement

  • Need for New Perspectives

    • The author aligns with Colin Gunton’s view that a theory of atonement is needed to escape the self-salvation mindset prevalent today.

    • This exploration takes on practical implications for ministry leaders who wrestle with the concept of sacrifice during communion.

  • Role of Julian of Norwich

    • Julian’s writings are proposed as a significant contribution to contemporary atonement theology, worthy of study alongside Anselm's traditional views.

    • Her theological approach is anchored in mystical experiences that engage a broad audience beyond just the academically schooled.

Anselm's Theory of Satisfaction

  • Overview of Anselm’s Contribution

    • Anselm frames atonement theory in terms of restoring honor to God through a model of satisfaction: salvation as divine need rather than solely human endeavor.

    • Anselm emphasizes that sin violates divine honor and results in a need for compensation.

  • Allegory of the Servant in the Pit

    • Anselm uses a metaphor involving a servant who falls into a pit to illustrate humanity's disconnect from God due to willful disobedience.

    • Failure to obey leads to dishonor before God, necessitating a divine intervention for restoration.

Critique of Atonement through Julian of Norwich

  • Julian's Vision of God and Humanity

    • In contrast to Anselm, Julian's vision emphasizes the belovedness of the servant over the need for blame.

    • The servant's greatest suffering stems from lack of consolation, pointing away from punishment to God's loving gaze as the source of healing.

  • Understanding Sin

    • Julian interprets sin not merely as disobedience but as a condition of self-accusation and internal pain.

    • Sin is described as a sickness rather than a moral failing against God’s character, focusing instead on the human experience of suffering and disconnection from God.

Redefining Satisfaction and Favor

  • God's Courtesy

    • The narrative suggests that God’s fundamental nature is characterized by courtesy rather than a need for punishment or wrath.

    • The theme of courtesy implies a relational dynamic based on mutual recognition of value and worth between God and humanity.

  • Potential for Universal Salvation

    • Julian contemplates that, given the inherent goodness of will, universal salvation may be a reality.

    • Her reflections challenge the church's teachings on condemnation and explore a more inclusive understanding of God’s grace.

Conclusion on Atonement and Human Relationship with God

  • Christ's Role in Communicating Divine Love

    • The vision of Christ as the loving gardener reinforces the notion that atonement is rooted in relationship rather than transactional satisfaction.

    • Julian posits that Christ shows us God's unwavering love and that through this relationship, we are drawn towards our intrinsic worth rather than focusing solely on sin and guilt.

Modern Reflections on Atonement

  • Implications for Contemporary Theology

    • The work calls for a reevaluation of atonement that centers on God’s love and honor towards humanity rather than solely focusing on the satisfaction of divine justice.

    • This shift encourages a celebration of humanity's inherent worth and God's gracious action rather than sacrificial punishment, promoting an understanding that humans are saved from dishonor through the recognition of their relationship with God.