[[Arminianism]] has traditionally taught what is known as "Moral Government" theology or the ''{{Infobox_Contents | topic_name = Governmental'' theory. Drawing primarily from the works of | subtopics = [[Jacobus Arminius]] and [[Hugo GrotiusArminianism]], the Governmental theory teaches that Christ suffered for humankind so that God could forgive humans while still maintaining divine justice.| opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |}}
Unlike the perspectives The Governmental theory of [[Anselm of Canterburyatonement]] or teaches that Christ suffered for humankind so that God could forgive humans while still maintaining divine justice. [[CalvinismArminianism]], has traditionally taught this view states that Christ was not ''punished'' for humanitydoctrine, for true forgiveness would not be possible if humankind's offenses were already punishedwhich is also known as "Moral Government" theology. The doctrine draws primarily from the works of [[Jacobus Arminius]] and [[Hugo Grotius]]. Christ's suffering was a real This view has prospered in traditional [[Methodism]] and meaningful substitute for those who follow the punishment humans deserve, but Christ was not punished on behalf teachings of the human race[[John Wesley]].
This view has prospered in traditional [[Methodism]] and all who follow The theory maintains that Christ was not punished on behalf of the teachings of [[John Wesley]]human race but instead, and has been detailed God publicly demonstrated his displeasure with sin by, among others, 19th century Methodist theologian [[John Miley]] in punishing his classic ''Atonement in own sinless and obedient Son as a propitiation. Because Christ'' s suffering and his ''Systematic Theology'' (ISBN 0943575095) death served as a subsititute for the punishment humans might have received, God is able to extend forgiveness while maintaining divine order, having demonstrated the seriousness of sin and 20th century Church of the Nazarene theologian J. Kenneth Grider in thus appeasing his 1994 book ''A Wesleyan-Holiness Theology'' (ISBN 0834115123)wrath.
Variations of this view have also been espoused by 18th century Puritan [[Jonathan Edwards]] (called "[[New England Theology]]") and 19th century revival leader [[Charles Grandison Finney]].===History===
====See also====This view of the atonement was developed by [[Hugo Grotius]] (1583-1645) based on the teaching of [[Jacobus Arminius]] (1560-1609). Grotius utilized "governmental" semantics due to his training in law and his general view of God as moral governor (ruler) of the universe. Grotius sought to demonstrate that the atonement appeased God in the divine role as cosmic king and judge.
This view is contrasted with that of the [[AtonementSatisfaction theory]]formulated by [[Anselm]] (1033-1109), and the subsequent [[Penal substitution theory]] held by the Reformers which argues that Jesus received the actual punishment due to men and women.
Governmental Atonement is the prominent view in [[Arminianism]] and has prospered in traditional [[Methodism]] where it has been detailed by 19th century Methodist theologian [[John Miley]] in his ''Atonement in Christ'' and his ''Systematic Theology'' (ISBN 0943575095) and more recently by Nazarene theologian J. Kenneth Grider in his 1994 book ''A Wesleyan-Holiness Theology'' (ISBN 0834115123).
==External linksQuotes==
"This [governmental atonement] view holds that Christ by His death actually paid the penalty for no man's sin. What His death did was to demonstrate what their sins deserved at the hand of the just Governor and Judge of the universe, and permits God justly to forgive men if on other grounds, such as their faith, their repentance, their works, and their perseverance, they meet His demand. ... But this is just to eviscerate the Savior's work of all its intrinsic saving worth and to replace the Christosoteric vision of Scripture with the autosoteric vision of Pelagianism." Robert Reymond, ''A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith'' (Thomas Nelson, 1998), p. 80
==Links==
===Favorable===
* [http://www.biblical-theology.com/moralgov/miley.htm The Governmental Theory of the Atonement] by [[John Miley]]
* [http://twtministries.com/articles/8_mgt/govthry.html The Governmental Theory: An Expansion] by J. Kenneth Grider
* [http://www.americanpresbyterianchurchgospeltruth.net/mg/mg.htm God’s Moral Government] by Charles Finney* [http://www.gospeltruth.net/ntmg/vol1/ntmg_toc.htm Lectures on the Moral Government of God] Nathaniel W. Taylor ===Critical===*[http://www.apostolic.net/biblicalstudies/atonement.htm#back23 The Atonement] (Discussing multiple views)*[http://www.dabar.org/the_atonementTheology/Hodge/HodgeVIII/P3_C09.htm Jonathan Edwards' View #s4 Theories of the Atonement]by Charles Hodge from his ''Systematic Theology''.
{{returnto}} [[Category:MethodismAtonement]][[Category:AtonementChristian doctrine and debates]]