Governmental theory

Arminianism has traditionally taught what is known as "Moral Government" theology or the Governmental theory. Drawing primarily from the works of Jacobus Arminius and Hugo Grotius, the Governmental theory teaches that Christ suffered for humankind so that God could forgive humans while still maintaining divine justice.

Unlike the perspectives of Anselm of Canterbury or Calvinism, this view states that Christ was not punished for humanity, for true forgiveness would not be possible if humankind's offenses were already punished. Christ's suffering was a real and meaningful substitute for the punishment humans deserve, but Christ was not punished on behalf of the human race.

This view has prospered in traditional Methodism and all who follow the teachings of John Wesley, and has been detailed by, among others, 19th century Methodist theologian John Miley in his classic Atonement in Christ and his Systematic Theology (ISBN 0943575095) and 20th century Church of the Nazarene theologian J. Kenneth Grider in his 1994 book A Wesleyan-Holiness Theology (ISBN 0834115123).

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.

External links

• The Governmental Theory of the Atonement by John Miley
• The Governmental Theory: An Expansion by J. Kenneth Grider
• Jonathan Edwards' View of the Atonement

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