In Christian hermaneutics the crucifixion of the Savior had always presented a great problem; for Jesus, according to Christian belief, accepted death voluntarily. Why? In Abelard’s view, it was not, as some in his day had proposed, as a ransom paid to Satan, to “redeem” mankind from his keep; nor was it, as others held, as a payment to the Father, in “atonement” for Adam’s sin. Rather, it was an act of willing self-immolation in love, intended to invoke in response the return of mankind’s love from worldly concerns to God.13 And that Christ may not have actually suffered in that loving act we
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