The Ransom view of the atonement is a doctrine in Christian theology related to the meaning and effect of the death of Jesus Christ which originated in the early Church, particularly in the work of Origen. The theory teaches that the death of Christ was a ransom paid to Satan in satisfaction of his just claim on the souls of humanity as a result of sin. The Atonement, arguably the single greatest act of love, was initiated and accomplished by Jesus Christ as a means for members of the human family to reunite with God, as documented by the Bible and testified by other Christian scripture. ... It has been suggested that Christian theological controversy be merged into this article or section. ... Jesus (8–2 BC/BCE — 29–36 AD/CE),[1] also known as Jesus of Nazareth, is the central figure of Christianity. ... Origen (ca. ...

"Redeeming" meaning, literally, "buying back," and the ransoming of war captives from slavery was a common practice in the era. Objections to this view often center about the notion that something was due to Satan for redemption. Others, such as Gustav Aulen, have suggested that the meaning of the Ransom theory should not be taken literally but rather understood as a liberation of human beings from the bondage of sin and death.

see also: Christus Victor The term Christus Victor comes from the title of Gustaf Auléns groundbreaking book first published in 1931 where he drew attention back to this classical early churchs understanding of the Atonement. ...

External links

• Catholic Encyclopedia, "The Doctrine of Atonement"