Granted, the doctrine of the ransom may give rise to some difficult questions. (2 Peter 3:16) But instead of searching the Scriptures for answers, theologians have used human wisdom and logic. (1 Corinthians 1:19, 20; 2:13) They have presumed to reject whatever portions of the Bible do not suit their fancies​—or theories. (2 Timothy 3:16)

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A SAMPLING OF REDEMPTION THEORIES

◻ RECTORAL, OR GOVERNMENTAL, THEORY: Dutch Theologian Hugo Grotius developed this in the 17th century to refute the theories of the Socinians. Grotius viewed Christ’s death “as a kind of legal transaction, God filling the role of Rector or Governor, and man that of culprit.”​—Hastings’ Encyclopædia of Religion and Ethics.

◻ VITAL ATONEMENT THEORY: This was proposed in 1946 by Protestant theologian Clarence H. Hewitt. He viewed Christ’s work, not as paying some legal penalty, but as ‘freeing us from the domination of the law of sin and death and inducing repentance and godly sorrow, thereby bringing us into a forgivable state before God.’

◻ REDEMPTION BY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Roman Catholic theologian Boniface A. Willems (1970) equates “redemption” with “turning away from our egoism and throwing our hearts open to one another.” He adds: “The Christian notion of substitution or vicarious suffering is that one knows oneself to be linked in solidarity with the sin-ravaged human race. . . . The Church is then the fellowship of those who are ready to live in special service for the sake of others.”

◻ SCAPEGOAT THEORY: Catholic theologian Raymund Schwager proposed this in 1978. He rejected the idea that God would “demand an eye for an eye.” He views Christ’s sacrifice as some sort of catharsis (purification) that allows human society to vent​—and hence rid itself—​of its innate violent tendencies.

◻ SOCIO-POLITICAL REDEMPTION: Baptist theologian Thorwald Lorenzen wrote in 1985: “God does not merely seek religious forgiveness for the sinner but also political liberation for the poor and oppressed. . . . The death of Jesus, therefore, reveals a God who is concerned with the healing of all dimensions of human life.”