A Comparison of Christ's Atonement in the Medieval Scholastic Period - Theological Comparisons: Preface

     Now we will begin to consider the varied renderings of atonement theology as represented by these three monumental figures. In the years prior to Anselm, the prevailing view of the atonement was called the “Ransom Theory”. Perhaps this idea was in part a hold-over from the dualistic tendencies of the Gnostics or Manicheans, it presents the ultimate goal of the atonement as being one where God was on mission to rescue or ransom sinners from their owner and master, the devil. So, after Adam’s sin his posterity was plunged into the servant-hood of God’s antithesis, Satan. And God, loving those He had predetermined to save, paid the penalty those poor sinners owed the devil so to ransom them out of their bondage to him and free them to the service of the King Jesus.