Deceiving the Devil: Atonement, Abuse, and Ransom

by Darby Kathleen Ray

Are traditional teachings about the life and death of Jesus enough? What do they reveal? Does God merely wish for suffering people to passively succumb to the threats of evil and oppression? Is the life of Christ a model for abuse? In "Deceiving The Devil," Darby Kathleen Ray presents the two classical Christian models of the life of Jesus -- the Anselmian and the Abelardian. She then examines objections by feminist and liberationist scholars, and reclaims a third classical model in order to empower the marginalized. For many feminists, the Anselmian claim that Christ took each sinner's place enfranchises -- perhaps even sanctions -- abuse. Meanwhile, the Abelardian idea of moral influence through the life and teachings of the historical Jesus is one that troubles Does it encourage passivity and fail to adequately confront the structures of oppression? Can a possible alternative be discerned from the remaining tradition? Ray's solution is to retrieve and refine a third, classical model that meets these objections and better meshes with the popular piety of many Christians. A powerful theology, "Deceiving The Devil" underscores how God in Christ rejects the tools of evil in a way that offers hope in a broken world.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity

165 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1998

Reviews

[Jenna Smith]

The book I have been waiting for. Finally a feminist critique of the atonement that holds space for a robust reading of the crucifixion.

[Paul]

Wow. Provocative, challenging, thought-provoking critique of traditional atonement theories through the eyes of feminist and liberation theology, followed by a stunning, stirring, beautiful modernization of the atonement model first described by the earliest Christian leaders. A must-read for anyone troubled by the violence and sadism attributed to God through traditional atonement theories but unwilling to dismiss the real importance of Jesus' death for the redemption of humanity.

[Stephen Sorensen]

Ray's work explores atonement theories and the divine justice brought about by divine deception.

"Early Christian thinkers frequently employed the "deception of the devil" motif to explain God's activity in the defeat of evil. ...God fooled Satan into thinking Jesus was just another human being..." (p.121)

[cinlin]

Read "Saved by the Divine Victim?" for Modern Doctrine.