HAVE WE NO SHAME? A MORAL EXEMPLAR ACCOUNT OF ATONEMENT

Although Christ's atoning work on the cross is perhaps the most central tenet of Christianity, understanding precisely how the cross saves remains a theological mystery. We follow the Abelardian tradition and argue that Christ's death on the cross acts as an example of God's love for humanity and a means of drawing us back into communion with the triune God. However, our view avoids the standard objection to exemplar views-that they are Pelagian-by introducing an alternative conception of the problem of sin, according to which Christ's example of God's love is in fact required for salvation and sanctification.