Christianity – Works of scholars: Atonement theory; comparison of Karl Barth and John Hick

This topic explores the Christian doctrine of atonement—how Jesus' death reconciles humanity with God. You will examine two major 20th-century theologians: Karl Barth, a Reformed Protestant, and John Hick, a liberal philosopher of religion. Their contrasting views illuminate key debates about the nature of sin, the work of Christ, and the scope of salvation. Understanding their arguments is essential for evaluating the coherence and relevance of atonement theory in modern theology.

Barth's approach is Christocentric and rooted in divine revelation. He argues that in Christ, God takes upon himself the judgment humanity deserves, thereby defeating sin and establishing a new covenant. Hick, by contrast, rejects penal substitution as morally problematic. He proposes a 'moral influence' or 'exemplarist' view, where Jesus' life and death inspire humans to turn from selfishness to God. Hick's theology is pluralistic, seeing Christ as one of many saviour figures.

This topic fits within the broader Edexcel A-Level theme of 'Christianity – Works of scholars'. It requires you to compare and evaluate different atonement models, assess their biblical and philosophical foundations, and consider their implications for Christian practice. Mastery of this content will enable you to write nuanced essays that demonstrate critical engagement with primary texts and secondary scholarship.