[jo kus]

In terms of human justice, the concept of original sin and payback make perfect sense, but not in the Greek mind. And the Greek term for God's justice falls short of the Hebrew term. Our biblical terms used to convey God's justice actually distroy the Hebrew term used, which means God's "means of accomplishing our salvation" — mercy, forgiveness, love.

That's interesting. I realize that the early Western way was in compliance with the Scriptures, esp. the Hebrew view, but I think that the Greek view has more value and is more likely in line with the New Testament understanding of "redemption". From my studies of Catholicism after Vatican 2, I notice we are moving away from that view as the primary explanation, which was solidified by St. Anselm's theory of atonement. I have received a book in the mail just a week ago that shows the Scripture verses that shows "your" point of view on the atonement. So we (West) are moving in this direction on redemption, although I don't think we will rid ourselves completely of the older view. Perhaps it will (should) become secondary.

Thanks for your insights,

Joe

[kosta50]

I have received a book in the mail just a week ago that shows the Scripture verses that shows "your" point of view on the atonement. So we (West) are moving in this direction on redemption...

I watch EWTN and I notice a lot of "shift" in the patristic direction. The other night I was watching this program on EWTN where they were talking about praying the liturgy of the Hours and exhalting Desert Fathers! To hear this from the Catholic clergy and lay people just floored me – in a nice way! Usually, the Catholics don't go that far back, let alone speak about Desert Fathers (the hermits) as role models.