Nuanced
Blood and wounds theology alongside penal substitution and Christus Victor.
The Moravian Church's understanding of atonement is distinctive. Count Zinzendorf developed what is called 'Wunden-theologie' (wound theology), placing special emphasis on the blood and wounds of Christ as the means of redemption and the focus of believer devotion. However, this is not exclusive; Moravian theology also incorporates penal substitution (Christ bearing the penalty for sin) and Christus Victor (Christ's victory over evil). The atonement is understood multivalently—Christ's death achieves redemption through multiple biblical models. The Moravian Litany of the Life, Suffering and Death of Jesus Christ and hymnody reflect this rich understanding.
Key Distinctions
- Primary theory:
- penal substitution with strong emphasis on Christ's wounds and suffering (Lamb theology)
- Scope of atonement:
- universal
- Propitiation affirmed:
- yes
Scripture References
Sources
- Count Zinzendorf, Theological Writings
- Moravian Litany of the Life, Suffering and Death of Jesus Christ