Anselm, Defensor Fidei

Abstract:  Recently, Anselm's treatise on the atonement of Christ, Cur Deus Homo , has come in for sharp criticism as a 'model of the atonement' which teaches and subserves morbid, oppressive suffering, and ignores the particular deeds and words of Christ. A close reading of Anselm's treatise suggests another interpretation of Anselm's doctrine, in which 'restoration' is the central note, and the exemplary course of Christ's whole life is accented.