Stellvertretung: zum Gebrauch einer theologischen Kategorie
This article is a contribution to the ongoing discussion over the applicability of the category of 'Stellvertretung' to describe Jesus' death as an atonement for the sins of mankind. While Rahner argued to give it up and replace it with the notion of solidarity, Karl-Heinz Menke reinf...
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | German |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Echter
1996
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| In: |
Zeitschrift für katholische Theologie
Year: 1996, Volume: 118, Issue: 3, Pages: 345-360 |
| Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains: | B
Vicarious role (Theology)
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| Further subjects: | B
Vicarious role
B Atonement B Cross B Victim Religion B Soteriology B Solidarity |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Parallel Edition: | Non-electronic
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| Summary: | This article is a contribution to the ongoing discussion over the applicability of the category of 'Stellvertretung' to describe Jesus' death as an atonement for the sins of mankind. While Rahner argued to give it up and replace it with the notion of solidarity, Karl-Heinz Menke reinforced it. Following the soteriological sketches of Kasper, Kessler, Werbick and Pröpper, the article develops a definiton of 'Stellvertretung' that incorporates both the ideas of solidarity and representation. Jesus' death of atonement represents the unparalleled commitment of God's unconditional solidarity with sinful mankind. An analysis of the terms 'Stellvertretung' and 'solidarity' shows that in their social ethical resp. juridical use neither of them is theologically adequate to describe the soteriological dimensions of the crucifixion. The biblical concept of atonement and appeasement is found to be a theology of 'Existenzstellvertretung'. On the cross, Jesus does not replace man in his individuality but employs his own sinless existence for everybody who is under the realm of death. On this basis, the article dissociates itself from Menke's notion of 'Stellvertretung'. Divine solidarity is synonymous with divine love and has become historically evident in Jesus' brotherly solidarity. 'Stellvertretung' in a theological sense is not the substitution of another person in his individuality but the consequence of the solidarity of God Incarnate, God's unconditional commitment for mankind in the person of the crucified. |
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| Contains: | Enthalten in: Zeitschrift für katholische Theologie
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