a comparison

In reviewing the work of Anselm, specifically Cur Deus Homo, readers find an effort to exhort the nature of God. God’s nature can be found in the work of Jesus Christ. Through his role in the atonement on the behalf of mankind, Christ provides a glimpse into man’s inability to sustain a restored relationship with God. This demonstrates the impossibility of man to obtain salvation by his own merit. Where this uncovers God’s nature is in the fact that this restoration isn’t an obligation on God’s behalf. By establishing the atonement God has demonstrated His grace to man. He also concludes that God’s redemption plan must fall in suit with His nature. So, the appropriate manner to reconcile sin, a turning away from God, involves a plan that includes the working of His justice. His plan then is presented to man in Christ’s death which provides the suitable justification for us to God (Romans 3:22-24).

Anselm then would assert that theology is strongly related to the working of the Church. Understanding what God has provided to us is an essential part of the theological process. Faith seeking understanding is Anselm’s basic conception of what theology is. There is a responsibility to attempt to explore the tenants of faith. An attentive look at Scripture and the creedal statements of the church are an important part of this responsibility. By so doing, we are reminded of the grace of God and drawn in a deeper relationship with God.

Much like Anselm, Karth Barth sought to acknowledge God’s plan of redemption. He perceived the task of theology was to promote human reflection on the work God has done. The task cannot be done without the intentional effort of arranging how we see ourselves in the Church with the context of God’s nature as the backdrop. As discussed in the October 7th lecture, Barth advanced a critical view of theology. Without an upfront, critical, thoughtful and careful approach to the relationship shared by God and man, the risk is to fall into a complacent set of rules that widens the gap between man and God, derived from our own thoughts of who we are.