Weekly Newsletter from Christian Vegetarian Association CVA - August 7, 2026
From Christian Vegetarian Association (CVA)

  1. Jesus as the Lamb of God and Substitutionary Atonement Theory, Part 2
  2. All-Creatures.org July 29 Newsletter

1. Jesus as the Lamb of God and Substitutionary Atonement Theory, Part 2

Last time, I reflected on some difficulties with substitutionary atonement theory, which proposes that Jesus' death was a sacrifice to atone for human sinfulness. Substitutionary atonement theory assumes that justice and the righting of wrongs require some form of retribution. Why might this be problematic?

According to this framework, the problem with sin is that it disturbs the moral order, which can be restored only through punishment. Given humanity's profound depravity and sinfulness, the only punishment severe enough to restore this moral balance is death. Such a view, however, leaves no room for forgiveness as an alternative means of restoring the moral order. How can Christians reconcile the idea of a loving God with that of a God who is also wrathful and vengeful?

It appears that many Christians believe that God loves them personally while continuing to hate sin. Those who faithfully obey God's commandments (justification by works) and/or accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior (justification by faith) can receive forgiveness for their sins. This view is problematic both theologically and socially.

Theologically, portraying God as both wrathful and forgiving raises questions about the coherence of monotheism, which holds that God possesses a single, unified essence. Instead, it resembles polytheism, in which different gods embody distinct and even conflicting attributes. In effect, God becomes a composite of multiple personality traits united within a single, multifaceted deity.

Socially, viewing God as both wrathful and loving encourages people to emphasize either divine retributive justice or divine mercy, depending on their own temperament or the moral issue at hand. During times of peace and stability, people may be inclined to follow the example of a loving and forgiving God. In times of social unrest or crisis, however, they may instead appeal to an image of God as wrathful and vengeful. Indeed, throughout history many religions have portrayed the divine in wrathful and vengeful terms, regarding their own acts of violence as service to an angry god or gods.

I will continue to explore substitutionary atonement theory with an eye to offering a different way to regard Jesus as the Lamb of God.

Stephen R. Kaufman, M.D.

2. All-Creatures.org July 29 Newsletter

Contents include: 2026 Homo Ahimsa Award recipient announced - widespread adoption of plant-based diet could avert environmental collapse - a curated list of autobiographies, biographies, and memoirs from All-Creatures.org - Egypt adopts humane population control measures for stray animals - three captive elephants promised transfer to sanctuary - the thriving kōtuku-ngutupapa - account of a vigil for cows headed to slaughter - reflections on Luke 24:42-43 - and more...

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