Gustaf Aulén
Encyclopedia
Gustaf Emanuel Hildebrand Aulén (May 15, 1879, Ljungby
– December 16, 1977) was the Bishop
of Strängnäs
in the Church of Sweden
, a theologian, and the author of Christus Victor
, a work which still exerts considerable influence on contemporary theological thinking on the Atonement.
parish, Kalmar County
, Sweden
to Rev. F.J. Aulén and Maria Hildebrand. He married Kristine Björnstad in 1907. Aulén was educated at Uppsala University
and in 1913 became professor of dogmatics at Lund University
, then Bishop of Strängnäs in 1933.
Aulén's first major theological work was 'The Faith of the Christian Church', published in Swedish in 1923. His most famous work - Christus Victor - followed in 1930, with an English translation in 1931. 'The Faith of the Christian Church' was translated into English in 1948. Aulén's work gained international recognition and most of his later works were quickly followed by English translations.
Aulén was also an avid composer, contributing profusely to the Swedish hymnbook. He was the president of the Royal Swedish Academy of Music
1944–1950.
Aulén retired his bishopric in 1952, returning to Lund to devote himself to his academic work. He published an autobiography - "My ninety-six years: happenings and thoughts" - in 1975 and died two years later on December 16, 1977 at the age of 98.
and Ragnar Bring. The Lundensian school perhaps resembles most closely that of neo-orthodoxy
in the German-speaking and English-speaking theological scenes of the mid-20th century, with an emphasis on divine transcendence.
Two significant influences on Aulén's thinking were Martin Luther
, whose work Aulén consistently praises, and Friedrich Schleiermacher, of whom Aulén is much more frequently critical.
Aulén identified three main theories of the Atonement: the 'scholastic' view, epitomised by Anselm of Canterbury
(known as Satisfaction theory
); the 'idealistic' view, epitomised by Peter Abelard
(known as Moral Exemplar theory
); and what he referred to as the 'classic' view.
Aulén advocated a return to this 'classic' view, which he characterised as follows:
He argued that both the other theories put too much emphasis on the work of humanity in the Atonement: the Moral Exemplar view wholly so, and Satisfaction theory in its emphasis on "the service which Christ qua homo renders".
Regardless of whether they agree with his arguments most contemporary discussions of the Atonement follow Aulén's three categories, and the term 'Christus Victor
' has become synonymous with the 'classic' view he advocated.
Kalmar Municipality
Kalmar Municipality is a municipality in Kalmar County, southeastern Sweden. The city of Kalmar is the municipal seat.The present municipality was created in 1971, when the City of Kalmar was amalgamated with five surrounding rural municipalities...
– December 16, 1977) was the Bishop
Bishop
A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...
of Strängnäs
Diocese of Strängnäs
The Diocese of Strängnäs is a part of the Church of Sweden and has its seat in Strängnäs Cathedral in Strängnäs, south of Lake Mälaren. The diocese is made up of the two provinces Närke and Södermanland .The diocese was first a suffragan of the Diocese of Lund, which in 1104 was elevated to...
in the Church of Sweden
Church of Sweden
The Church of Sweden is the largest Christian church in Sweden. The church professes the Lutheran faith and is a member of the Porvoo Communion. With 6,589,769 baptized members, it is the largest Lutheran church in the world, although combined, there are more Lutherans in the member churches of...
, a theologian, and the author of Christus Victor
Christus Victor
The term Christus Victor refers to a Christian understanding of the atonement which views Christ's death as the means by which the powers of evil, which held humankind under their dominion, were defeated...
, a work which still exerts considerable influence on contemporary theological thinking on the Atonement.
Life
Aulén was born in 1879 in LjungbyKalmar Municipality
Kalmar Municipality is a municipality in Kalmar County, southeastern Sweden. The city of Kalmar is the municipal seat.The present municipality was created in 1971, when the City of Kalmar was amalgamated with five surrounding rural municipalities...
parish, Kalmar County
Kalmar County
Kalmar County is a county or län in southern Sweden. It borders the counties of Kronoberg, Jönköping, Blekinge and Östergötland. To the east in the Baltic Sea is the island Gotland....
, Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
to Rev. F.J. Aulén and Maria Hildebrand. He married Kristine Björnstad in 1907. Aulén was educated at Uppsala University
Uppsala University
Uppsala University is a research university in Uppsala, Sweden, and is the oldest university in Scandinavia, founded in 1477. It consistently ranks among the best universities in Northern Europe in international rankings and is generally considered one of the most prestigious institutions of...
and in 1913 became professor of dogmatics at Lund University
Lund University
Lund University , located in the city of Lund in the province of Scania, Sweden, is one of northern Europe's most prestigious universities and one of Scandinavia's largest institutions for education and research, frequently ranked among the world's top 100 universities...
, then Bishop of Strängnäs in 1933.
Aulén's first major theological work was 'The Faith of the Christian Church', published in Swedish in 1923. His most famous work - Christus Victor - followed in 1930, with an English translation in 1931. 'The Faith of the Christian Church' was translated into English in 1948. Aulén's work gained international recognition and most of his later works were quickly followed by English translations.
Aulén was also an avid composer, contributing profusely to the Swedish hymnbook. He was the president of the Royal Swedish Academy of Music
Royal Swedish Academy of Music
The Royal Swedish Academy of Music or Kungl. Musikaliska Akademien, founded in 1771 by King Gustav III, is one of the Royal Academies in Sweden...
1944–1950.
Aulén retired his bishopric in 1952, returning to Lund to devote himself to his academic work. He published an autobiography - "My ninety-six years: happenings and thoughts" - in 1975 and died two years later on December 16, 1977 at the age of 98.
Theology
Aulén was a prominent member of the 'Lundensian' school of theology, along with Anders NygrenAnders Nygren
Anders Theodor Samuel Nygren was a Swedish Lutheran theologian. He was professor of systematic theology at Lund University from 1924 and was elected Bishop of Lund in 1948...
and Ragnar Bring. The Lundensian school perhaps resembles most closely that of neo-orthodoxy
Neo-orthodoxy
Neo-orthodoxy, in Europe also known as theology of crisis and dialectical theology,is an approach to theology in Protestantism that was developed in the aftermath of the First World War...
in the German-speaking and English-speaking theological scenes of the mid-20th century, with an emphasis on divine transcendence.
Two significant influences on Aulén's thinking were Martin Luther
Martin Luther
Martin Luther was a German priest, professor of theology and iconic figure of the Protestant Reformation. He strongly disputed the claim that freedom from God's punishment for sin could be purchased with money. He confronted indulgence salesman Johann Tetzel with his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517...
, whose work Aulén consistently praises, and Friedrich Schleiermacher, of whom Aulén is much more frequently critical.
Christus Victor
Aulén's most influential contribution to Theology was in the area of Atonement theory. His book Christus Victor has established itself as one of the key reference points in contemporary discussion.Aulén identified three main theories of the Atonement: the 'scholastic' view, epitomised by Anselm of Canterbury
Anselm of Canterbury
Anselm of Canterbury , also called of Aosta for his birthplace, and of Bec for his home monastery, was a Benedictine monk, a philosopher, and a prelate of the church who held the office of Archbishop of Canterbury from 1093 to 1109...
(known as Satisfaction theory
Atonement (satisfaction view)
The satisfaction view of the atonement is a doctrine in Christian theology related to the meaning and effect of the death of Jesus Christ and has been traditionally taught in Catholic, Lutheran, and Reformed circles...
); the 'idealistic' view, epitomised by Peter Abelard
Peter Abelard
Peter Abelard was a medieval French scholastic philosopher, theologian and preeminent logician. The story of his affair with and love for Héloïse has become legendary...
(known as Moral Exemplar theory
Atonement (moral influence view)
The moral influence view of the atonement teaches that the purpose and work of Jesus Christ was to bring positive moral change to humanity. This moral change came through the teachings and example of Jesus, the Christian movement he founded, and the inspiring effect of his martyrdom and resurrection...
); and what he referred to as the 'classic' view.
Aulén advocated a return to this 'classic' view, which he characterised as follows:
Its central theme is the idea of the Atonement as a Divine conflict and victory; Christ - Christus Victor - fights against and triumphs over the evil powers of the world, the 'tyrants' under which mankind is in bondage and suffering, and in Him God reconciles the world to Himself.
He argued that both the other theories put too much emphasis on the work of humanity in the Atonement: the Moral Exemplar view wholly so, and Satisfaction theory in its emphasis on "the service which Christ qua homo renders".
Regardless of whether they agree with his arguments most contemporary discussions of the Atonement follow Aulén's three categories, and the term 'Christus Victor
Christus Victor
The term Christus Victor refers to a Christian understanding of the atonement which views Christ's death as the means by which the powers of evil, which held humankind under their dominion, were defeated...
' has become synonymous with the 'classic' view he advocated.
Studies and career
- Uppsala UniversityUppsala UniversityUppsala University is a research university in Uppsala, Sweden, and is the oldest university in Scandinavia, founded in 1477. It consistently ranks among the best universities in Northern Europe in international rankings and is generally considered one of the most prestigious institutions of...
:- Candidate of PhilosophyPhilosophyPhilosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
1899 - Licenciate of TheologyTheologyTheology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
1906 - Doctor of Theology 1915
- Lecturer of Theological Encyclopedia 1907
- Lecturer of Dogmatism 1910
- Candidate of Philosophy
- Lund UniversityLund UniversityLund University , located in the city of Lund in the province of Scania, Sweden, is one of northern Europe's most prestigious universities and one of Scandinavia's largest institutions for education and research, frequently ranked among the world's top 100 universities...
:- Professor of Systematic Theology 1913
- Bishop of the Diocese of SträngnäsDiocese of SträngnäsThe Diocese of Strängnäs is a part of the Church of Sweden and has its seat in Strängnäs Cathedral in Strängnäs, south of Lake Mälaren. The diocese is made up of the two provinces Närke and Södermanland .The diocese was first a suffragan of the Diocese of Lund, which in 1104 was elevated to...
1933