C.S. Lewis was a champion of the historic version of the atonement wherein Jesus pays the price for our disobedience, and by his sacrificial death offers us eternal life though faith in him.
There is an excellent new book that is temporarily on sale for a mere three dollars in the Kindle format. (This low price is not due to its value, but to the occasional sales offered by publisher Wipf and Stock.) Check it out right now, because the sale ends on 24 September.
A Narnian Vision of the Atonement: A Defense of the Ransom Theory was written by Charles Taliaferro, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at St. Olaf College.
I’m enjoying the volume right now, although “philosophy” per se is far from my passion. But Jesus of Nazareth is. And I am passionate, as well, about the work of Yeshua’s disciple, C.S. Lewis. And Jesus and Lewis are the central characters in Taliaferro’s book.
He makes the subject of doctrine and philosophy quite accessible. I find this especially beneficial in his chapter on “the Ransom Theory and Rival Accounts of the Atonement.” Whereas some theologians are dismissive of the earliest Christian view of the atonement, this volume argues that it is far from incompatible with modern emphases (e.g. the Exemplar Model).
Since the early medieval era (roughly, the eleventh century), theories of the atonement have been any version except the ransom theory. In this chapter we will consider a host of them. I will be painting with a broad brush, with minimal references, in an effort to favorably sketch these accounts.
Afterwards, I will suggest that these accounts are not only compatible with the ransom theory, the ransom theory can provide important support for these so-called rivals.
I strongly commend this volume – especially at this unbelievable price – to anyone interested in C.S. Lewis’ faith or even in basic historic Christianity.
I will close with a wonderful passage from a letter C.S. Lewis wrote in 1954. Discussing theodicy, why God allows the suffering of innocents, Lewis offers this profound insight, inspired by Hebrews 2:10, and, it seems to me, 2 Corinthians 12:9.
Do you know, the suffering of the innocent is less of a problem to me v. often than that of the wicked. It sounds absurd; but I’ve met so many innocent sufferers who seem to be gladly offering their pain to God in Christ as part of the Atonement, so patient, so meek, even so at peace, and so unselfish that we can hardly doubt they are being, as St. Paul says, “made perfect by suffering.”
On the other hand I meet selfish egoists in whom suffering seems to produce only resentment, hate, blasphemy, and more egoism. They are the real problem (11 November 1954).
The Atonement – the restoration of humanity’s proper relationship with our Creator – is the greatest of miracles. And, A Narnian Vision of the Atonement, can help us to better celebrate its wonders.
Mere Inkling Press 
Having researched the ‘redemption story’ of the NT in my fourth/final Theological College year, a life-time later I still favour the ransom theory of atonement. Imho biblical theology trumps systematic theology. The word-family ‘redemption’ and ‘ransom’ is remarkably prominent in the NT text. My penny’s worth… thanks Rob.
I agree 100% that biblical theology is the only trustworthy foundation. That’s why I belong to a theological communion that is uncompromising on sola scriptura.
At the same time, I appreciate the argument that noncontradictory elements of various perspectives can also be true. For example, Christus Victor — Jesus as the victor over the Satan, sin and the grave — is most definitely a valid aspect of Christ’s Calvary-Easter triumph.
Absolutely agree.
Thanks Rob. This looks right down my alley. I’ll be going straight from this reply to my Amazon account and ordering the book. Thank you for making us (and especially me) aware of it. Bob
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Bob, good to hear from you. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I do. Also, continued blessings on your own writing projects!
Can’t wait to read, Rob! Thank you for the tip.
I hope you enjoy it — along with anyone else who gets in on the sale (which ends today).
At a loss for direction during and shortly after college, I took several interest tests. All these confirmed — in fact, shouted — that my paramount desire was meaning, and second to that justice. I wanted urgently to know what the purpose of life was, and I wanted to see justice done.
Since I had lost my faith as the result of childhood abuse, I searched for answers in philosophy. That proved futile. But theology classes were required courses at the Catholic university I attended. Those had a profound impact. They stayed w/ me long after. When Christ ultimately restored my faith, He did so experientially. But the theology classes I took, I think, played a part.
We were made in the image of God — to know, love, and serve Him. Seeking Him out is our greatest need. While Scripture is the revealed word of God, philosophy is merely a manmade construct, our attempt to explain the world. When it is divorced from a belief in God, the “answers” that construct provides are false and misleading.
The most well educated atheist is less wise than the humble peasant who has a relationship w/ God.
What a brilliant expression of theological truth… and sad beginning to your story. The violation of children is, in my mind if not the Lord’s grace, unforgivable.
I agree completely that philosophy without Christ is vanity. (Personally, I’m not sure that even Christian philosophy is all that great.)
As I was preparing to graduate from high school I seriously considered pursuing pre-law studies. But I became disillusioned with the way the “justice system” is not based on truth, but legal principles. I understand their importance in this fallen world, but knowing I could never knowingly misrepresent the truth (e.g. defend a guilty party, or prosecute one I believed to be innocent), convinced me I should consider other options.
Still, I rejoice that there are Christians like you are present within the judicial system. Your presence gives me hope.