Studies in the doctrine of grace in British theology – James Denny to D.M. Baillie

Abstract

The thesis aims to consider some aspects of British theology in the first half of the twentieth century through the thinking of five representative figures on the theme of grace. The first two chapters give a broad historical introduction (I) and an outline of theological thinking in Britain during the period (II).James Denney (III) is chosen as a representative of an 'orthodox' Protestant approach. Arguing chiefly from the Pauline epistles he defends a 'substitutionary' view of atonement. In contrast Hastings Rashdall (IV) working largely from a historical survey and trying to present a moral view acceptable to modern man criticised 'substitutionary' thinking and advocated an 'Abelardian' or 'moral influence' view. This chapter concludes with a discussion of the two views so far considered. John Oman (v) criticises traditional ideas of grace as omnipotent power and advances the view of grace as 'fatherly persuasion' which is always available. This rests on his view of the relation between the Natural and the Supernatural. Oliver Quick (VI) is chosen for his more Catholic approach. He understands the work of Christ under the 'sacrificial' model and has a richer view of worship and sacraments underlying this is the idea of a sacramental universe. Finally, Donald Baillie (VII) is seen as a mediating figure. Here the stress is more on the experience of grace, and the use of the 'paradox of g race' as an approach to Christology is considered. The conclusion (VIII) suggests that there have been two traditional approaches to the understanding of grace, the Protestant and the Catholic, but that a third has emerged which begins from creation rather than redemption. As far as British theology is concerned it is chiefly represented by Oman. It is widely influential but its influence is not always recognised.