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I know the Orthodox do not stress (or perhaps even acknowledge) the penal aspects, while many in the West (esp. Roman Catholic and Lutheran/Reformed
From what I understand it's not stressed in our theology but it does have its place as one metaphor (among others) describing the mystery of our salvation. The problem comes when people take the metaphor in an overly literal manner and stress it to the exclusion of the other methods of describing it. Maybe someone else can correct me if I am wrong here?
As knee-v said, your post is exactly true. The penal/forensic understanding of Salvation was spoken of not only by Paul, but a number of Saints. But it is only one analogy of a reality that is greater than any analogy we could possibly come up with.From what I understand it's not stressed in our theology but it does have its place as one metaphor (among others) describing the mystery of our salvation. The problem comes when people take the metaphor in an overly literal manner and stress it to the exclusion of the other methods of describing it. Maybe someone else can correct me if I am wrong here?
As knee-v said, your post is exactly true. The penal/forensic understanding of Salvation was spoken of not only by Paul, but a number of Saints. But it is only one analogy of a reality that is greater than any analogy we could possibly come up with.
I have read a few Orthodox views that flat-out deny that punishment/wrath/etc. has any place in any view of atonement
I think that, just as there is an "anti-Roman" sentiment in many protestant circles causing them to reject anything that looks or smells Roman, there is an "anti-Western" sentiment in many Orthodox circles, causing them to revolt against any kind of terminology that is used in "Western" theological circles.