Moral influence theory of atonement
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| Atonement in Christianity | 
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| Theories 
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| Ransom (Patristic) | 
| Christus Victor (20th century) | 
| Recapitulation 
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| Satisfaction (Scholastic / Anselmian) | 
| Penal substitution (Scholastic / Reformed / Arminian) | 
| Governmental 
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| Moral influence (Mixed) | 
| Moral example (Socinian) | 
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| Types | 
| Limited (Scholastic / Reformed) | 
| Unlimited (Amyraldism / Arminianism / Protestantism) | 
| See also | 
| Christian universalism | 
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| Catholic Church | 
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The moral influence or moral example theory of atonement, developed or most notably propagated by Abelard (1079–1142), is an alternative to Anselm's satisfaction theory of atonement. Abelard focused on changing man's perception of God as not offended, harsh, and judgmental, but as loving. According to Abelard, "Jesus died as the demonstration of God's love", a demonstration which can change the hearts and minds of the sinners, turning them back to God.