Sources of Atonement Theology: Melito of Sardis
(died 180 AD)
An old clay oil lamp from Nazareth, Israel. Photo credit: Olivia Armstrong.
Messages and Essays on Melito of Sardis
Medical Substitutionary Atonement in Melito of Sardis
An introduction to Melito of Sardis and his theology of atonement, which is a small part of the larger essay Penal Substitution vs. Medical Substitution: A Historical Comparison An analysis of the atonement theology ("medical substitution") of early church theologians, including Ignatius of Antioch, Irenaeus of Lyons, the Odes of Solomon, Justin Martyr of Rome, Melito of Sardis, Tertullian of Carthage, Methodius of Olympus, Athanasius of Alexandria (paper in progress to include later theologians, bishops, and councils)
Other Resources on Melito of Sardis
Stephen Freeman, St. Melito and Pascha — Hell Is Not the Last Word. Glory to God for All Things, Apr 15, 2023.
Sources of Atonement Theology
These resources explore the foundation of “Medical Substitution” as the best understanding of the Bible, and the original understanding of the church. There are also links to books, web articles, etc. from representatives of the three broad Christian traditions.
