A theological evaluation and comparison of the atonement and justification in the writings of James Henley Thornwell (1812--1862) and John Lafayette Girardeau (1825--1898)

This dissertation compares and evaluates the doctrines of atonement and justification in the theologies of two prominent nineteenth century theologians of the Southern Presbyterian Church of the United States: James Henley Thornwell (1812- 1862) and John Lafayette Girardeau (1825-1898).;Structurally, Thornwell and Girardeau develop their systems of theology upon the foundation of the moral government of God and federal theology. Justification is the center of Thornwell's theology because it is the singular doctrine that bridges both covenants. Mediation is a key theological concept for both men because Adam, though he may represent his posterity before God, cannot mediate for them.;Thornwell articulates his primary discussion in response to Roman Catholicism, and Girardeau in response to Evangelical Arminianism. Both argue that justification turns on the question of the manner of righteousness, namely, inherent or imputed. Girardeau analyzes the meaning of the Apostle Paul's phrase, the righteousness of God, seeking to both logically and exegetically refute other positions, such as faith credited as righteousness. He concludes that the righteousness of God must be the imputed righteousness of Christ.;The doctrine of Adoption is also analyzed because of its relationship to justification. For Thornwell, adoption is the fruit of justification. Denying the universal fatherhood of God, he argues that mankind began existence only as a servant. However, God provides justification that one might become a child with all the rights of inheritance. Thus redemption is unto adoption. Girardeau argues that mankind was both child and servant at creation. Because one becomes a child of God through regeneration, it follows that mankind originally enjoyed a filial relationship. Through the fall, spiritual and legal sonship were lost. God disowned Adam and his posterity, rendering them children of wrath. Servanthood and sonship run parallel and thus justification and adoption are parallel effects of redemption.