Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 82:1 (Spring 2020)
Article: Incarnation, Repentance, And The Central Aspect Of The Atonement: A Critical Evaluation Of The Development Of Fallen Humanity Christology In Scotland
Author: James Salem Ritchey, Jr.

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Incarnation, Repentance, And The Central Aspect Of The Atonement: A Critical Evaluation Of The Development Of Fallen Humanity Christology In Scotland

James Salem Ritchey Jr.

James Ritchey is a graduate of Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS, and is pastoral intern at Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church in Tampa, FL.

This article seeks to examine the development of fallen humanity Christology (the teaching that Christ’s human nature was sinful) in Scotland, specifically interacting with the writings of Edward Irving, John McLeod Campbell, Hugh Ross Mackintosh, and Thomas Forsyth Torrance. This study of their teachings also includes other related and aberrant doctrines that sprang forth from this theological concept. After examining their teachings, a critique is offered from the vantage point of Scripture and confessional Reformed theology. The writings of other Scottish theologians who have maintained that the humanity of Christ is unfallen and perfect are also utilized in order to draw a contrast and further the point that fallen humanity Christology should be rejected.

Reformed theology in Scotland consistently found itself in the midst of controversy. One of the most significant matters of controversy in the Scottish church has been the issue of Christology, in regard to both the Person and work of Christ. While there seemed to be a consistent Reformed orthodox strain in Scottish Christology, there were certain authors who tended to veer beyond Chalcedonian and Westminsterian boundaries. There are several particularly noteworthy figures in this regard, but the progression in christological development seems to culminate in Thomas Forsyth Torrance.1 The aim of this article is to trace the development of Christology in Scotland from Edward Irving all the way to Torrance himself and to offer a critique from a confessional, Reformed perspective. This survey will focus primarily on the doctrine of Christ’s Person, particularly with regard to the idea of Christ taking upon himself a fallen humanity. The different ways in which this played a role in each theologian’s thought will be examined as well as the implications

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of their views for Christ’s work. Particular attention must be paid to Edward Irving, John McLeod Campbell, Hugh Ross Mackintosh, and T. F. Torrance.2 A number of direct quotations from these authors will be set forth in order to present a summary of their teaching, and work from secondary sources will be presented as well. After setting forth their ideas, the critique will begin with fallen humanity Christology generally in Irving and Torrance ...