What is the Orthodox Christian view on the atonement and is Penal Substitutionary Atonement Orthodox?

The patristic and biblical quotes in this collection reveal what Orthodox Christians actually teach about the atonement, debunking prevailing myths. The quotes show multiple biblical and patristic perspectives: Christ as 'ransom for all' (1 Tim 2:6), 'triumphing over' principalities and powers (Col 2:15), and the 'sweet exchange' where 'the iniquity of many should be concealed in One Righteous Man, and the righteousness of One should justify many that are iniquitous' (St. Athanasius). Rather than modern theories, the Church Fathers emphasize Christ taking 'upon Himself our sins' as 'a ransom for us, holy for lawless, guileless for evil, just for the unjust' (St. Athanasius). These truthful quotes help debunk misconceptions about what the Orthodox Church has historically taught about the atonement.

The quotes in this collection help debunk myths by showing the actual range of patristic and biblical teaching on atonement. Some emphasize Christ bearing our sins ('he made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin' - 2 Cor 5:21), others focus on propitiation ('he is propitiation for our sins' - 1 John 2:2), while others highlight Christ as a ransom or victory over death. By presenting both substitutionary language and themes of divine wrath directly from the sources, this collection helps readers distinguish between prevailing myths and what the Church Fathers actually teach.

DAVID THE PROPHET-KING on the Atonement

But Thou hast cast off and brought to nought, Thou hast been wroth with Thy Christ. Thou hast destroyed the covenant of Thy Servant, Thou hast profaned His sanctuary unto the earth. Thou hast broken down all His hedges, Thou hast made His strongholds to be His terror. All have despoiled Him that pass along the way, He is become a reproach unto His neighbours. Thou hast exalted the right hand of them that afflict Him, Thou hast gladdened all His enemies. Thou hast turned away the help of His sword, and hast not helped Him in the battle. Thou hast made an end of His purification, His throne unto the earth hast Thou cast down. Thou hast shortened the days of His time, Thou hast poured down shame upon Him. How long, O Lord, dost Thou turn away unto the end? Shall Thy wrath burn like fire? Remember what my substance is. Nay, hast Thou created all the sons of man in vain? Who is the man that shall live and not see death? Can he deliver his soul out of the hand of hades? Where are Thine ancient mercies, O Lord, which Thou swarest unto David in Thy truth? Remember, O Lord, the reproach of Thy servants, which I have endured in my bosom from many nations, wherewith Thine enemies have reproached, O Lord, wherewith they have reproached the exchange of Thy Christ. Blessed is the Lord for ever. So be it. So be it.

DAVID THE PROPHET-KING

Ps. 88:36-50 LXX (interpreted as about Christ by St. Athanasius, although qualifying it as being the Father's allowance and somewhat of appearance, yet saying clearly that the recompence is the payment for us, in the supposedly-spurious commentary. And St. Ambrose cited this passage taking it for granted that it is known as being about Christ)

B.C.