Trollope on Love & Justice

In The Warden, Anthony Trollope tells the story of Rev. Harding, the warden of a home for poor retired laborers. During the 400 years of this home’s existence, the income supporting it has increased substantially. However, the wards have continued to receive small allowances while the warden’s pay has grown large. Harding is a kind man who doesn’t realize this injustice until his daughter Eleanor’s principled suitor, John Bold, initiates legal action to rectify it. In the end, Bold weakens out of affection for Eleanor and Harding softens due to his educated conscience – a victory for both love and justice.

Defending the Atonement

Critics say Jesus’ death was unnecessary, unjust, and ineffective. They argue that God could have merely forgiven us, that wrongdoers must undergo the punishment they deserve, and that one person’s death can’t save another person from sin. But whenever there is an injury, someone has to suffer – the victim, the perpetrator, or another person. And though justice requires that someone pay the penalty, it doesn’t have to be the sinner. And when Jesus took on the suffering of sinners, he made possible a restoration of loving relationships. So the Atonement of Christ met the demands of love, justice, and peace.