Atonement in Les Miserables
Richard Lindsay ponders on the different theologies of atonement in his entry at Pop Theology on Les Mis and the Doctrine of Atonement. His conclusion:
…the theology of Resurrection fits Jean Valjean’s experience as well. After a few days in the rectory after the bishop’s merciful act, Valjean frees himself from his own guilt by ripping up the parole warrant that has kept him from living fully after his release from prison. He takes on a new identity, and begins a life that is full of (this-worldly) virtue and justice and (other-worldly) love and compassion.