Tag Archives: redemption
A Temporary Solution
Scapegoating and the Cross A Temporary Solution Monday, March 29, 2021 The word “scapegoating” originated from an ingenious ritual described in Leviticus 16. According to Jewish law, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest laid hands on an “escaping” goat, placing all the sins of the Jewish people from the previous year onto the… Continue Reading A Temporary Solution
Birth Is Just the Beginning
Incarnation Birth Is Just the Beginning Sunday, December 20, 2020 We must move beyond a merely sentimental understanding of Christmas as “waiting for the baby Jesus” to an adult and communal appreciation of the message of the incarnation of God in Christ. We Franciscans have always believed that the incarnation was already the redemption, because in… Continue Reading Birth Is Just the Beginning
At-one-ment, Not Atonement
Alternative Orthodoxy At-one-ment, Not Atonement Wednesday, February 5, 2020 The Franciscan view of atonement theory is a prime example of our alternative orthodoxy. The Franciscan School was dissatisfied with the popular theological idea that Jesus came to Earth as a necessary sacrifice to appease an angry God. As human consciousness advances, more and more people cannot believe that God would demand Jesus’ blood as payment for our sins. It seems to be inevitable that our old… Continue Reading At-one-ment, Not Atonement
Savior of the World
Jesus’ Death Savior of the World Monday, April 15, 2019 Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. —1 Corinthians 15:57 How does Jesus the victim transform us? How does the lamb of God “take away” our sin (John 1:29), to use the common metaphor? How does Jesus “overcome… Continue Reading Savior of the World
An Alternative Story
Jesus and the Cross An Alternative Story Monday, February 4, 2019 The theory of substitutionary atonement has inoculated us against the true effects of the Gospel, causing us to largely “thank” Jesus instead of honestly imitating him. At its worst, it has led us to see God as a cold, brutal figure who demands acts… Continue Reading An Alternative Story
The Face of the Other
Jesus: Human and Divine The Face of the Other Thursday, January 31, 2019 St. Francis of Assisi (1181–1226) brought attention to the humanity of Jesus. Prior to St. Francis, Christian paintings largely emphasized Jesus’ divinity, as they still do in most Eastern icons. Francis is said to have created the first live nativity. Before the… Continue Reading The Face of the Other
Reconciliation of Opposites
Jesus: Human and Divine Reconciliation of Opposites Monday, January 28, 2019 The dynamic union of opposites (humanity and divinity) that the Christ Mystery is surpasses, undercuts, and has the power to resolve so many levels of denominational argument and partisanship that have divided Christianity over the centuries. We did not realize how large and reconciling… Continue Reading Reconciliation of Opposites
Redemptive Suffering
Suffering: Week 2 Redemptive Suffering Monday, October 22, 2018 The “cross,” rightly understood, always reveals various kinds of resurrection. It’s as if God were holding up the crucifixion as a cosmic object lesson, saying: “I know this is what you’re experiencing. Don’t run from it. Learn from it, as I did. Hang there for a… Continue Reading Redemptive Suffering
An Anticipatory Universe
Creativity An Anticipatory Universe Thursday, June 7, 2018 I believe that the core of the Judeo-Christian revelation is that we are created in the image of God. We lose that and we lose the foundation. Clearly, God is endlessly imaginative and creative. Those who are intensely curious, open, and creative are probably deeply in touch… Continue Reading An Anticipatory Universe
The Mystery of Suffering
Jesus of Nazareth: Week 2 The Mystery of Suffering Wednesday, January 24, 2018 It is much easier to appreciate the glory of Jesus’ resurrection than his painful crucifixion. Yet, Mark’s Gospel, written around 65 to 70 AD, focuses on Jesus’ “suffering servanthood.” Christians believe that we are “saved by the death and resurrection of Jesus.”… Continue Reading The Mystery of Suffering