The cross & death of Jesus, faith shifting perspectives…

"But in God may be no wrath, as to my sight." Julian of Norwich

"Penal substitution", the belief that Jesus had to die to satisfy God's wrath or need for punishment for the sins of humanity, is often a doorway into the liminal space of faith shifting or questioning faith. Our experiences or understanding of love and the wrath of God, no longer hold together and we find ourselves, like Julian of Norwich, unable to see wrath in God or choose not to follow a such a God. A different interpretation of the cross has led many of us to let go of old ideas about God and rethink God all together.

Below are a few other ways of understanding the cross and death of Jesus.

Love Over Punishment

The crucifixion is seen as the tragic consequence of Jesus’ radical love and justice in a broken world, not something God required but instead, evidence of God’s love through Jesus.

A Symbol of Solidarity

The cross speaks to a God, who through Jesus, entered into human suffering in its fullest form. Revealing a God who is with the oppressed, the marginalised, the abused, even to the point of death.

Challenging Empire and Injustice

Jesus died because he confronted unjust systems and religious, political, and social powers. The cross reminds us of the cost of standing up for truth, justice, and compassion.

Emphasis on Nonviolence and Forgiveness

Jesus models how to live and embody love in the face of hatred and torture, he showed forgiveness of his executioners and demonstrated his commitment to nonviolence, up to and in his death. It offers a response to violence, abuse and dehumanisation with a radical deep, ever-present flow of divine love rather than revenge and more violence.

A Call to Action

The cross invites a continuation of Jesus' work to resist oppression and live out his words “treat others as we want to be treated”. Reflecting of where suffering, torture, crucifixion still happens today—in racism, poverty, war, and other forms of systemic harm and working to challenge and change it.

This is not an exhaustive list but it is one that keeps me contemplating Christianity and the life and death of Jesus. Which stand out for you?

“The crucifixion signals the loss of the religious God — the one who guarantees meaning, prosperity, or salvation. What is offered instead is the presence of God in the midst of meaninglessness, suffering, and loss.”
— Peter Rollins, Insurrection

Join the Easter Online Retreat 4 - 6pm 18th April - Good Friday. to contemplate the paradox of the cross.