The Alternative Seminary, a partner of Red Letter Christians, invites you to an online gathering: “The Cross of Christ: Justification for Redemptive Violence or a Call to Gospel Nonviolence.”
As we witness the growing power and influence of a militant white Christian nationalism in the United States, followers of Jesus must assert more urgently than ever the radical gospel of love, justice, and Beloved Community.
Part of this task is reclaiming the core image of our faith: the Cross of Christ. The founder of our faith was sent to the cross as an execution by empire – yet for thousands of years, that same cross has been wielded by empire to justify and bless human violence.
We will explore the history of “redemptive violence” that has flowed from theologies of atonement. We will revisit the crucifixion of Jesus in its historical context and explore the questions: How and why did Jesus die? How is his death related to his ministry in the Gospels? How did the early communities grasp his death, and how does it make us think differently about the Resurrection? We will reflect on how a more radical understanding of the passion of Christ can impact our discipleship, and particularly our efforts to witness to justice and shalom in a world of empire, violence, and degradation of creation.
Join us for the online gathering:
🗓️ March 15
⏱️ 10:30am – 12:30pm ET
💻 Virtual, registration required: https://bit.ly/CrossofChrist2025
💳The cost is $20 (or whatever you can afford).
This session will be facilitated by Will O’Brien, coordinator of The Alternative Seminary. The Alternative Seminary is a program of biblical and theological study and reflection designed to foster an authentic biblical witness in the modern world.
If you have any questions, please contact Will O’Brien at willobrien59@gmail.com.