#nonviolent atonement

[gospelofthekingdom]

Another way to characterize the absence of divinely necessitated violence in narrative Christus Victor is to say that God is nonviolent or that the reign of God is characterized by nonviolence. Ultimately atonement theology is actually a discussion of our image of God--one who defeats violence with superior violence and reconciles sin on the basis of a violent death, or a God who triumphs over evil and reconciles sinners nonviolently through resurrection.

Denny Weaver, Stricken by God?, Pg. 340

[gospelofthekingdom]

Narrative Christus Victor does contain violence, but it is not God's violence nor violence sanctioned or needed or used by God. The violence in narrative Christus Victor comes from the side of the forces of evil that killed Jesus. In fact, it is the resort to violence that makes clear the differing modus operandi of reign of God and the rule of evil represented by Rome.

Denny Weaver, Stricken by God?, Pg. 337

And I would include humanity as a whole under the banner of Rome.

[gospelofthekingdom]

According to Girard, the Bible shows that violence does not come from God; rather, God sympathizes with victims. Seen this way, the incarnation incarnates God in the person of Jesus, in order to become himself a victim. God’s only earthly throne is a cross. His only “revenge” on his enemies is unconditional compassion and forgiveness. This view is the opposite of satisfying the blood lust of an angry god modeled on the pagan deities and the theological theories of atonement. Rather, the Incarnation and Christ’s murder points to the futility of violence and to the path of salvation through all encompassing empathy. Christ, in Girard’s view, was not the ultimate sacrifice but a rebuke by God of sacrificing anyone for anything… including some concept of “truth.” Rather than demanding some sort of justice, Christ sets the example of turning the other cheek. “Forgive them,” he asks for his killers.

Frank Schaeffer

[gospelofthekingdom]

I’m really enjoying J. Denny Weaver’s essay for Stricken by God?. I had been wanting to engage his work on Nonviolent Atonement and Narrative Christus Victor. Particularly I liked how he furthered John Howard Yoder's thoughts on ethics in the Politics of Jesus to atonement theology--that atonement theology should reflect the narrative of Jesus just as Christian ethics is determined by the story of Jesus. It is definitely not disappointing!

[gospelofthekingdom]

An Introduction to Christianity for Adults by theologian, priest and author James Alison

Hi friends, I have a desire to host a group at my apartment to introduce friends to themes like mimetic theory, scapegoat mechanism, non-violent atonement, Rene Girard, etc., 

This group program by James Alison looks promising, and I was wondering if anyone has gone through it, or has any thoughts about it.  I'd really appreciate it!

[gospelofthekingdom]

Michael Hardin with some non-violent atonement for yaaaaa.  Part 2 is here.