From Punitive Scapegoating to Divine Nonviolence

Reconstructing the Cross: From Punitive Scapegoating to Divine Nonviolence While many of the ideas and practices handed down to us about God and the church may have shifted, there is something about Jesus we still find compellingly beautiful. Often, after letting go of what wasn’t working, we struggle to find a way forward that shapes our lives to mirror the Beloved Community of God.  As we continue our Fall Vision series, Reconstructing Rhythms, guest Anthony Bartlett reveals the cross as pointing to the way of our nonviolent transformation rather than a retributive transaction demanded by God. [2 Corinthians 5:13-21]   Reflection  What traditional explanations of Christ’s death have I been given in the past? What if the violence of Jesus’ death was the whole point–displaying human violence and the counter-revelation of divine nonviolence? Is it possible for me to accept the revelation of a God of absolute nonviolence? Resource PDF:  Vox Practicing Nonviolence