“Why did Jesus die on a cross?”
I suspect that question has been asked since the day Jesus actually died on a cross.
The most common answer for many Christians, “he died on a cross to pay for our sins” (penal substitutionary atonement) is actually a relatively recent concept. In fact, it only became a part of Christian teaching about 1600 years after Jesus was crucified.
Many of the limited number of verses used to demonstrate that penal substitutionary atonement is biblical along with early Church writings that seem to agree, only point to Jesus’ death being related to the sins of humanity — not necessarily an assertion that his death was a substitute for our sins.
In interpreting those verses, it’s important to recognize that most Christians believe “sin” means breaking certain moral rules established by God, as recorded by the writers of the Bible.
But, I believe Jesus found this popular understanding of sin (during his lifetime and today) to be far too superficial and simplistic. When he said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill,” in Matthew:5:17, what he was really saying is, “I did come to destroy how you are using the Law,” (and, thus, how you understand sin).
Did you notice how awkwardly and abruptly that quote from Jesus ends with “fulfill”? Some translations of the Bible actually throw in a “them” (as in “to fulfill them”) to avoid that awkwardness, but, the truth is, it is simply not there in the original language.
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I really enjoyed reading this post, especially on the heels of a close reading of Mark (specifically, the Temple scene and Jesus' multiple predictions of his own death). I loved learning the Greek origin behind the word "fulfill," and I strongly agree with the author that we (as Christians) have focused too intently upon the notion of Jesus' death as atonement for our sins. To Dr. Minor's point in class a few weeks ago, this is not inherently a bad understanding, but the gospels offer several different metaphors to understand why Jesus it was necessary and inevitable for Jesus to die. If the intent is to connect with as many individuals as possible and share the gospel accordingly, then the ability to communicate more than one interpretation of the reason for Jesus' death may help those in the ministry to broaden their reach, in terms of effectively connecting with others.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Katherine’s idea on how Christians are too focused on the notion of Jesus’ death as atonement for our sins. It may connect with individuals personally if we say he died for our sins and to save us, but it may work as guilty-faith instead of faith from heart. We should limit making one such strong interpretation of the Bible and open for other ideas.
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome read. I would implore all to read the article in its entirety to get the full effect. On the notion of why Jesus died, for our sins is a good explanation but as an act of "love in action" makes the soul balanced. Seeing how to do something is so much better than hearing narratives through generations who suffer from degenerative memories, translations, and arrogance (talking about the people who pass this information down to us). In all of our getting, getting understanding is paramount. When I understand Jesus in reality, it helps me move toward a righteousness that my vocation seeks for, that I may dwell in His house, inquire in His, and behold the beauty of my Savior. Thank you for the article, it enlightened and blessed me.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting read, and while I don't agree with the author on everything, I respect the opinions offered in the article. I especially like the quote by Tolkien: "not all who wander are lost." To ask questions like "Why did Jesus die on a cross?" and to consider various reasons can be extremely eye-opening and can offer new perspectives on an issue that Christians rarely question. I also appreciate the tone of this author. It would be really easy to attack the Christian belief and to sound disrespectful, but the author does not seem to do this.
ReplyDeleteThis is an article that causes one to pause and rethink the reason for the cross. It has always been taught that the cross was for the atonement of our sins, but rarely to show us love in action. If this was a meaning that was widely taught, the world would be different. We, as the body of Christ, might seek to emulate that act of love more with action than lip service. Now, that would create a movement all over the world. Christianity would become an act of conscience rather than a societal adaptation. Love would be the action that we could all benefit from as we extend it beyond ourselves to others.
ReplyDeleteI don't agree with a number of points in this piece but I do think it was an interesting piece and raised some interesting points. I did not know Jesus dying for our sins is a relatively new concept
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't agree with everything discussed in this post, I think the concept of questioning what Jesus died for on the cross is interesting.
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ReplyDeleteI love this article. It posits the very rational and logical argument that the death of Jesus was not a magical atonement of sins and a license to do whatever we want. This has been one problem I have had with Christianity. It simply makes no sense to me that a person can sin freely and as long as they are "saved" they can depend on Jesus to wipe away their sins. It makes more sense that we are required to live a life of love, mercy and Godliness and Jesus death was an example of that. Great read!
This was a good article. I don't agree with everything the author says but several people have said that so I suppose that makes the article compelling. I like the notion of love as as sacrifice for humanity. I also believe he died to bring His Spirit to the world, and that is what drives us all who believe in Him.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a good scholarly article and I respect the author's opinion, however I do not agree with him. I believe that substitutionary atonement was preached by Christ's disciples who saw him suffer and die on the cross then rise from the dead.
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