Alternative Seminary – The Cross of Christ

The Alternative Seminary invites you to

THE CROSS OF CHRIST: A JUSTIFICATION FOR REDEMPTIVE VIOLENCE OR A CALL TO GOSPEL NONVIOLENCE?

Saturday morning, March 19th, 2022

10:30 am – 12:30 pm EDT

Far too frequently, Christianity has been put at the service of empire – even though the founder of the faith was executed by empire. For two millennia, the cross of Christ, the central image of Christian life and thought, has been wielded to assert “redemptive violence,” and has been directly or indirectly used to vindicate and even bless human violence.  We will explore the history of violence that has flowed from theologies of atonement. We will revisit the crucifixion of Jesus in its historical context and explore the questions:  Why did Jesus die?  How is his death related to his ministry in the Gospels?  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.  This session will be facilitated by Will O’Brien, coordinator of The Alternative Seminary.  We will also hear from:

• Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart is a Black-queer church girl, preacher, teacher, and activist. She develops spaces of spiritual candor, disruption, reflection, transformation, and action. Rev. Naomi is an adjunct professor of theology and religious studies at Villanova University and is the founder of Salt | Yeast | Light. 

 

• Rev. Sharon Delgado, founding director of Earth Justice Ministries and author of the soon-to-be-released The Cross in the Mist of Creation.

 

• Dasha Saintremy (Rev. DaSaint) is an Afro-Caribbean American, Womanist, and founder of LiveLoveLiberate: A Sacred Space for Creative Expressions.

 

Registration is required. You can register at this link: CrossofChrist2022

The cost is $20 (or whatever you can afford). If you have any questions, please contact Will O’Brien at [email protected] or 267-339-8989.

The Alternative Seminary is a program of biblical and theological study and reflection designed to foster an authentic biblical witness in the modern world.