Long ago, I stopped attending Good Friday services for one reason: the pervading assumption of penal substitutionary atonement (psa) in those services. On my blog I have gone into detail as to why I reject this theory of atonement. It’s not biblical, did not exist in its present form until… Continue reading
In my blog, I have been very critical of what is called “Penal Substitutionary Atonement theory.” (See the articles “The Death of Jesus: Penal Substitutionary Atonement” and “Demons: Part Three.”) I will not repeat the details of my critique of the theory in this article. However, I want to share… Continue reading
(11 minutes) Many modern/postmodern people are reluctant to talk about sin. Part of the reason is because of the sick theology from much of the church regarding that subject. Emphases on original sin, trivial sins, threats of hell, exclusive claims regarding salvation, and a judgmental, punishing God are a turnoff… Continue reading
“All sufferers can find comfort in the solidarity of the Crucified; but only those who struggle against evil by following the example of the Crucified will discover him at their side. To claim the comfort of the Crucified while rejecting his way is to advocate not only cheap grace but… Continue reading
Tell me what you believe about God (God’s nature, how God is present and acts in the world, God’s aims for creation, etc.) and I can understand what makes you tick. Anyone who knows me is aware that I love theology. Theology is a human attempt to understand God. All… Continue reading
The use of metaphors is a very important way for humans to express themselves and abstract or complex concepts and actions. Here is a useful definition of metaphor: A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn’t literally true, but helps… Continue reading
(10 minutes) Luke’s Gospel tells us that as Jesus was being crucified, he prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34) What many people do not know is that these words are not found in some of the most ancient Greek copies of the… Continue reading
<a href="http://” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>Read the Scripture [Years ago, I stopped attending community Good Friday services even though as a pastor, I was expected to be present. I simply could no longer listen to sermons and meditations which were based on a view of the cross which I found barbaric,… Continue reading
The observance of Ash Wednesday in many churches includes the placing of ashes on the foreheads of worshipers in the form of a cross. As this is done, the priest or minster says the following words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” These words come… Continue reading
Luke 9:23-25—Then Jesus said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who would want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save… Continue reading
