Bad Atonement Theology And Broken Justice Systems

The Broken Cross; Bad Atonement Theology and Broken Justice Systems Introduction As we move through Holy Week, the journey of Lent leads Christians to not simply commemorate Jesus suffering on the cross, but engage the paschal event on every level of our experiences. For me, this included questioning the impact of the execution which stands so central to Christianity. In her book The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, Michelle Alexander describes how the mass incarceration of black Americans has been steadily undermining any progress made by the civil rights movement. She argues that even though Jim Crow laws are no longer written, the plethora of young people of color arrested remain marginalized by a broken justice system. The United States represents about 4.4% of the world s population, it houses around 22 % of the world s prisoners, an overwhelming majority of whom are young, poor, and black. Recently, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam signed a bill to allow the use of the electric chair in executions when the drugs f or lethal injections are not available. How has this frighteningly oppressive system become normative justice for America? Does focusing on the crucifixion as the foundation of Christian transition per-dispose modern Christians to be unconcerned with the death penalty as a fixture of our justice system? In this essay, I will explore the impact of a deformed atonement theology on modern Christian s interactions with ourShow MoreRelatedPhilosophy and Christian Theology8519 Words   |  35 Pageswhich have received significant attention in the recent literature: the doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation, and views on the nature of atonement. 1. Philosophy and Christian Theology Before we begin, it is worthwhile to consider in brief the general relationship between philosophy and Christian religious dogma. In the history of Christian theology, philosophy has sometimes been seen as a natural complement to theological reflection, while at other times the advocates for the two disciplinesRead More Christianity And Lord Of The Rings Essays3430 Words   |  14 Pagesand man, both free will and predestination intertwine. Out of respect for freedom, Gandalf, Elrond, and other good leaders consistently refuse to coerce those over whom they exercise authority (except in punishment, as with Saruman when his wand is broken) insisting instead upon the liberty each has to make choices, and directing a measure of rational persuasion wherever it seems essential. (In this way, Gandalf persuades Theoden, King of the Mark). Yet, because of his high position in Hobbit esteemRead MoreOrdination Questions For Elder. Theology10615 Words   |  43 PagesOrdination Questions for Elder Theology (Some essentials of Wesleyan theology†¦original sin, divinity of Christ, atonement, justification by faith, work of the Holy Spirit, regeneration (new birth) and trinity) 1.) How has the practice of ministry affected your experience and understanding of: a.) God—The practice of ministry has given me numerous opportunities to interact with people at different stages in life’s journey†¦birth, death, marriage, divorce, sorrow, struggle, celebration, and so much