East Coast Friends!! An announcement from The Alternative Seminary in Philly!

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

The cross can heal and hurt; it can be empowering and liberating but also enslaving and oppressive … I believe that the cross placed alongside the lynching tree can help us to see Jesus in America in a new light, and thereby empower people who claim to follow him to take a stand against white supremacy and every kind of injustice.” ― James H. Cone, The Cross and the Lynching Tree

The death of Jesus is central to Christian life and thought, yet it has been frequently
been misunderstood and misused.  In many tragic ways, the cross of Christ has been
seen as a kind of “redemptive violence,” and has been directly or indirectly used to
vindicate and even bless human violence. By looking at the crucifixion of Jesus in its
historical context, we will explore the questions: Why did Jesus die? How is his death
related to his ministry in the Gospels? How did the early communities grasp his death,
and how does it make us think differently about the Resurrection? 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 nonviolence in a violent world.

The Alternative Seminary in Philadelphia will host a gathering on March 16 to explore
these issues.

THE CROSS OF CHRIST: A JUSTIFICATION FOR REDEMPTIVE VIOLENCE OR A CALL TO GOSPEL NONVIOLENCE?
Saturday morning, March 16
9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Project HOME – 1515 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia

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 nonviolence in a violent world.

This session will be facilitated by Will O’Brien, coordinator of The Alternative Seminary
and member of the Vine & Fig Tree community.

A light breakfast will be served. A $10 donation is requested to cover costs (though if
you can’t pay, please feel free to come anyway!). Check here for more information.

Please RSVP by March 13 to Will O’Brien at
215-842-1790 or wobrien@alternativeseminary.net.

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