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Stricken by God?: Nonviolent Identification and the Victory of Christ Kindle Edition

by Brad Jersak (Editor), Michael Hardin (Editor) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 63 ratings
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Foreword by Willard Swartley

"We considered him stricken by God, but . . ." 

Did God really pour out his wrath against sin on his Son to satisfy his own need for justice? Or did God-in-Christ forgive the world even as it unleashed its wrath against him? Was Christ's sacrifice the ultimate fulfillment of God's demand for redemptive bloodshed? Or was the cross God's great "No" to that whole system? This distinctively panoramic volume offers fresh perspectives on these and other difficult questions reemerging throughout the church today.

Contributors:

James Alison
Kharalambos Anstall
Mark D. Baker
Sharon Baker
Anthony Bartlett
Marcus Borg
Ronald S. Dart
E. Robert Ekblad
Michael Hardin
Brad Jersak
Andrew P. Klager
Brita Miko
C. F. D. Moule
Wayne Northey
Nathan Rieger
Richard Rohr
Miroslav Volf
J. Denny Weaver
Rowan Williams
N. T. Wright
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  1. ISBN-13
    978-0802862877
  2. Publisher
    Eerdmans
  3. Publication date
    September 25, 2007
  4. Language
    English
  5. File size
    4.7 MB
  6. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

René Girard
"This wonderful book is must reading for those who want to keep abreast of current thought on atonement theory. The essays in this work consider whether the suffering servant of Isaiah was truly 'stricken by God.' . . . A rich variety of analyses whose common thread is that violence comes from man and not from God."

Stanley Hauerwas
"Satisfaction theories of atonement have had the negative results of isolating Jesus' death from his life and resurrection. We are therefore fortunate to have this book of essays that challenges that isolation by connecting Jesus' death with the restoration of God's peace, making possible a new reality in the world."

Brian D. McLaren
"Stricken by God? is a highly important contribution at a critical time, bringing together a range of thoughtful voices who raise important questions and pose needed and well-defended answers."

Ted Grimsrud
"It is difficult to overstate the importance of this collection. . . A good part of the power of Stricken by God? comes from the impressive diversity of its authors. These essays prove that crucial work in articulating peaceable approaches to atonement is being done across the theological spectrum — and they further that work in powerful ways."

S. Mark Heim
"In the search for constructive rethinking of the cross, this book is a mother lode of resources. The stature of the contributors, the focused clarity of the conversation, and the urgency of the topic make Stricken by God? a work that will be accessible and transforming for a wide audience."

Gregory A. Boyd
"Stricken by God? is as fine a collection of scholarly essays on the atonement as one can find in print. This book offers insightful, compelling, and refreshing alternatives to penal substitution and is a must-read for all who care deeply about how Jesus' death saves us."

Theological Studies
"The operative and apt word here is kaleidoscope. Not only is the collection a mix of genres, theological perspectives, and disciplines of expertise, but the shapes keep changing. Different authors tackle different issues, from biblical exegesis to ritual performance. We do not find here a coherent approach or 'school of thought.' Rather, we can dabble in a variety of conversations around 'problems with atonement,' thereby gaining a good introduction to the concerns and innovations at large in today's theological world. . . Because of both the innovation it represents and the controversy it is likely to engender, Stricken by God? is well worth the investment of time and money."

Interpretation
“This fine collection of twenty essays proposes a new paradigm for understanding the doctrine of the atonement in the twenty-first century.”
 
Theoforum
“A rich anthology. . . . Full of exciting and interesting ideas that will engage Christian theologians of many stripes in a rewarding and compelling conversation.”
 
Trinity Journal
“This is a helpful work for those who are keen to explore the issues related to the violence which is inherent in Christ’s work on the cross in the context of a violent world.”
 

About the Author

Michael Hardin is the director of Preaching Peace, LLC,founder of the Institute for Peace Theology, and a memberof the Colloquium on Violence and Religion.

Brad Jersak is a teacher with Fresh Wind Canada and theListening Prayer Community. He is also the author ofCan You Hear Me? Tuning In to the God Who Speaks.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B001EHDZTQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Eerdmans (September 25, 2007)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 25, 2007
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.7 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Not enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 536 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 63 ratings

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  1. Brad Jersak

    Brad Jersak

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    Brad (Bradley) Jersak (Ph.D.) is an author and itinerant teacher based in Abbotsford, BC Canada.

    He is the Dean of Ministry Studies (as of Sept 2019) at St. Stephen's University (ssu.ca in NB, Canada) where he teaches New Testament / Theology, Patristics & some Philosophy. He also teaches on the core faculty with the Institute for Religion Peace and Justice (IRPJ.org).

    He also serves as an editor and graphic designer for CWRmagazine (ptm.org).

    His heart is to share the good news that God is Love and that God's love was embodied perfectly in Jesus of Nazareth. Through his books and seminars, Brad teaches the contemplative practice of "listening prayer" and more recently, "The Beautiful Gospel" (or 'Gospel in Chairs').

    In terms of ministry, Brad is a preacher and reader at All Saints of N.A. Orthodox Monastery in Dewdney, BC and is active in local 12-step addiction recovery.

    Brad writes across genres, including Christian theology and practice, children's books and political philosophy. He currently has two novels in the works.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Michael Hardin

    Michael Hardin

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    I am now happily retired. I have a few students/friends I tutor and I continue to write and look forward to traveling and speaking again (2020 was a crazy year, huh?)

    My hope is to see the church re-examine its theology in the light of the good news of Jesus who proclaimed a truly distinct and unique vision of God. When we do so we encounter a God of radical free grace, forgiveness and love and our lives are transformed by the Spirit of God sent to us through Jesus.

    I enjoy:

    Hiking the wilderness

    singing and songwriting and playing my drums

    hanging out with my friends

    reading theology, history and biblical studies

    mixology

    playing with my granddaughters

    having as much fun as I can "life is for living and living is free" (BJH)

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  3. Andrew P. Klager

    Andrew P. Klager

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    Andrew Klager holds a PhD in Religious Studies/History from the University of Glasgow and is the Director of the Institute for Religion, Peace and Justice (St. Stephen's University): www.irpj.org

    He has made presentations at conferences, symposiums, and dialogues across North America and is widely published in various peer-reviewed journals (Journal of Ecumenical Studies; Greek Orthodox Theological Review; Mennonite Quarterly Review; Peace Research: The Canadian Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies; Conrad Grebel Review; Journal of Mennonite Studies; Journal of Theological Studies [Oxford]; Journal of Religion, Conflict, and Peace; Reformation & Renaissance Review; Direction Journal) and books ('Stricken by God? Nonviolent Identification and the Victory of Christ' [Eerdmans 2007], 'Compassionate Eschatology: The Future as Friend' [Wipf & Stock, 2011], and 'Canadian Christian Zionism: A Tangled Tale' [Synaxis Press, 2014]) in a number of research fields ranging from early modern European history, peace and conflict studies, Anabaptist-Mennonite studies, interreligious peacebuilding especially in Egypt and the Middle East, peace theology, history of Christianity, 16th-century Reformation and Humanism, the Church fathers (especially St. Gregory of Nyssa), and Eastern Orthodox theology/asceticism.

    Andrew is also the editor of the book, 'From Suffering to Solidarity: The Historical Seeds of Mennonite Interreligious, Interethnic, and International Peacebuilding' (Pickwick, 2015). He will also release the book, 'Why the Creeds Matter: Gregory of Nyssa and the Iconic Function of Christological and Trinitarian Theology' (St Macrina Press) in 2016.

    Andrew also writes regularly for the Huffington Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-p-klager-phd/), Clarion Journal of Spirituality and Justice (http://www.clarion-journal.com/clarion_journal_of_spirit/author-andrew-klager/), and the IRPJ Blog (https://www.irpj.org/blog-1/author/Andrew-Klager), the latter two of which he is co-editor.

    See more on the author's page
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4.6 out of 5 stars
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Customers find the book informative and important. They describe it as a great, powerful collection of essays by a range of theologians. However, some readers find some chapters uneven and interesting for their own discussions.

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7 customers mention "Value for money"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book offers good value for money. They describe it as a powerful and insightful collection of essays by theologians concerned with envisioning an ideal world.

"...This is a powerful book that touched me profoundly." Read more

"Great book alot of reformed Christians hating on it ..nobody can die for your wickednes..." Read more

"...At times a bit scholary, but worth the read...." Read more

"...On the other hand, this mix makes this book a good book for anyone...." Read more

6 customers mention "Content"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and important. They appreciate the non-violent approach to atonement. However, some readers feel some chapters are irrelevant to the title. Overall, the book provides a good introduction to issues and helps with better understanding.

"This is an important collection of scholarly essays that provide a variety of interpretations of atonement...." Read more

"Many of these essays were extraordinary, a couple simply verbose and missing the point, at least one simply wrong, and several breathtaking in the..." Read more

"...are from different walks, but each is seeking the same end –– better understanding. Personal growth awaits the effort put forth...." Read more

"...suggest that all sides of atonement discussion should read this very important book. I found Brad Jersak's section to be very informative...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Sally K. Severino
    5.0 out of 5 stars Stricken by God?
    Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This is an important collection of scholarly essays that provide a variety of interpretations of atonement.

    I will make a statement about four of the essays to illustrate the variety:
    (1) Michael Hardin, Director of Preaching Peace, LLC, wrote an essay entitled “Out of the Fog: New Horizons for Atonement Theory.” In it he describes three kinds of victims. The first two kinds of victims perpetuate violence. They are the victim of myth who persecutes victims and the retributive victim who demands vengeance or justice. The third kind of victim, the non-retaliatory victim does not perpetuate violence. Instead, this victim forgives.
    (2) Associate Professor of Mission and Theology at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, Mark D. Baker’s contribution is entitled, “Freed to be Human and Restored to Family: The Saving Significance of the Cross in a Honduran Barrio.” He sees the cross as a mirror reflecting our three-faced alienation—alienation from God, alienation from neighbor and alienation from our true self. Jesus provides us salvation through the cross by absorbing its violence without retaliation, removing a barrier to our relationship with God by forgiveness, and disarming evil powers by revealing them a human.
    (3) J. Denny Weaver is a retired professor at Bluffton College. His essay, “The Nonviolent Atonement: Human Violence, Discipleship and God” looks at atonement in relation to negative mimesis. A quotation summarizes his thesis, “In order to avoid death, Jesus would have had to abandon—that is, fail—his mission, [which was to live in the ways that made the reign of God visible and present]. Rather than abandoning and failing, Jesus chose to die. ... it was the circumstances of his mission, rather than a specific divine need for a death, that necessitated Jesus’ death” (page 352).
    (4) Assistant Professor of Theology, Bexley Hall Episcopal Seminary, Anthony Bartlett’s contribution, “Atonement: Birth of a New Humanity” looks at atonement in relation to positive mimesis. The cross reveals generative love and peace. In his words, “Jesus endlessly, abysally, suffers with and forgives our violence while even so revealing it, and thus, at the all important personal level (saving grace), evokes in us an answering sorrow, love and conversion, a compassion reciprocal to his” (page 408).

    This is a powerful book that touched me profoundly.
    13 people found this helpful
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  • Carmela Gonzalez
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book alot of reformed Christians hating on it
    Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Great book alot of reformed Christians hating on it ..nobody can die for your wickednes

    IN SHORT... The Bible is clear, and it is consistent: one person cannot die for the sins of another. In other words, the sins committed by one person cannot be wiped out by the punishment given to another. In Exodus 32:30-35, Moses asks Gd to punish him for the sin committed by the people in regards to the Golden Calf. Gd tells Moses that the person who committed the sin is the one who must receive the punishment. Then, in Deuteronomy 24:16, Gd simply states this as a basic principle, 'Every man shall be put to death for his own sin.' This concept is repeated in the Prophets, in Ezekiel 18: 'The soul that sinneth, it shall die... the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.' The prophet Jeremiah looks to the day when the mistaken belief that one man's death atones for another man's sins shall no longer be held by anyone: in Jeremiah 31:29-30, the prophet says: 'In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge. But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.'
    http://www.whatjewsbelieve.org/explanation1.html
    5 people found this helpful
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  • J. Womble
    4.0 out of 5 stars What's missing?
    Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    Many of these essays were extraordinary, a couple simply verbose and missing the point, at least one simply wrong, and several breathtaking in the freshness of their ideas for post-modern Christianity. It was so helpful to find all these authors in one place.

    But why have none of these scholars and theologians represented in Stricken by God? declared that Satan (the devil, the evil one) does not exist as an independent physical or spiritual entity? Since God created everything that is or ever was, and it was all good, how can anyone believe He created a powerful evil and competing force that He would then need to pacify or bargain with? In our OT, the references to the accuser are metaphorical or simply superstition, no matter how vivid the description. It was the best explanation available at the time when it was also believed that demons, evil spirits, or the sins of the fathers caused mental and physical illness, and so became accepted "fact". They also believed the earth was flat, that the earth was the center of the universe - even the sun revolved around us. People of that time also believed God required thousands of bulls or other animals to be slaughtered, and often, as a sacrifice to placate His anger. Can you image what a bloody mess that was? We were well into Christian times before those understandings changed.

    Jesus always talked to people in terms they would understand. Not only was He God in human form, but He was also human in a contemporary way at that time. He wrestled with the evil one. So who is this evil one dating back to the Garden of Eden? I submit it is that side of every human, from Adam forward, which tempts us to follow our less Godly side. We have free will; we are perpetually tempted to listen to that side of ourselves that would seem to make life easier, more fun, or just to follow our own wishes of the moment. By nature we are self-absorbed. When "the devil made me do it", instead of blaming some outside force we need to look only within ourselves for the source of the mischief. Of all the evils in the world, personal or global, the evils begin with one or more humans choosing to inflict their worst side on others, whether it is greed, bigotry, hatred, selfishness, meanness, etc. It comes from within each of us. Even Jesus temptation was surely that human side acting out as He struggled with emotional pain, hunger and the delirium it would cause. He conquered that side of Himself, as each of us must do. Blaming someone or something else when we loose the battle over being true to God is an easy out and pretty cowardly.
    Stricken by God?: Nonviolent Indentification and the Victory of Christ
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Curtis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2024
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    The beauty of Gods character articulated with precision.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Bruce Davenport
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well structured and thought provoking
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 3, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    The book is an edited book of chapters, each by a different authors. Some of the chapters have been published previously elsewhere. However, the book is carefully structured to build up the different threads of discussion around the broad theme of non-violent theologies of atonement. (As opposed to the traditional theology of penal substitution as developed by Anselm of Canterbury and accepted by most Latin and Protestant churches.) The variety of voices works well as the editors allow the tensions between them to stand. No single theology dominates though the broad theme - that any theology which relies on the idea of God enacting violence on Jesus at the crucifixion is incongruent with the image of God embodied in the life and work of Jesus - is clear. In the end the structure allows the reader is left to take what they will from the book.

    As you might expect from the title, this is not a light read. With the variety of authors comes a variety of styles some of which are more accessible than others, especially if you are not a student of theology. Nonetheless, for me, there were some really engaging and thought-provoking essays. N.T. Wright's essay flowed smoothly, as you might expect. Miroslav Volf's essay is one of those that puts the question of atonement in the social and political domain, which is very helpful. The penultimate essay, by Prof. Kharalambous, manages to be at once an expression of the Orthodox theology of atonement, a no-holds-barred critique of Western theology and hugely encouraging at the same time.

    The outstanding question, which none of the authors address is: if you accept these arguments, how do you take it back into a church which carries forward the traditional theology of penal substitution?
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  • Timothy H. Coad
    4.0 out of 5 stars Challenge!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 23, 2013
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    Traditional Christians will find this challenging but well worth a read, A variety of essays gives a spread of views.
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  • Jackie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 25, 2014
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    happy with book and delivery
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  • Roger Haydon Mitchell
    4.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive and penetrating
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 30, 2013
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    This book gave me everything I was looking for. That is to say contributions from the major contemporary theologians on the topic of nonviolent views of the cross, accompanied by the necessary references to chase the sources, wider contexts and extended expositions of those contributions. One or two of the chapters were obviously excerpts from other books and would have benefited from more editing work to make this clear. The proof reading was inadequate in places resulting in a few too many typos. Otherwise I would have given five stars without hesitation and nearly did anyway!
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