THEORIES OF AN ATONING DEATH
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Christian doctrine defines the death of Christ
as engineered by God for some purpose.
That it had meaning!

Perhaps this idea is the heart of Christianity,
but there are many and various options
which learned and powerful men
have developed over the years,
often to their own advantage.

These are theories over which men fought and died:
- ideas which often denied the teaching of Christ.
- ideas which caused division and hurt,
misery in the name of Christ!

We are faced with the question of why Jesus died;
what are the options for our consideration?

Was this part of some divine plan
by a blood-thirsty vengeful God
hungry for satisfaction?

Was this part of a divine mechanism
by a God unable to find another way
in which he could offer forgiveness
to sinful humanity?

Was this an example of how far we should go
to promote the teaching of radical Justice
and Love and Equality and Love?

To many the practical answer might seem clear,
but that is not the present clerical position,
which promotes a more spiritual solution.
Maybe that is why the churches are empty
and the football stadia are full.