Season 1 Episode 4: In the Shadow of the Cross

In this episode of the podcast, our guest lecturer Rachael Clinton Chen, M.Div., will introduce the historical arc of atonement theories in the Christian church and speak to some of the abuses of those atonement theories before offering more liberative understandings of atonement that do not glorify suffering.

Like last week, this episode deals with some pretty heavy themes. Please make use of your self-care curation as needed.

[03:07] Find Rachael’s slide deck here. The show notes will signal major shifts in her presentation. 

[06:30] From theorist bell books: “imperialist white-supremacist capitalist patriarchy.”

[07:58] Think the Nicene Creed which states who Jesus is in relationship to the First Person of the Trinity (begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father…).

[08:25] Part I: Penal Substitutionary Atonement & Disordered Imagination 

[22:23] Part II: Crossroads, Thresholds & Integrative Projects

[24:18] You will be invited to reflect on these questions prior to class (see our Lesson on Populi).

[26:06] Note: They are called Integrative Profiles now! And they’re also much more contained now. ;)

[27:31] The theologians Rachael names are not just her showing off: these are great resources for you in this class and beyond. See her last two slides for names and titles.

[32:15] Here Douglas is drawing on Audre Lorde’s famous statement that “the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house.”

[33:34] Part III: Embracing Tension & Encountering the God Who Groans

(Music from Epidemic Sound.)