Nonviolent atonement: a theory -praxis appraisal of the views of J Denny Weaver and S Mark Heim
Uitzinger, Karen Dawn
Violence in traditional “satisfaction” atonement theologies is addressed here. An alternative
non-violent view follows in discussion with Weaver / Heim.
Weaver outlines a nonviolent Jesus narrative focussing on God’s rule made visible in history.
Jesus’ saving death stems not from God but Jesus’ opposing evil powers. For viability violent
biblical texts are disregarded. Church history interpretation is nonconventional. Early church is
nonviolent. The subsequent Constantinian “fall” births the violent satisfaction model. Weaver’s
problematical violence definition receives attention.
Girard’s scapegoating philosophy and Jesus’ rescuing humankind from this evil undergirds Heim’s
approach. Scapegoating establishes communal peace preventing violence. The bible is
antisacrificial giving victims a voice. Jesus becomes a scapegoating victim, yet
simultaneously exposes and reverses scapegoating, his death stemming from evil powers not
God.
Nonviolent atonement influences numerous theological concepts with Incarnational theology
demonstrating Jesus’ humanness impacting upon atonement. Four ways to live out
transformation established by Jesus’ saving work follow.
↧