Sam Wells reflects on the challenges to our understanding of Christ’s crucifixion that arise today.
Exploring contemporary ideas in history, biblical studies and philosophy, he asks:
– Does the possibility that elements of the story did not actually happen leave our Christian heritage hanging by thread?
– Does the history of persecution that flowed from the classical belief that the Jews were responsible for Jesus’ death leave our morality hanging by a thread?
– Does the improbability of one event having significance for everything, everywhere for all time leave our faith hanging by a thread?
Sam Wells reflects on six biblical stories and discovers that in the face of these challenges, the cross has an enduring power to shape how we live, how we relate to one another and how we allow ourselves to become enfolded in God’s story.
Samuel Wells is Vicar of St Martin in the Fields and the author of numerous books, including What Anglicans Believe and Learning to Dream Again. He is a frequent broadcaster on BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day slot where his thoughtful reflections have earned him a reputation as a national Christian voice.