When Neither Atheists Nor Christians Offer You a Safe Space [View all]
September 29, 2016
by Holly Baer
Despite what many atheists would say, a lot of problems within Christian and other religious groups are mirrored in atheist groups. Both groups claim to be open minded, but theres a reluctance to explore certain kinds of ideas within each camp. When exploring your beliefs while in a Christian group, they are certain that the answer is somehow always Jesus. Likewise, when questioning your views within an atheist group, the answer always must be god-less.
Im currently reading Shane Claibornes Executing Grace. The books subtitle, How The Death Penalty Killed Jesus And How Its Killing Us, sums up the book nicely. I originally bought it because Claibornes The Irresistible Revolution completely shattered my life in high school and caused me to more fully consider what my relationship with God was. I actually still have the original receipt for The Irresistible Revolution as a bookmark. It was purchased on November 15, 2009 in a Borders bookstore (which sadly no longer exists) by an atheist friend I still have and cherish. He purchased this book despite not believing himself, and paid $14.99 for the book, plus $3.99 for a childrens book donation, coming to a grand total of $20.31 (after tax).
In Executing Grace, Claiborne is discussing the death penalty, something that has been dear to my heart for a long time. In fact, Ive had a project in the back of my mind for years regarding capital punishment, but I havent pursued it because of my personal wrestling for how to uncover the humanity of those on death row while acknowledging and honoring the pain of their victimsboth dead and alive. Because he is a vocal and passionate Christian, his arguments revolve around Jesus. This isnt a book for non-believers who are against capital punishment. It is more of a plea to Christians to remember that their savior was the victim of a corrupt criminal justice system who found his fate via the death penalty.
I Want What Hes Having
The book is littered with examples of incredible grace and forgiveness. He shares stories likes those of Maria Goretti, a young Italian girl murdered by Alessandro Serenelli. At her death bed, she repeatedly called for forgiveness towards her murderer, and her mother forgave him. Each chapter ends with a long example of radical forgiveness and mercy show to those who have committed what many would regard as unforgivable crimes.
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/godlessindixie/2016/09/29/when-neither-atheists-nor-christians-offer-you-a-safe-space/