Episode Overview

In this second part of their atonement series, hosts Anthony Parrott and Tonetta Landis-Aina dive deeper into healthier frameworks for understanding the cross, moving beyond problematic theologies toward more life-giving perspectives. They explore concepts like the harrowing of hell, Christus Victor, and René Girard's scapegoat theory while emphasizing how the cross reveals God's radical solidarity with the marginalized.

Key Topics Discussed 1. The Cross as Radical Power Reversal

Challenges to Christian nationalism
Power displayed through weakness
The cross as counter-imperial statement

2. The Cross as Lynching

Connection between crucifixion and American lynching history
James Cone's The Cross and the Lynching Tree
Understanding the cross through the lens of racial violence and solidarity with victims

3. Language Matters: Reconciliation vs. Cleansing

Translation issues with "atonement" (at-one-ment)
Being saved from misconceptions about God's wrath, not from God's wrath itself

4. Participation in Atonement

Co-suffering love (not coercive suffering)
Local, contextual discipleship
Christ suffered ahead of us, not instead of us

5. The Harrowing of Hell

Jesus' descent to free the dead
Death as prison that cannot hold God
Early church imagery of chains breaking under the cross

6. Christus Victor

Christ's victory over sin, death, and evil
Both spiritual and physical dimensions
The church as continuation of Christ's victory through acts of love and justice

7. René Girard and Scapegoat Theory

Mimetic desire and rivalry
The cross as revelation (not blessing) of the scapegoat mechanism
Breaking cycles of accusation and violence

Books and Resources Referenced Books Mentioned

The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James Cone
Sacred Self-Care by Dr. Shaniqua Walker-Barnes
The Wood Between the Worlds by Brian Zahnd
The Day the Revolution Began by N.T. Wright
Crucifixion by Martin Hengel
The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

Scholars Referenced

René Girard (French philosopher, mimetic theory)
Dr. Shaniqua Walker-Barnes
Brian Zahnd
N.T. Wright
Martin Hengel
James Cone
Brian Blount (Black New Testament scholar)
Douglas Campbell
Scot McKnight
Jennifer Bashaw (on scapegoating)
Chris Green (theologian)
David Bentley Hart

Key Scripture References

John 12:20-25 - Jesus on his coming death
Ephesians 4:8-10 - descent to lower regions
1 Peter 3:18-20 - proclamation to imprisoned spirits
Hebrews 2 - freedom from fear of death
1 John 3:8 - destroying the works of the devil
Colossians 2 - leading powers in parade

Historical References

Alexamenos graffiti (Roman graffiti mocking Christians)
Samuel Dewitt Proctor Conference
Birmingham church bombing
Lynching Memorial (Equal Justice Initiative)

Memorable Quotes

"The cross is foolishness and we are faithful to foolishness"
"Death cannot digest divinity"
"Christ suffered ahead of us, not instead of us"
"We are slowly bending the arc of history towards justice"
"The crucifixion of Christ was not a defeat that was overturned by resurrection. Rather, it was a victory revealed in resurrection"

Contact Information

Instagram: @PastorParrott and @TonettaLandis

Podcast Instagram: @loam.fm

Email for questions: podcast@loam.fm

Note to Listeners

The hosts welcome questions for a potential Q&A episode. Send your questions to podcast@loam.fm to participate in future discussions about gospel, faith, and social justice.