Christians invited to nationwide exploration of atonement
-17/03/05
In light of the ongoing debate within Evangelicalism about the meaning of Jesus’ crucifixion sparked by Baptist minister and founder of Oasis Steve Chalke’s controversial book “The Lost Message of Jesus” Christians are being invited to five all-day events around the country which will include teaching on the differing Christian ideas about the cross.
It comes after debate was reignited with the news that the Evangelical Alliance had pre-empted a symposium on the subject by adopting of a new ‘Basis of Faith’ which appears to endorse the idea of penal substitution – one idea about the cross which is at the heart of the controversy.
The events – designed to equip Christians with understanding of some of the issues involved – are part of the ‘Workshop‘ course, which provides theological training throughout the UK for those with busy lives.
‘Workshop’ which gave birth to, and is a partner of, the Christian thinktank Ekklesia, has been offering theological training in the UK for over 20 years.
Over 6,000 people have completed the Workshop course since it began in 1983.
The five all-day events which will include an accessible but in depth view of ideas of atonement will take place in Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds, London and Manchester during the month of April.
Each day will incorporate four sessions lasting 85 minutes each.
The days will begin by looking at the poetry and wisdom literature of the Hebrew scriptures and aid understanding of “the rhythms of the ancient Hebrew heart and mind”. The next session will examine differing ideas of atonement, the various understandings of what took place on the cross and how Christian thinking has changed during the history of the church.
After lunch there will be a session looking at the tension of living between ëthis ageí and ëthe age to comeí following the inbreaking of the Kingdom of God in Jesus Christ. The day will end by looking at the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and its importance.
All the events are free.
Noel Moules, the director of the Workshop course said; “We hope that these events will both and challenge and inform Christians around the country who are keen to demystify what to many will seem like a confusing and irrelevant theological discussion”
“It is surprising how many Christians do not pause to consider their conception of the cross. But our ideas of what took place at Calvary influence everything from our understanding of God’s character and God’s love to our conception of church, what it means to do justice and how we respond to issues of peace and war.”
The events are scheduled as follows:
Saturday 9th April BRISTOL: St Thomas More RC School, Stottbury Road, Horfield, Bristol BS7 9NH
Sunday 10th April BIRMINGHAM: St George’s School, 31 Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 1RX
Saturday 16th April: MANCHESTER: Canon Williamson CofE School, Northfleet Road, Peel Green, Eccles, Manchester M30 7PQ
Sunday 17th April LEEDS: Unity Centre, Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Leeds LS7 1AB
Saturday 23rd April LONDON: Falconbrook School, Wye Street, Battersea, London SW11 2LX (the running order will be slightly different in London with ideas of atonement as the last session in the day)
All events are free and run from 9.00am till 5.30pm Those attending should bring a packed lunch.
All enquiries for both media and those wishing to find our more of attend the events should ring the Anvil Trust office 0114 288 8816 or email: [email protected]