Christianity Quote by Steven Pinker
““More to the point, what was the lesson that the first Christians drew from crucifixion? Today such a barbarity might galvanize people into opposing brutal regimes, or demanding that such torture never again be inflicted on a living creature. But those weren´t the lessons the early Christians drew at all. No, the execution of Jesus is The Good News, a necessary step in the most wonderful episode in history. In allowing the crucifixion to take place, God did the world an incalculable favor. Though infinitely powerful, compassionate, and wise, he could think of no other way to reprieve humanity from punishment for its sins (in particular, for the sin of being descended from a couple who had disobeyed him) that to allow, an innocent man (his son no less) to be impaled through the limbs and slowly suffocate in agony. By acknowledging that this sadistic murder was a gift of divine mercy, people could earn eternal life. And if they failed to see the logic in all this, their flesh would be seared by fire for all eternity.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Better Angels of Our Nature, 2011
Early Christians interpreted Jesus’ crucifixion as a divine act of mercy that offers salvation, not merely a political statement.
In simple terms: Christians saw the crucifixion as a merciful gift for humanity.
Key Takeaway
Understand religious narratives as theological explanations of suffering.
Themes
faith
theology
redemption
suffering
interpretation
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- religious education
- interfaith dialogue
- ethical reflection
Key Concepts
Divine mercy
atonement
theodicy
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do some view suffering as a path to redemption?
- How does this view affect moral responsibility?
A Different Perspective
Interpretations vary across denominations and cultures.
