Taking on the Cross: Reimagining the Meaning of Jesus’ Life and Death

The Alliance of Baptists has been a progressive voice for thirty-five years, pushing the boundaries of Christianity towards anti-racism, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and gender equity in ministry. In Taking on the Cross, the Alliance gathers a diverse group of Baptist pastors, writers, and theologians who critically question substitutionary atonement theology-that Jesus died on the cross for humanity’s sins-and offers pathways for reimagining the meaning of Jesus’ life and death. The book begins with biblical and theological essays from multiple perspectives, then offers church resources-liturgy and faith formation-and finishes with a section on tools for the ministries of pastoral care and social justice. Each chapter concludes with questions that will make Taking on the Cross a favorite for book clubs, Sunday school classes, and small group discussions.