The NFL has come under severe scrutiny for its handling of domestic violence during the last few months. Rodger Goodell has admitted to fumbling the Ray Rice case, has admitted that the NFL has a problem with abusing women, and he has committed himself to finding a solution. There are many reasons to be cynical about Goodell. Maybe the only reason he’s attempting to implement changes is because of public pressure, the loss of public sponsorship, and the fact that... Read more
This Thursday at 12:00 Eastern, we have the good pleasure of talking with Benjamin Corey about his book Undiluted: Rediscovering the Radical Message of Jesus. Now, by “we,” I mean exactly that. You and I will be able to ask Benjamin questions and make comments about his book on a live chat! All you have to do is register (for free!) by clicking here. Why do we at Teaching Nonviolent Atonement want to talk with Benjamin?* Well, like Benjamin, we... Read more
As a parent dedicated to mimetic theory, I know that the stories we tell our children pattern them in certain ways. Children have a remarkable capacity to learn not only reading, writing, and arithmetic, but also how to relate to others. Stories are particularly influential tools that teach children how to do just that. Of course, their learning potential can be patterned in relating to others in violent ways or in nonviolent and loving ways. And like so many parents... Read more
Here at Teaching Nonviolent Atonement we have written a lot about nonviolence. We take seriously the words of Jesus that we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. We believe that violence begets violence, or as Jesus put it, “Those who live by the sword die by the sword.” We also take seriously the words of René Girard, the founder of mimetic theory, that we are now “confronted with a perfectly straightforward and even scientifically calculable choice... Read more
Is Adrian Peterson being scapegoated? Suzanne and Adam discuss ways in which the condemnation of Peterson’s physical punishment of his child– which certainly deserves to be condemned — can make us feel as if we are doing enough to protect children. Could it be that uniting against Peterson prevents us from examining our own complicity in abusive child rearing practices? Links to articles mentioned: Benjamin L. Corey’s “Why Jesus Wants You To Stop Spanking Your Kids” Michael Eric Dyson’s “Punishment... Read more
What’s the difference between a beheading and a crucifixion? I ask the question as a Christian because we profess that a method of execution every bit as shocking, and perhaps even more cruel, than the beheader’s axe is the vehicle of our salvation. If we do not reflect upon the difference (and the disturbing similarities) between our veneration of the cross and the state support of the beheader’s axe by the self-declared Islamic State in the Levant (ISIL) then we... Read more
Do you feel safe? President Obama made his case for war against ISIS during his address to the nation last night. He juxtaposed two statements that sum up the contradictory message that American presidents have been telling us with a straight face since at least the Vietnam War: America is safer. Still, we continue to face a terrorist threat. I don’t feel safe. We’ve been fighting the “War on Terror” for 13 years – and what have we earned for... Read more
A second video surfaced on Monday that confirmed what many already knew to be true – Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice knocked out his future wife, Janay Palmer, with a punch to the head in a hotel elevator last February. The first video of the incident surfaced a few months ago. It should Rice dragging an unconscious Palmer from the elevator. Later at a press conference, Rice admitted that his actions were “inexcusable” and that the couple were in... Read more
It’s been fourteen years since our government declared war on terrorism. How are we doing? It feels like a disastrous game of Whack-A-Terrorist, doesn’t it? We kill one terrorist hiding in one hole, and out pops another one from another hole. Now we are facing the newest threat, a terrorist organization seeking to set up a nation-state, ISIS or IS, as it is called. The Islamic State, at least, would be a concrete opponent. If they hold on to territory... Read more
My family recently went on a vacation to Coeur D’Alene, Idaho. Coeur D’Alene is a city in northern Idaho that is not only impossible to spell, but it nestles upon against an impossibly beautiful lake where my aunt and uncle own a gorgeous home. I had a great time playing in the water with my three children. We swam, rode a paddle boat, and played in the sand. All safe and fun activities that were perfect for my 7, 6,... Read more
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