Crux – The Place Of the Cross In The Process Of Transformation 

Author: Dave Andrews; Publisher: Mosaic; Paperback:100 Pages $17.95

‘Dave Andrews has long been a voice of passion, grace and truth for those who seek to follow the radical way of the cross of Christ. These provocative essays exploring the story of the cross ought to become a highlight of his already brilliant writings. In them Dave forces us to confront our propensity to distort the cross, making it into the very same kind of violent myth it seeks to subvert.

How we understand the cross forms the very centre of how we answer questions regarding what it means to be God’s people—who are we, what are we to do, and how are we to do it? Dave offers us an alternative to contemporary violent atonement theories by showing that the cross, far from asserting violent power, unmasks it, puts it on public display! With his characteristic sensitivity, Dave shows us that the problems inherent in the narrative of the cross lie not with the cross itself, but with our telling of the story, with our understanding of that crescendo of history.

Discussion of the atonement is of course fashionable in the Western Church in recent times, and so Dave’s subject matter is not unprecedented. However his approach is refreshing. Dave manages to communicate difficult concepts, typically argued in scholarly contexts, in language that is accessible for all people. What he has written is a fantastic starting point for those who are exploring these themes for the first time as well as a stimulating read for those more experienced.

In addition to Dave’s well-reasoned arguments are his wonderful stories that emanate from a life of trying to embody what he teaches. Dave’s persuasive power goes beyond the mere cerebral as he shares both personal and anecdotal tales of cross-centred love. These stories put ‘flesh on the bones’ of the theology Dave outlays, a theology of subversive ethics and incarnational love. Through such stories we are challenged and encouraged to more faithfully take up our own crosses and exhibit the costly grace and revolutionary compassion of Christ who suffered and died to save his people from their sins. Dave’s liturgies, songs, poems and questions also provoke us into deep reflection and prayer, a response both appropriate and necessary.

I’m sure Dave’s essays will prove controversial for some, simply because of the sensitive nature of the subject. However I wholeheartedly believe the challenge they pose to violent interpretations of Christ’s redeeming work is a crucial one in the Church today. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend these essays to anyone questioning the meaning of the cross, those wanting to better understand the relevance of Jesus’ death for kingdom mission today, or those who simply wish to be challenged and transformed by Jesus’ revolutionary love.

Matthew Anslow