Theology of Consent — With Jonathan Foster

Free will, consent, scapegoating, Disney’s Encanto, desire, imitation, an open future, the crucifixion, and a God who experiences time and loves without control — this episode is PACKED with powerful topics that could change our lives and the way we approach the Bible and God. Jonathan Foster talks about his book, Theology of Consent: Mimetic Theory in an Open and Relational Universe. As soon as I heard the title, I knew I had to read it! Our conversation deconstructs the traditional interpretation of the crucifixion story (often called penal substitutionary atonement) in which blood must be shed to satisfy the wrath of a vengeful God. It’s a story that paints an angry, unforgiving, and violent God. Jonathan Foster offers an alternative interpretation of the crucifixion. How does consent impact the story of Jesus? Did Jesus have to die? Where to find Jonathan Foster: Substack: https://fosterj.substack.com/ Website: jonathanfosteronline.com Instagram: @jonathan_foster Interview Questions (listen to the episode to hear Jonathan Foster’s answers!): - What is mimetic theory? - What is scapegoating? - What is open and relational theology? - How do the concepts of free will and consent impact our theology? - Describe the “conventional” interpretation of the crucifixion. - Describe your interpretation of the crucifixion. - What role does consent play in the crucifixion, and how does consent change the narrative? - Did Jesus have to die that way to save humanity? Or was it the best way to reach out to people during his lifetime? - If God did not need Jesus to die, then what was the point? What is the significance of the crucifixion, and was it necessary for our salvation or not? - Overall, how do mimetic theory and open and relational theology together influence our understanding of the story of Jesus? - and more!