The Love of the Crucified and the Ontology of Violence beyond three soteriological heresies

Abstract

In this essay we defend that Christ saved us on the cross, assuming it is the central place of the paschal glory. For this, we take distance from three soteriological misunderstandings that we consider unorthodox. The first error extols Jesus' justice movement, regardless of the authentic revelation that takes place on the cross (heresy
of “Spartacism” of peligian roots). The second heterodox understanding is the consideration of Christ's cross as a mere process towards the final total fullness (heresy of a happy ending of gnostic roots). Also, we reject a third interpretation of the cross that conceives Christ's suffering and death as atonement of an infinite debt of mankind to God (heresy of theological sadomasochism of pagan roots). On the one hand, here we argue that Christ's salvation on the cross for us is due to giving us his love in a sublime way in tune with his lifestyle and because he loves God and us to the highest. This way, Christ’s forgiveness redeems us from the ontology of violence. On the other hand, we assert that resurrection does not remove any drama of this life and that resurrection is not a reward for those who deserve it, since the resurrection has its cause in God's gratuitous action which fills us with hope.