For many people, the crucifixion of Jesus by the Romans is just another tragic fact of history – a cruel travesty of justice, perhaps, but nothing more. But for Christians the death of Jesus has a much deeper and far-reaching significance.
Jane Williams examines the reasons why Jesus' death was seen by his first followers as nothing less than the demonstration of God's love for his creation, and the means by which we all can find forgiveness and redemption, both now and in the world to come.
Author
Jane Williams: Jane was born in India, one of five sisters, and read Theology at Cambridge University before going on to work in theological publishing and education. She is a tutor in Theology at St Mellitus College, London and Chelmsford, and a Visiting Lecturer at King's College, London. She also works as a Lecturer at the St Paul's Theological Centre, and for Redemptorist Publications. She is the author of several books including Approaching Easter, Approaching Christmas, Angel and mst recently Faces of Christ. Jane has been married to Rowan since 1981 and together they have a sonand a daughter. Jane Williams said many Christians felt uncomfortable talking about their beliefs and feared that doing so was 'not politicallycorrect'. But 'lazy' and 'scornful' attitudes towards people of faith in Britain must be challenged, she said, urging Christians to be more prepared to 'argue our corner'.
