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The Executed God

Mark Lewis Taylor teaches at Princeton Theological Seminary, perhaps an unlikely place to launch as strong an attack upon the capital punishment system as this. Taylor argues that it is both ironic and hypocritical for Christians to support the very system of punishment that resulted in the death of the Savior. Further, at a time when this nation is waging a war against terrorism, the death penalty may, itself be, one of the most egregious examples of state sponsored terrorism in the western world. 

Winner, Best General Interest Book for 2001, Association of Theological Booksellers

From the publisher ...

Between 1980 and 2000, the number of prisoners in the U.S. has tripled to over 2 million people, 70 percent of them people of color. Indeed, by 2000, 3,600 people were on America's death rows. This growth industry currently employs 523,000 people.

Among abuses that Mark Taylor notes in this "theater of terror" are capital punishment, inordinate sentencing, violations of fairness in both process and results, racism in the justice system and prisons, prison rape and other terrorizing techniques, and paramilitary policing practices.

With twenty-five years of involvement with prison reform, Taylor passionately describes and explains the excesses and injustices in our corrections system and capital punishment to foster compassionate and effective Christian action. His book convincingly relates the life-engendering power of God — demonstrated in Jesus' cross and resurrection — to the potential transformation of the systems of death and imprisonment.

Selected reviews of this book ...

"A powerful critique of America as Empire and the challenge it poses for all who believe in the way of Jesus."
— James H. Cone, Union Theological Seminary, New York

"Mark Taylor’s absorbing examination of our shameful execution obsession is without a doubt the finest and most discerning theological analysis of the death penalty now available. There is no doubt that the question is once again back in the public eye, and his graphic and penetrating book will surely help focus the discussion we all need."
— Harvey Cox, Harvard Divinity School

"Taylor attacks U.S. prisons as racist and unjust. ... Taylor's voice is ... uncompromising, making this a moving if controversial read."
— Publishers Weekly

"Taylor explores how the reality that Jesus of Nazareth was executed can and should shape Christian response to the U.S. growth in prisons and execution of prisoners. He places the story of Jesus in its gritty social context, challenging Christians to understand the forces of injustice fueling the rise of the prison state, and to explore creative resistance. This is a synthesis of fine theology, insightful political analysis, and moral challenge for people of faith."
— The Other Side

 

Charles Henderson

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The Rev. Charles P. Henderson is a Presbyterian minister and Executive Director of
  CrossCurrents.
He is the author of God and Science (John Knox Press, 1986).  
A revised and expanded version of the book is appearing here.
God and Science (Hypertext Edition, 2005).
He is also editor of a new book, featuring articles by world class scientists and theologians, and illustrating the leading views on the relationship between science and religion:
Faith, Science and the Future (CrossCurrents Press, 2007).

Charles also tracks the boundry between the virtual and the real at his blog: Next World Design, focusing on the mediation of art, science and spirituality in the metaverse.  

For more information about Charles Henderson.