In a couple of weeks, we are going to be singing the Stuart Townend song ‘In Christ Alone’ at both 9:30 and 11am services. I was first introduced to it at a home group meeting, and I found it 99% wonderful. The 1% that I didn’t like was the line ‘on the cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied’. I have been wondering whether to talk about it in the sermon, and explain why I don’t like it. I’ve even wondered about changing the line.

Turns out that I’m not the only one (see also the comments at T1:9 where I came across the story). As I mentioned before, I left the meeting with ++Rowan before the final act of worship, so I didn’t pick up the amendment that Chris had made.

What’s wrong with talking about God’s wrath? It’s undoubtedly Biblical. In part it is because of the doctrine of penal substitution (see my previous posts here and here). I have great difficulty with the doctrine of penal substitution, and the theology of divine wrath lying behind it. I find the theology of Julian of Norwich (there is no wrath in God) much more in tune with what I know of Jesus. Two main sources for my objections: this book by a former tutor (and big influence) which shows the diabolical consequences of the doctrine in practical affairs, and this book which gives a Girardian take.

Put simply, I think language of God’s wrath is about our own projections of our inner demons onto Him, rather than reflecting a truth about who God is within Himself. In Him is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.