Diane Leclerc and Brent Peterson worked collaboratively to author “The Back Side of the Cross.” This novel beautifully brings awareness to the extensive meaning of and work done by Jesus on the cross. I have had the blessings of having several conversations with Dr. Peterson while I was pastoring in Idaho. Dr. Peterson is the Dean of the College of Theology and Christian Ministries at Northwest Nazarene University. Peterson attended NNC for his bachelor’s degree, Nazarene Theological Seminary for his Master of Divinity, and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary for his Ph.D. Peterson is an ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene. Dr. Leclerc has published numerous articles along with 7 books. Leclerc has worked at NNU for 20+ years and is currently the professor of Historical Theology. Leclerc has served in different societies and communities such as president of the Wesleyan Theological Society, a member of the North American Nazarene Women Clergy Council, and member of the Articles of Faith Theology Committee in the Church of the Nazarene. Knowing this background of these authors is important to prepare for the theological lens they will endeavor to use when analyzing the “back side of the cross.” As a district licensed pastor in the Church of the Nazarene, I do not anticipate to find much if any disagreements with any theological statements contended.
Chapter 1 is a thorough introduction of what the book is speaking on and not speaking on. As Christians, we often see the cross merely for making atonement for the sins we have committed. The authors present the question “does the cross of Christ have anything to say to the ‘sinned-against’?” (Page 27). We often try to defend or rationalize God’s existence when there is horror, terror, pain, and tears that exist in the world. The authors affirm that theodicy is not the focus of this book. We focus so much on trying to answer the problem of sin existing with an all-loving and all-powerful God to an extent where it then estranges the victims from Christians. It invalidates their experiences and pain. The Church must allow these victims to share their experiences that are “peculiarly alienating and dehumanizing” (40). The word “victim” being used it not to keep victims in a place of victimization, but instead to acknowledge that they are the recipients facing the repercussions of being sinned against.
I am very excited to read “The Back Side of the Cross.” This is an area in theology that I haven’t encountered much and, as a counselor, I believe is very much needed. I am hoping to read in these pages practical theology to help with healing for those who have been sinned against and need healing from trauma. I believe that true healing, restoration, and redemption comes from Christ. I intend to present a review and critique of this book in chunks here on the blog as I continue to make my way through it. I encourage you all to get a copy of the book for yourself!