{"product_id":"why-the-cross-understanding-the-shape-of-the-christian-life-9781739716264","title":"Why the Cross? Understanding the Shape of the Christian Life","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe cross is the defining symbol of Christianity. It is by turn misunderstood, misappropriated, venerated, and under-appreciated; absorbing a variety of meanings from the inspiring to the problematic. Inside or outside the church, its over-familiarity is its strength and its weakness, reduced at times to mere branding.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYet within the New Testament scriptures, and the lives of the early Christian communities, 'the cross' represents a multi-faceted theology which grapples with state violence, lament, supernatural healing, self-sacrifice; a life full of fear and mystery. By combing through those writings, we discover a cross which is not a static symbol but an unfinished process: defining the shape of our own lives, if we dare to let it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Lab\/Ora Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50498934505746,"sku":"9781739716264","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_9e9cd0d9-c9d8-4ef5-9a87-0cf018a22b84.jpg?v=1730737249","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/why-the-cross-understanding-the-shape-of-the-christian-life-9781739716264","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}