Latest Commentary

“Crucifixon”, contemporary Indian artist F.N.Souza

THE EASTER WAY OF JESUS

A Modern Day Via Dolorosa

If Jesus died for anything, he laid down his life like most social prophets and martyrs as a complete and utter refutation and relinquishment of any vestiges of earthly kingdoms. Whatever the subsequent followers of the donkey king would retrospectively make of him, he was regarded by the powers that be as nothing more than a nuisance. As more than one biblical scholar has pointed out, the real significance of Jesus’ crucifixion lay in the fact that anyone subsequently noticed and cared about the execution of a nobody.  Yet it is the way of a nobody — not a somebody — that has so often altered the way of an otherwise weary world.

The early followers and gospel writers of “the way” provide multiple retrospective accounts of the ignominious death of a nobody, pointing clearly to the fact these were hardly historical accounts to be long-remembered; except for the personal transformative experiences, shaped by post-resurrection faith communities. They had no more tangible proof of Jesus’ still-living presence than we have today.  Yet on cannot read the various stories of Jesus’ death — along with those peculiar claims of some kind of “resurrection” — apart from the life of the one who died; and whose words and deeds have remained vitally alive for them.

For those of us who have long sought another path to Easter, the modern day example contained in this latest Words & Ways commentary suggests the resurrected Word can still be found. And the way is known to us. You can find the latest commentary Here.

Who Leads Pathways

John Bennison
In the last thirty-five years, John Bennison has been a teacher, preacher, lecturer, trainer, carpenter, coffin builder, counselor, spiritual advisor, ethicist, writer and lyricist, musician and entertainer, assembly-line union worker, small business entrepreneur, residential real estate specialist, corporate cog and executive director of a faith-based non-profit organization.

He’s authored eight publications on faith and values, and as an ordained minister served as a parish pastor over 25 years. He earned his Doctorate from Claremont School of Theology, as well as his BA degree in philosophy and religion from Lake Forest College.

Throughout his career he has helped groups, as well as individuals, discover how to both express and embrace those values they hold most deeply in their own lives (www.wordsnwayscommunications.com).

John contributes his leadership experience as Executive Director and Lead Teacher at Pathways, as he writes the Words & Ways commentaries and blogs on The Christian Progressive, engaging others everywhere in meaningful dialogue.

Meanwhile, John also continues to provide professional client services to buyers and sellers of residential real estate in the Bay Area area market (www.imaginecominghome.com).

Having raised two daughters, he resides with his spouse and golden retriever in Walnut Creek, California.