In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore different theological perspectives on Jesus' suffering, redemption, and death on the cross. They discuss the historical views of Saint Anselm and Thomas Aquinas, examining the necessity of Jesus' death and the fittingness of the cross. The conversation includes personal anecdotes and the introduction of modern thinkers like René Girard and Bernard Lonergan, who provide contemporary frameworks for understanding salvation and scapegoating. The episode emphasizes the importance of continually seeking new metaphors and analogies to make the meaning of the cross accessible and relevant for each generation.01:01 Exploring Jesus' Suffering and Death01:41 Anselm's Medieval Perspective04:26 Thomas Aquinas' Approach04:56 Dinner Table Theology06:45 The Fittingness of the Cross12:21 Modern Thinkers on the Cross16:59 Facing Mortality: Choices and Practices17:29 Modern Metaphors of the Cross17:59 Introduction to René Girard's Thought18:57 Scapegoating and World Mythology20:22 The Unique Perspective of the Bible22:45 The Cross and Contemporary Culture28:43 The Role of Preachers and Theologians