Why Did He Die?

This is what we can say with historical accuracy about Jesus of Nazareth; that a young Galilean healer, preacher and exorcist called Jesus was executed by the Roman authorities in or around the year 33 AD, and that he had such an effect on his group of followers that their lives were transformed forever, so much so that they believed that he was the Christ, the Son of God who rose from the dead and walked among them.

Those are the facts, but there is a lot more to truth than mere facts, and on Good Friday, one of the most sacred days in the Christian calendar when the death of Jesus is commemorated, The God Slot asks the question: Why did he die?

To help us try to find an answer, presenter Eileen Dunne is joined by a very distinguished panel; the Abbot of Glenstal, Mark Patrick Hederman, lecturer in Theology and Ethics at Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology and our regular film critic, Barry McMillan, Emeritus Professor of Theology at the University of Wales and Visiting Professor at St. Mary’s University College, Twickenham, Mary Grey, and the rector of Kill of the Grange, Blackrock and Theology graduate, the Rev. Ferran Glenfield.

All aspects of the death of Jesus are examined, from traditional Theology to the Hollywood treatment of the event to its impact on our world, and listeners may be surprised by some of the explanations given. Our programme may not resolve anything, but we are certain that it will provide food for thought and lively, interesting listening for Good Friday for all people of good will.

We wish all our listeners a very Happy Easter.