Yeah... no matter how I look at it, I can't see any version of atonement based on a gruesome execution as a meaningful positive basis for my spirituality. I don't feel like it's an inspiring story really, but Christians are stuck finding ways to see it as holy :/ perhaps unsurprising there are so many unsatisfactory explanations.

Imagine if Jesus had lived a long life, continuing to wander the land and share his teachings, until he reached old age and passed away peacefully surrounded by his followers. No crucifixion, no human sacrifice to build into the religion. How would Christianity be different? Would his teachings about life still be just as valuable? Would any Christians feel like it was a relief to drop the whole execution thing as a central point of the theology?