Cross in Tensions: Luther’s Theology of the Cross as Theologico-Social Critique
Overview
In this text, Philip Ruge-Jones maps the power relationships that Luther’s theology addressed and turns to specific works that challenge established structures of his world. Ruge-Jones explores how Luther’s Latin texts undermine the ideological assumptions and presumptions that bolstered an opulent church and empire, how Luther uses the cross of Christ to challenge what he called volatilem cogitatum, “knowledge that is prone to violence.” Ruge-Jones also discusses how Luther’s German writings—directed to a broader, more popular audience—focus this critique of human pretensions into an attack on systems of wealth, status, and power that refuse to look with compassion upon the many domestic servants of Germany. Finally, analyzing his popular pamphlets, Ruge-Jones highlights how the visual images show, with graphic specificity, that throughout his life Christ sought out solidarity with the least—contrasting brutally with images of a church consumed with acquiring wealth, political influence, military power, and status.
Top Highlights
“‘To believe means to live in constant contradiction of empirical reality and to trust one’s self to that which is hidden” (Page 13)
“ Ebeling states that the law always makes demands upon us, while the gospel always is promise or gift” (Page 15)
“exposes their theology of glory. The theology of the cross stands against all such claims to glory and power” (Page 13)
“religious intellectualism and moralism. He shows that both are in opposition to the cross” (Page 12)
“disgrace, poverty, death and everything that is shown us in the suffering Christ.” (Page 7)
- Title: Cross in Tensions: Luther’s Theology of the Cross as Theologico-Social Critique
- Author: Philip Ruge-Jones
- Series: Princeton Theological Monograph Series
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications
- Print Publication Date: 2008
- Logos Release Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Luther, Martin, 1483-1546; Theology of the cross › History of doctrines--16th century; Jesus Christ › Crucifixion--History of doctrines--16th century
- ISBNs: 9781556355226, 9781498250405, 9781630878108, 155635522X, 1498250408, 1630878103
- Resource ID: LLS:CRSSTNSNSTHCRTQ
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T23:01:26Z