On Being a Theologian of the Cross: Reflections on Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation, 1518
Overview
While there is increasing interest in the “theology of the cross,” few people have specific knowledge of what makes it different from other kinds of theology. Gerhard O. Forde here provides an introduction to this theological perspective through an analysis of Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation of 1518, the classic text of the theology of the cross.
Forde first clarifies the difference between a theology of glory and a theology of the cross and explains how each perspective shapes the very nature of being a theologian. Forde then provides thorough commentary on the Heidelberg Disputation—the only complete analysis of this document currently available. Underlying Forde’s exposition is the idea that one ought not speak of the theology of the cross as merely another item among a host of theological options; instead, one must pursue what it means to be a theologian of the cross and to look at all things through suffering and the cross.
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Get On Being a Theologian of the Cross and more from Gerhard Forde with the Eerdmans Gerhard Forde Collection (5 vols.).
- Distinguishes between a “theology of glory” and a “theology of the cross”
- Provides thorough commentary on Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation of 1518
- Examines how a theology of the cross impacts how we approach theology generally
- Two Stories: The Glory Story and the Cross Story
- Two Ways of Being a Theologian
- The Problem of Good Works (Theses 1–12)
- The Problem of Will (Theses 13–18)
- The Great Divide: The Way of Glory versus the Way of the Cross (Theses 19–24)
- God’s Work in Us: The Righteousness of Faith (Theses 25–28)
Top Highlights
“One of the decisive questions in the battle between a theology of glory and a theology of the cross will always be the question of the will. A theology of glory always leaves the will in control. It must therefore seek to make its theology attractive to the supposed ‘free will.’ A theology of the cross assumes that the will is bound and must be set free. The cross story does that. Either it claims us or it doesn’t. If it does, it is the end of the glory story. We see in the death of Jesus our death, and we remember that we are dust.” (Page 9)
“because in the cross God has literally taken away from us the possibility of doing anything of religious merit” (Page 92)
“But the hallmark of a theology of glory is that it will always consider grace as something of a supplement to whatever is left of human will and power.” (Page 16)
“The fundamental question of the Disputation is how to arrive at that righteousness that will enable us to stand before God.” (Page 18)
“The cross draws us into itself so that we become participants in the story.” (Page 7)
Among contemporary English language writers, few have communicated the central insights of the young Luther’s theology with greater ease and clarity than Luther Seminary’s Gerhard Forde.
—Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Forde does not just write about a theology of the cross; he demonstrates what a theologian of the cross is through his very way of writing.
—Lutheran Quarterly
Vintage Forde—a straight out, ‘tell it the way it is’ presentation of sin and grace, life and faith, Christ and salvation.
—Word and World
- Title: On Being a Theologian of the Cross: Reflections on Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation, 1518
- Author: Gerhard O. Forde
- Publisher: Eerdmans
- Print Publication Date: 1997
- Logos Release Date: 2015
- Pages: 135
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Luther, Martin, 1483-1546 › Disputatio Heidelbergae habita; Luther, Martin, 1483-1546 › Contributions to theology; Atonement; Jesus Christ › Crucifixion; Holy Cross; Religious disputations › Germany; Reformation › Sources
- ISBNs: 9780802843456, 0802843456, 080284345X
- Resource ID: LLS:BNGTHLGNDSP1518
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T22:17:27Z
Reviews
2 ratings
Glenn Crouch
10/2/2020
Last year I had read the Heidelberg Disputation as part of Luther’s Works, Volume 31 - and whilst I did enjoy reading through this “strange” academic approach (and that volume had other disputations in it as well), I was far from having a good understanding. This fine little book is a way to better understand it - and I would say a must read for all those interested in what Luther meant by his two theologians - the theologian of the cross, and the theologian of glory. Whilst this book has helped my understanding, I am still far from understanding - which some would argue is perhaps appropriate. I would warn that just like Heidelberg Disputation itself, this book is not an easy read. I found myself often re-reading paragraphs to help wrap my head around things! I do plan and reading this book again, once I’ve got even more Luther under my belt :)
Faithlife User
7/12/2015
This is one of my favorite books, and I am thrilled it's going to be in Logos. It is intellectually challenging, spiritually edifying, and deeply rooted in both Scripture and the Western church's classical theology. If you read it, you will not walk away unchanged.