On Being a Theologian of the Cross (Theology) (Paperback)

~ Mr. Gerhard O. Forde (Author) "THESIS I. The law of God, the most salutary doctrine of life, cannot advance humans on their way to righteousness, but rather hinders them..." (more)
Key Phrases: things through suffering, most salutary doctrine, passive capacity, Old Adam, New York, Word of God (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Gerhard Forde examines the nature of the "theology of the cross, noting what makes it different from other kinds of theology. His starting point is a thorough analysis of Luther's Heidelberg Disputation of 1518, the classic text of the theology of the cross.

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (August 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080284345X
• ISBN-13: 978-0802843456
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #53,581 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Cross alone is our theology, June 22, 2000

By	Scott Johnson (Ames, Iowa) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazing - five years after beginning seminary and after two years of ordained ministry, I still believe that all Christians should read ON BEING A THEOLOGIAN OF THE CROSS. This book was life-changing for me during a stormy first year of seminary; I still read it annually and find myself challenged and comforted by Dr. Forde's utter trust in the cross of Christ as proof that God will have mercy on sinners, even if it kills Him (and then the cross begins its work on us).

Dr. Forde died this past fall after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's Disease. I was one of several hundred Lutheran pastors who had the privilege of studying under Dr. Forde at Luther Seminary, and from personal experience I can tell you that the rapier wit and laser-like focus of OBTC are a reflection of the man who wrote the words. For Christians, Forde always argued, seeking God away from the cross of Christ is dangerous because it is in the cross that God means to be found.

Dr. Forde's radical work challenges us all in our addiction to salvation through good works, a false hope if ever there was one. With brilliant clarity Forde makes the case that Luther made so radically in his own day: that the cross alone saves, and it saves us as much from our ambitions as it does our sin.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't let the title scare you!, August 10, 2002

By	Robert Knetsch "Wanna-be theologian" (Toronto, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

For those who love theology as I do, this is a masterpiece of theological analysis that goes intot great detail into one of Luther's great treatises.

On initial perusal of the Heidleberg disputation, one may not be familiar with the issues that Luther wished to address at the time. Known perhaps more popularly for his 99 theses, this disputation is more clear example of Luther's thoughts on what being a "theologian of the cross" really means. Forde challenges anyone to, with Luther, be very careful in acting more like a "theologian of glory", as Luther put it, than a theologian of the cross. The latter instance is more difficult, for it means believing in a God that underatnd suffering, a God that is scandalous in his desire to be known as a god who is known for showing power in extreme weakness, in a human that hangs from a cross.

On the other hand, Forde is careful not to let Luther's disputation put forth a view that theology is about a "suffering" God per se, but that we do not know God through lofty ideas such as "omnipotence" and "glory". Forde, using Luther, brings balance to the concept of grace, sin and suffering.

This book is a must for those interested in issues durrounding the Reformation and Luther's theology of grace.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Theologian of Glory Exposed., March 12, 2000

By A Customer

In this gem, O Forde first gives some historical background to Luther's Heidelberg Disputation (nothing to do with the Heidelberg Catechism). Then he proceeds to compare throughout the book the Thologian of Glory with the Theologian of the Cross using the 25 thesis's of the Disputation. All along as it develops through sin, law, good works to the cross he hems in and leaves no escape for the 'theologian of glory' except death to self and faith in Christ for obtaining righteousness before God. Masterfully done. Chock full of Luther quotes/references.