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. In On Being a Theologian of the Cross, Gerhard O. Forde 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. The book 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. The main body of the book provides commentary on the Heidelberg Disputation-the only complete analysis of this document currently available. Underlying Forde's exposition is the contention that one ought not to speak of the theology of the cross merely as 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.
On Being a Theologian of the Cross
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
47 of 47 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
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.
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.
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
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.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
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.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This book explores the question of "by what means doth man acquire the righteousness to stand before God?" It explains the primacy of sanctification by grace.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
"The Love of God does not first discover but creates what is pleasing to it." Thesis 28.
My dog-eared copy of this book got that way through reading it during my daily commutes on the train through Heidelberg, Germany, where Luther delivered his Disputation in front of his Augustinian Order. As an Army Chaplain, and familiar with much suffering, I've found deep solace in knowing that suffering is God's "alien" work in me. He humbles me and brings me to the cross, the place of Christ's suffering, where I can do nothing but throw myself on His mercy. The Cross changes EVERYTHING, and this book has thrown that truth into sharp focus, both theologically and practically, in my living and my preaching.
Through suffering God creates us for His love. "God simply refuses to be known in any other way." The cross alone is our theology, and this book has been indispensable, to me, in coming to that conviction.
Chaplain Mark Nordstrom, US Army
My dog-eared copy of this book got that way through reading it during my daily commutes on the train through Heidelberg, Germany, where Luther delivered his Disputation in front of his Augustinian Order. As an Army Chaplain, and familiar with much suffering, I've found deep solace in knowing that suffering is God's "alien" work in me. He humbles me and brings me to the cross, the place of Christ's suffering, where I can do nothing but throw myself on His mercy. The Cross changes EVERYTHING, and this book has thrown that truth into sharp focus, both theologically and practically, in my living and my preaching.
Through suffering God creates us for His love. "God simply refuses to be known in any other way." The cross alone is our theology, and this book has been indispensable, to me, in coming to that conviction.
Chaplain Mark Nordstrom, US Army
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Forde offers readers a remarkable perspective on living the Christian life in true devotion to Christ versus living for self glory. This is by all means not just a book for theologians and scholars. This book speaks to any person earnest about worshipping Jesus in Spirit and in Truth.
The content of this book is an antidote to the self-glorifying message shared by many Christian leaders today. Forde pulls no punches in interpreting and explaining Luther's right-on analysis of Biblical truths.
The end result of the book is self-examination and reformation before the cross of Christ, the power and wisdom of God. This books message is one of true liberation from self-righteousness and legalism; this message brings freedom and life.
Read this book and become crucified with Christ that you might also be raised in him.
The content of this book is an antidote to the self-glorifying message shared by many Christian leaders today. Forde pulls no punches in interpreting and explaining Luther's right-on analysis of Biblical truths.
The end result of the book is self-examination and reformation before the cross of Christ, the power and wisdom of God. This books message is one of true liberation from self-righteousness and legalism; this message brings freedom and life.
Read this book and become crucified with Christ that you might also be raised in him.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A deep, deep book
I love this book as it really gave very deep insights into the very essence of Christianity - the cross of Christ and inevitability of it in our lives. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Didzis Stilve
3.0 out of 5 stars
Reflections on Forde's Reflections
Before I read this book, I heard that it was pretty great. And, I can't stress enough the importance of understanding the difference between the "theology of glory" and the... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Fat Friar 16
5.0 out of 5 stars
very thought provoking
I found this to be a very interesting book, not just because if its theological subject matter but also because of its examples of argumentation (I teach rhetoric).
Published 6 months ago by Bert
5.0 out of 5 stars
Seminal book on Protestant thought
This book is viewed by several protestant ministers as the best book on Protestant orthodox theology second to the Christian (Protestant) Bible. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Oregonian in New York
5.0 out of 5 stars
Grace, Law, & The Cross - Not Just For Lutherans
This is a short book, but not a quick read. Forde comments and reflects on Luther's Heidelberg Disputation of 1518, and the result is one of the best Christian books written in the... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Bradley Bevers
4.0 out of 5 stars
A useful concise guide to the Theology of the Cross
Forde's concise book of reflections on the Hiedelberg Disputation that become the foundation for the Lutheran concept of "Theology of the Cross" is a short read that is relatively... Read more
Published 10 months ago by jwinterscom
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wow!
What a great follow-up read to Veith's Spirituality of the Cross! Don't read this book unless you're ready to become a confessional Lutheran!!!
Published 14 months ago by Robert Schneider
5.0 out of 5 stars
Theology of cross not theology of glory
Forde explains clearly what Luther meant by "theology of cross" and "theology of glory." it is worth reading just for these explanations, but is also an amazing commentary on... Read more
Published on August 28, 2010 by Justin Holcomb
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding book. Sola Fide!
I am a seminary student, so I read a great many theology books. Though quite short, this is easily one of the most important books I have read. It is absolutely excellent. Read more
Published on February 10, 2010 by Jeff Adams
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is a must have!
This is the best (and perhaps the only) commentary in English on Luther's "Heidelberg Disputations." It also includes quotes (in English) from the primary source work. Read more
Published on July 3, 2009 by Aidan McDowell
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 9
books:
See all 9 books this book cites
2
books
cite this book:
- Lighten Our Darkness by David Monge in Front Matter (1), and Front Matter (2)
- Without God, Without Creed: The Origins of Unbelief in America (New Studies in American Intellectual and Cultural History) by James C. Turner on page 85
- Bondage of the Will, The by J. I. Packer on page 56
- The Augsburg Confession by Philipp Melanchthon on page 97
- All Things New: Essays in Honor of Roy a Harrisville (Word and World Supplement Series No 1) by Arland J. Hultgren in Front Matter
See all 9 books this book cites
- My Conversations with Martin Luther by Timothy F. Lull in Back Matter
- The Reformation Theologians: An Introduction to Theology in the Early Modern Period by Carter Lindberg on page 66
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