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On Being a Theologian of the Cross: Reflections on Luther's Heidelberg Disputation, 1518 (Theology)

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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.

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.

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.

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.

"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

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.

Gerhard O. Forde opens the heart of Luther's theology in this little book of his: Luther's beliefs on sin, the bondage of the human will, the inability of the unsaved person outside Christ to do a "good" work in God's eyes, and salvation by grace alone in the cross of Christ.

Yes, this book is small--yet what a book it is! In this book Forde covers the 28 theses Luther wrote on this topic, with the first, which presents God's damning Law, to the last, which shines forth the very love of God. Thus, as the reader travels through the book he is faced with God's Law and Gospel. In thesis 21, Forde even corrects a mistranslation in the American Edition of Luther's Works: Luther did not mean the "theology of glory" but being a "theologian of the cross." Forde shows that Luther was not only referring to doctrine, but its application!

The theology of the cross is the true Gospel of God's salvation of dead sinners out of His grace through the suffering and death of the cross of Jesus Christ alone; we call this divine monergism, because salvation is God's doing throughout. The theology of the cross rules out and curses all human worth, especially the best we have to offer. For the best we have to offer are the very things on which we are tempted to rely. In extreme contrast is the theology of glory, which is the corruption of the Gospel because it states a waiting God comes to bless a person who contributes some 'little bit,' to his salvation. The cross' exposure of man as completely helpless in his own salvation may offend the theologians of glory. Yet if a person can cooperate in his salvation, decide for God, make a decision for Christ, then the theology of man, that is, of glory pits itself against the theology of grace.

If this is a bit abrasive to you in verbiage, you will still find the book to be a splendid read. For this review can hardly do justice to Luther, and yes Forde, who put such theology in such a small amount of print. When you finish this book, you will be yearning its absence immediately, wishing you had savored the pearls of wisdom dripping from its pages.

While the title of this book might lead you to think that it will be a terribly dry academic dissertation, do not be deceived. It is wonderfully accessible. Forde leads the reader on a guided tour of Luther's classic confrontation of the Theologian of the Cross against the Theologian of Glory. In the process, he reveals that though we may not realize it, there is a theologian of glory in all of us that must be brought to heel before we can enter into a proper relationship with the God who provides all of our righteousness through Jesus Christ.

My only complaint is that I would have like to have had the full text of Luther's proofs available, even if as an appendix. Forde quotes from them frequently, and no doubt presents the material in an easieer to understand manner, but I would have liked to have easy access to all the Luther had to say.

Luther's "theology of the cross" has always challenged those who see Christian spirituality simply as a path of morality. In clear, simple language Forde illustrates Luther's arguement that Christian spirituality is not found in self-improvement or self-denial, but in repentance and the embrace of the Gospel. This book should be required reading for Lutheran homiletics. A must for Lutheran clergy and those seeking to understand what it means to be Lutheran.

This book will join along side about 3 of my top must reads (aside from Scripture) for my children should something ever happen to me before they grow up. This book sets forth Luther's rock solid argument against all theologies of glory, and why Law/Gospel distinction is so necessary. Nothing destroys the false idea of good works in justification and sanctification like this one by showing the real insideous deadliness of such teachings. This book goes to great length to show where true salvation lies and ultimately those good works that are acceptable, Christ alone.

If you have ever struggled with assurance, depression about being a Christian, your Christian walk, hearing mongrel sermons confusing Law and Gospel - this book is for you. Read it and leap for the joy of the Gospel that lies within. From thesis 1 through thesis 28 Luther forever slams the door shut on all theologies of glory, including our own individual struggles with such.