On Being a Theologian of the Cross: Reflections on Luther's Heidelberg Disputation, 1518While 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. |
Contents
Introductory Matters | 1 |
The Glory Story and the Cross Story | 5 |
Two Ways of Being a Theologian | 10 |
The Heidelberg Disputation | 23 |
The Problem of Will Theses 1318 | 49 |
The Great Divide The Way of Glory versus the Way of the Cross Theses 1924 | 69 |
Gods Work in Us The Righteousness of Faith Theses 2528 | 103 |
117 | |
120 | |
Common terms and phrases
active capacity actually Adam and Eve addiction analogy Antinomian appear Aristotle attack attempt Augustinian becoming a theologian believe call evil claim comes confess course creature cross knows cross story crucified dead deadly mortal deadly sin deadly sins death deeds destroys the wisdom doctrine eternal fact faith fall fear fear of God finally Gesetz und Liebe glory road glory story God's grace of Christ Heidelberg Disputation hope human humble humility insists invisible things Jesus language live look Luther's proof matter means merit misuse mortal sins natural powers negative theology offensive Old Adam operate ourselves passive capacity perhaps pious precisely problem problem of evil proof for thesis question radical religious resurrection righteousness Rudolph Otto salvation simply sinner soul speak theodicies theologian of glory theology thesis 17 Thesis 22 things through suffering true truth turn ultimate despair venial venial sins Vercruysse wisdom of law word wrath