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

by Martin Luther and Gerhard O. Forde

Book 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.

The book first clarifies the difference between a theology of glory and a theology of the cross...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 080284345X
• ISBN13: 9780802843456
• Release Date: October 1997
• Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
• Length: 136 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Don't let the title scare you!

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.

A must-read for any Christian

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.

The Cross alone is our theology

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.

The Theologian of Glory Exposed.

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.

excellent exploration of doctrine of grace for laymen.

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.