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8th out of 181 books
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16 voters
On Being a Theologian of the Cross: Reflections on Luther's Heidelberg Disputation, 1518
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...more
Paperback, 135 pages
Published
October 1st 1997
by William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
(first published July 31st 1997)
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Nov 26, 2008
Joe
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
intellectual theologian types
Shelves:
faith
This is an incredible exploration into Luther's understanding of our relationship with God. However, like most of Forde's stuff, it's not intended for normal people, rather, it's written that only freakishly intellectual theologians will be able to appreciate it (thus 4 stars instead of 5).
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Book Closing: 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 easy to read, given the complexity of the document that it seeks to unpack (the Hiedelberg Disputation).
In in, Forde separates Luther's 29 Theses into manageable chunks that then form systematic boxes to understand each of the unique points made by each thesis. Forde does a good job of structuring his bo...more
In in, Forde separates Luther's 29 Theses into manageable chunks that then form systematic boxes to understand each of the unique points made by each thesis. Forde does a good job of structuring his bo...more
Anything and everything Forde writes is like finding true gold in a pile of crap of other theology books. The only thing is, if you subscribe to what he's selling, as i do, it makes obsolete the majority of other Christian thinkers on your shelf... This book sums up Luther's earth-shattering kingdom shaking "Heidelberg Disputation" - and sums up the theology of the cross, which as Forde puts it is in COMBAT with a theology of glory - how it is that people are saved - by grace alone thru faith al...more
Wow- opened up this book and within the first chapter I read about "Victimization vs. Sin". That hit right where I had set up Christian camp, and lived for 13+ years! Gerhard O. Forde rightly points out that in this scenario a Theology of Glory emerges and " SInce we are victims and not really sinners, what we need is affirmation and support" [The theology]...becomes more therapeutic rather than evangelical. It must be trimmed more and more so as not to give offense. ...Cures are mistaken...for...more
Forde’s book titled, “On Being a Theologian of the Cross” is definitely a small shot of espresso. It only pushes past 100 pages but is a rich explanation of the heart of Martin Luther’s 1518 Heidelberg Disputation. He divides the 28 Theses of Luther into 4 digestible sections that are explained below.
The Problem with Good Works: Theses 1-12
Forde shares the dangers and problems with works in connection to salvation by grace through faith. Works become seductive when one is tempted into believi...more
The Problem with Good Works: Theses 1-12
Forde shares the dangers and problems with works in connection to salvation by grace through faith. Works become seductive when one is tempted into believi...more
I find this a good book for refocusing what we might think of as good Christian living as really seeking our own glory. We too often feel the need to work in order to merit something, but we cannot. What a lie. This little book helps to redirect us to Christ and his work, his suffering, his death, his resurrction and how that is all that matters. I do hate to lose the term "glory story" which for me has always been the true and glorious gospel message of the life, death, and resurrection of Chri...more
An excellent and challenging read. Forde summarizes and explains, well, Luther's Heidelberg Disputation. Specifically, he explores the tension between being a theologian of glory (works) and a theologian of the cross (grace/faith) and the merits and risks of each position. Forde is definitely a little denser than many modern Christian writers--some of the passages need to be re-read a few time to really 'get' his points. Still, I've no doubt he's a much easier read than the original Disputation,...more
Forde���s book titled, ���On Being a Theologian of the Cross��� is definitely a small shot of espresso. It only pushes past 100 pages but is a rich explanation of the heart of Martin Luther���s 1518 Heidelberg Disputation. He divides the 28 Theses of Luther into 4 digestible sections that are explained below.
The Problem with Good Works: Theses 1-12
Forde shares the dangers and problems with works in connection to salvation by grace through faith. Works become seductive when one is tempted into...more
The Problem with Good Works: Theses 1-12
Forde shares the dangers and problems with works in connection to salvation by grace through faith. Works become seductive when one is tempted into...more
This book was a great read. Forde does a phenomenal job making his points. This was a tough read, despite its short length (115 pages). Each sentence is packed with good stuff; I often had to read sentences and paragraphs multiple times and stop to think through them in order to make sense of it. Overall it's worth the effort, though. Great stuff - real meat....
In my opinion, Luther was an astute theologian. I strongly disagree with his law/gospel hermeneutic, and I lean toward a more libertarian understanding of free will than him, but Luther's theology of the cross still stands out as a landmark achievement in theological history. Forde's book is probably the best introduction available.
This was quite in depth and will really abolish any notion you may have of works-righteousness (not that I had any). It was a very dense read, and I sometimes had to read a passage a few times to really understand what he was saying, but the payoff is worth it. Another reason I loved it so much is I can see how clearly Dustin Kensrue's lyrics from Thrice's newest album Major/Minor were influenced by this book, and by the issue of works vs. faith alone in general (he had apparently read it while...more
This was one of the books that really shaped me and freed me from a lot of the nonsense I was taught as a young Christian (charismatic stuff in particular) I really need to read it again.
Reread this book twice. I am sure I will read it again. The Heidelberg Disputation has enough to keep one thinking for a lifetime.
This is really exciting! I love learning more about Luther's "Heidelberg Disputation". Justification by Faith alone!
This book contrasts the theology of glory with a theology of the cross. It started slow, but finished really well.
Very, very good read. Great discussion on Luther and the Heidelberg Disputation.
Great discussion of the Heidelberg Disputation. Learned a lot.
Fantastic book and one I will read again!
pretty dense
Nov 24, 2007
Dave
added it
this really helped me. luther said the theologians of glory ended up looking at the "spirituality" (so called) of god's people for evidence of god's glory, rather than the crucified christ. at the cross god manifested and hid his glory at the same time. at teh cross we learn that we have been terminated and that there is no longer an expectation on us or a demand upon us. it is the crucified christ that brings us to the knowledge of god.
This book is very well put together and forces you to think, something most peep need to learn how to do!!!
Get the book and a big cup of coffee and prepare for your world to be rocked.
Get the book and a big cup of coffee and prepare for your world to be rocked.
Distinguishes between the theology of glory and the theology of the cross. Enlightening.
I'm kinda bored with this stuff right now...I'll finish it later
May 08, 2013
Jeff Gunn
marked it as to-read
May 01, 2013
Maggie
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Apr 26, 2013
Noremac
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Brian
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Apr 07, 2013
Dennis Levengood
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“As sinners we are like addicts - addicted to ourselves and our own projects. The theology of glory simply seeks to give those projects eternal legitimacy. The remedy for the theology of glory, therefore, cannot be encouragement and positive thinking, but rather the end of the addictive desire. Luther says it directly: "The remedy for curing desire does not lie in satisfying it, but in extinguishing it." So we are back to the cross, the radical intervention, end of the life of the old and the beginning of the new.
Since the theology of glory is like addiction and not abstract doctrine, it is a temptation over which we have no control in and of ourselves, and from which we must be saved. As with the addict, mere exhortation and optimistic encouragement will do no good. It may be intended to build up character and self-esteem, but when the addict realizes the impossibility of quitting, self-esteem degenerates all the more. The alcoholic will only take to drinking in secret, trying to put on the facade of sobriety. As theologians of glory we do much the same. We put on a facade of religious propriety and piety and try to hide or explain away or coddle our sins....
As with the addict there has to be an intervention, an act from without. In treatment of alcoholics some would speak of the necessity of 'bottoming out,' reaching the absolute bottom where one can no longer escape the need for help. Then it is finally evident that the desire can never be satisfied, but must be extinguished. In matters of faith, the preaching of the cross is analogous to that intervention. It is an act of God, entirely from without. It does not come to feed the religious desires of the Old Adam and Eve but to extinguish them. They are crucified with Christ to be made new.”
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More quotes…
Since the theology of glory is like addiction and not abstract doctrine, it is a temptation over which we have no control in and of ourselves, and from which we must be saved. As with the addict, mere exhortation and optimistic encouragement will do no good. It may be intended to build up character and self-esteem, but when the addict realizes the impossibility of quitting, self-esteem degenerates all the more. The alcoholic will only take to drinking in secret, trying to put on the facade of sobriety. As theologians of glory we do much the same. We put on a facade of religious propriety and piety and try to hide or explain away or coddle our sins....
As with the addict there has to be an intervention, an act from without. In treatment of alcoholics some would speak of the necessity of 'bottoming out,' reaching the absolute bottom where one can no longer escape the need for help. Then it is finally evident that the desire can never be satisfied, but must be extinguished. In matters of faith, the preaching of the cross is analogous to that intervention. It is an act of God, entirely from without. It does not come to feed the religious desires of the Old Adam and Eve but to extinguish them. They are crucified with Christ to be made new.”
