Luther's Theology of the Cross

by Walther von Loewenich

English, German (translation)

Genres: Theology

224 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Laurin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an interesting overview of Luther’s theology of the cross. It covered Luther’s theology in the historical context, both in Luther’s thought and coming out of medieval theology. The author also looked at the theology of the cross alongside Luther’s teaching on sola fide, what life under the cross meant, and distinguishing a theology of the cross from medieval mysticism. The chapter that made the book worth the read was “Life Under the Cross”. Particularly worth pondering is that experience and reason apart from the humility of faith cannot be relied upon. In denying oneself and taking up one’s cross, the Christian no longer looks towards feelings or reason, but to Christ. This is painful because it means obedience against one’s inner sinful desires. In this day, when accepting and rejoicing in one’s feelings, regardless of how they harm self or neighbour, is declared to be the way of happiness and authenticity, the idea of meaningful suffering under the cross is much needed.

I had several issues with the book, particularly in some of Luther’s language of “God against God”. This comes across in several places as though a hidden God wants to damn us, but the revealed God wants to save us, as though God has opposing wills between what he has revealed and what he is behind that revelation. At the end of the chapter on life under the cross, there is some discussion about Luther’s rejection of James’ statement that God does not tempt anyone and that we have to hold God to his promises even when he is against us. This seems to contradict Paul’s statement as well in Romans 8 that God is always for us because of Christ and nothing separates us from his love. Yes, the believer goes through many doubts and can even doubt that God is for him. But Scripture reveals what God truly thinks of a believer, even if that faith is weak and struggling.

Overall, I gave this book four stars as it has some solid Luther research in it, and I found the discussion on faith and suffering quite helpful. I would have liked more critique on the God-against-God viewpoint that Luther seems to espouse in multiple places; nonetheless, I would recommend this book as a scholarly review and introduction to Luther’s theology of the cross.

[Chris Enstad · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cornerstone of any understanding of Martin Luther's theology of the cross. While Luther himself never got around to fully systematizing this as a doctrine von Loewenich does a masterful job explicating the theory and the theology using Luther's Works. It is hard to walk away unconvinced that this is where the Protestant movement was headed and it is well worth the hard task of reading this translation and then engaging in the discussion since we probably could use this kind of reformation in Western/American Christianity again.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Metaphysics does not lead to a knowledge of the true God."

A great read if you specifically (and I mean SPECIFICALLY) want to know only about Luther's theology of the cross. The application part of the book was incredible.

[Nguyen]

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