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Summary: Don't let the title scare you!
Review: 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.
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Summary: The Reality of Who We are In or Out of Christ
Review: 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.
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Summary: Theologians not Theology; Being rather than About
Review: Forde provides a masterly tome on the differences between theologians of glory and theologians of the cross. There is no real theology, just those who do real theology. Thus, in this concise, precise written expose of Luther's Heidelberg Disputation, Forde offers the ultimate in discussing God and man, what does He think of us? Suffering and cross? How can it be? I'm overwhelmed by the excellence of this book. Having read both works about the theology of the cross (von Loewenich and McGrath) I can witness to the prevailing superiority of this for what theologians of the cross are about. To those who are, think they are, and not sure, this book is the place to begin and end pondering what the differences between theologians is. Must read!
Rating:
Summary: Theologians not Theology; Being rather than About
Review: Forde provides a masterly tome on the differences between theologians of glory and theologians of the cross. There is no real theology, just those who do real theology. Thus, in this concise, precise written expose of Luther's Heidelberg Disputation, Forde offers the ultimate in discussing God and man, what does He think of us? Suffering and cross? How can it be? I'm overwhelmed by the excellence of this book. Having read both works about the theology of the cross (von Loewenich and McGrath) I can witness to the prevailing superiority of this for what theologians of the cross are about. To those who are, think they are, and not sure, this book is the place to begin and end pondering what the differences between theologians is. Must read!
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Summary: Let us Glory in the Cross
Review: 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.
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Summary: Radical Orthodoxy: Revisiting the Theology of Grace
Review: I have been so thoroughly challenged by this book that I can't stop re-reading it and passing it on to others. Every individual I know that has even started it has found it to be a most helpful and surprisingly fresh articulation of the theology of grace. The author draw's out much wisdom from Luther's original work and the implications are far more severe than you might expect.
To me this book is a sobering critique of most american churches. Reformation Father indeed!
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Summary: Didn't achieve its goals
Review: In the introduction to "Theologian of the Cross," Dr. Forde gives his reason for writing this book: he hears a lot of talk about being a theologian of the cross from lay-people who clearly don't know what they're talking about. Because it would take too long (and be too redundant) to explain to each individual, Forde wrote this book on Martin Luther's Heidelberg Disputations to help these people understand to look at things as a theologian of the cross. If this is Dr. Forde's goal, I'm sad to say that he didn't achieve it. I'm not saying that Forde's research was faulty. Neiher am I saying that Forde incorrectly explained what it means to be a theologian of he cross. What I am saying that the prose is such that a lay-person would probably find it too difficult and confusing. Being a life-long Lutheran, none of the concepts discussed by Dr. Forde were alien to me. However, they were written in such a manner that I had to continually re-read certain sections to understand Forde's point. He packs so much into each sentence that you REALLY need to pay attention to each sentence lest the continuity be lost. Was the book excellent and accurate? Yes. Was it too "thick" for the average, non-theologically-trained Christian? Yes. (by the way, at 115 pages, it's not physically thick, but each sentence is saturated with important stuff) So, I would not recommend this book to those who are looking for a little light reading on the Theology, but would suggest serious students of theology take this book on.
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Summary: Theology of the Cross
Review: 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.
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Summary: The Cross alone is our theology
Review: Lutherans should read this book. In an age when self-help and self-esteem are riding high and personal guilt has taken the back seat, Forde peels the cover off of the Heidelberg Disputation and reveals sinner after sinner after sinner who try to get out of their guilt by avoiding the Cross. This book was bedrock for me during a stormy first year of seminary, and I hope you'll take the time to read, reflect, and rediscover the wonder of God's love for us ungodly, glory-hounding sinners.
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Summary: Helpful tonic for today's church goer.
Review: The 16th century Reformation had an unbelievable impact upon all of Western culture and the world. At a time when the church was caught-up in supersition and corrupt views of salvaton by merit, God raised up Martin Luther to spearhead a recovery of the Biblical doctrine of justification by faith. Gerhard Forde's little book on Luther's Heidelberg Disputations is a must read for all who desire to better understand what was at stake both then and now. There is no more important question to ask then how can a person be reconciled to a holy God. Luther deeply wrestled with this question. This book with Forde's insightful comments will help the reader discover the answer. Forde's makes this great work by Luther reachable for the layman. Enjoy! Soli Deo Gloria.
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