Gerhard O. Forde, On Being a Theologian of the Cross

Prof's Opinion

Martin Luther is one of Christianity's giants. This book offers a particularly concise insight into his theological imagination, applied to a contemporary American Christian context that (according to this book's author) often looks more like Luther's Catholic opponents than the original Protestants. Forde's commentary on the very brief 1518 Heidelberg Disputation highlights Luther's relentlessly cross-focused vision and repeatedly contrasts that "theology of the cross" with the "theology of [so-called] glory" that is always springing up like weeds to choke it out. It is somewhat demanding reading conceptually, but you will benefit from this book especially if you use it to identify patterns in your own imagination that are humbled by the sheer grace of Christ's cross and the God it reveals.

Student Reviews (basically unedited)

In his work, Forde unpacks the theological work of Martin Luther in his Heidelberg Disputation. Contrary to popular belief, Forde explains that this work of Luther was even more influential than the 95 theses, and therefore must be unpacked and understood. This book is a great example and introduction into classic reformed theology. Readers will gain insight in Luther’s claims of salvation by faith alone and the issues that arise when believers rely on good works to earn their salvation or gain favor with the Lord. Although the title sounds academic, being a theologian of the cross, as Forde describes, is not simply having the right doctrines about the cross, but learning to live in light of it and viewing our lives through the lens of the cross. Reading this book requires an intentional effort from the reader to not only pay close attention to what Forde is saying, but also to reflect on ways this would play out in his or her life. This book can be a little challenging and abstract, but the message of God’s absolute grace and mercy is profound. This would be a great book for any doctrine student to read, although I would suggest reading it later in the semester. Having a greater understanding of atonement, the offices of Jesus, and Luther’s theology was extremely helpful in really gaining a lot from this book.

The doctrines of grace and works closely connect with how one understands salvation and Christ’s deed on the cross. Forde makes a claim for being a “theologian of the Cross” as explained by Luther’s “Heidelberg Disputation.”
     After a brief introduction, Forde gets right into his exposition of Luther’s “Heidelberg Disputation”. Though the book is short, it is densely packed. On Being a Theologian of the Cross does not take long to read, but the content requires a great deal of processing. Luther’s claims are so extreme that it is easy to be discouraged by them right away without taking time to really hear what he is saying. The book is an exploration of the Gospel and how we act in light of it.
      On Being a Theologian of the Cross takes material from the great lake of Intro to Christian Doctrine into the open ocean. It is an unpacking of profound truth in a focused, level manner. The focus it gives to grace and the cross and how they pertain to Christian life allows for specificity and poignancy that would require years of study to fully grasp. Really, it reflects the nature of a life built around pursuing God and further understanding of him.
     Though the subject matter of On Being a Theologian of the Cross is tough to get through, it is decidedly worth the extra effort. It might be a good idea to keep several wise people close by, though, with whom to parse out what you do not understand. Forde is not for the faint of heart, but the message he is examining absolutely is.