On Being a Theologian of the Cross; Reflections on Luther's Heidelberg Disputation, 1518 » (1st Edition)

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 cross.

The book first clarifies the difference between a theology of glory and a theology of the cross and explains how each perspective shapes the very nature of being a theologian. The main body of the book provides commentary on the Heidelberg Disputation—the only complete analysis of this document currently available.

Underlying Forde's exposition is the contention that one ought not to speak of the theology of the cross merely as another item among a host of theological options; instead, one must pursue what it means to be a theologian of the cross and to look at all things through suffering and the cross.

Word & World

"Vintage Forde—a straight out, "tell it the way it is" presentation of sin and grace, life and faith, Christ and salvation....Here is a book worth working through and thinking through for any theologian. It would be particularly helpful as a small group study for "theologians.""

Introductory Matters

Two Stories: The Glory Story and the Cross Story
Two Ways of Being a Theologian

The Heidelberg Disputation

I. The Problem of Good Works (Theses 1-12)
II. The Problem of Will (Theses 13-18)
III. The Great Divide: The Way of Glory versus the Way of the Cross (Theses 19-24)
IV. God's Work in Us: The Righteousness of Faith (Theses 25-28)

Index of Names and Subjects
Index of Scripture References