On Being a Theologian of the Cross: Reflections on Luther's Heidelberg… (edition 1997)

A very densely “packed” discussion of Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation of 1518. I found it quite hard to easily grasp much of the author’s explanation, despite my being a lifelong Lutheran (68+ years). Don’t be surprised by the denseness of the material, as this is a college-level text. It will force you to reconsider and “unthink” what may have been your mainstream education in the Lutheran church. I was lucky to have a retired pastor (the one who suggested reading it) as a member of the men’s bible study group I have been in for almost 10 years. I would strongly, strongly suggest that if you decide to read it, it is best to be part of a bible study group with someone in the group who is well schooled in Lutheran theology, someone not just able to expound Lutheran beliefs, for the reason mentioned above regarding the book’s complexity. A thought a number of us in the group had was perhaps it would have been better to read the book in reverse, i.e., first being able to see Luther's final conclusions and then working backwards to read Luther's preliminary explanations of the Disputation. Of course reading it that way would not really have helped much. One thing this book did do was give me a much greater respect for Martin Luther’s thinking and ability to challenge the Catholic Church in the 1500’s. ( )

Excellent reflection on Luther's definitive work discussing what it means to be a theologian of the cross--a concept that every serious theologian must at least be exposed to. Don't look for any hint of a Pelagianism salvation here! ( )

This book is one of my top 5, maybe 3 books. Don't let the title fool you, it is not some dry history or theological excursion, it is very personal. Forde walks you through Luther's struggle with his (our) inability to please God on our merits. He walks you into the valley of despair and then out into the beautiful sunlight of the gospel. It would be ashame if this book was merely read in Luthern circles. It is American Luthernism's best contribution to the church. You need to read this book. ( )