Kurt K. Hendel

Cross in Tensions

Theology

“Candor and precision conjoined with a lucid exposition of complex historical arguments is what the reader will be treated to in Philip Ruge-Jones' Cross in Tensions. The book engages the development of the early Luther's theology of the cross and its various interpretations with poignant care for the pain of the world while being in compassionate and hopeful solidarity with those who, moved and shaken, endure the cross in all its tensions, gruesomeness, and intentions." Vitor Westhelle author of The Scandalous God "Philip Ruge-Jones makes an interesting and thoughtful contribution to the contemporary scholarly literature on Martin Luther's theology of the cross by offering a contextually informed analysis of the Reformer's thought. . . . He places Luther's writings into their . . . contexts and clarifies the impact of those contexts on the Reformer's works. . . . Ruge-Jones is not only sensitive to Luther's context, however. . . . Ruge-Jones is a Euro-North American who has lived in South America and whose theological perspectives have been profoundly impacted by Latin American Liberationist thought, particularly the notion of the preferential option of the poor. . . . He views the theology of the cross as a theology that points to the crucified Christ as God's ultimate self-revelation and that is liberating good news to the poor and marginalized. Hence, he celebrates Luther as a true theologian of the cross whenever the Reformer and his writings advocate for the poor, and he criticizes Luther as a theologian of glory whenever the Reformer uses his writings to support those in power and to oppress the common people.”

Cross Narratives

Theology

“In this incisive and creative study, Anthony explores Luther's, Hall's, and Lewis's theologies of the cross and argues convincingly that Luther's incarnational focus and affirmation of the 'third mode' enable contemporary theologians of the cross to offer the world a powerful theology of hope that both takes seriously the totality and particularity of human experience and celebrates the ongoing nature of God's 'within redemption.'”

Gift and Promise

Theology

“"The sixteenth-century evangelical heritage, formulated creatively by Martin Luther and summarized with a clear catholic perspective by Philip Melanchthon in the Augsburg Confession, is celebrated in this volume. Building on the theological insights of Edward Schroeder, various themes of the theology of Luther and of the Augsburg Confession are explored by nine of Schroeder's students as well as by Schroeder himself, whose three essays inform the rest of the volume. All of the contributors argue convincingly for the continuing relevance of the evangelical tradition because it meets the test of the 'double-dipstick' that Schroeder proposes as the hermeneutical key and guiding principle for Christian theology, namely, that it proclaims Christ and comforts troubled consciences. The essays in this volume are stimulating, incisive, and faithfully evangelical. They do what Luther insists Scripture, Christian theology, and Christian proclamation must do, that is, Christum treiben.””

Luther's Revolution

Theology

“In this careful analysis of Martin Luther's 'To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation,' Nathan Montover affirms the traditional scholarly opinion that the doctrine of the universal priesthood has crucial implications for ecclesiology and the doctrine of ministry. However, he also demonstrates convincingly that Luther addressed the political realm and temporal authority in strategic ways in light of this doctrine. Luther is, therefore, presented as a creative political as well as ecclesiastical and theological reformer.”

Promising Nothing

Theology

“Informed by Martin Luther’s theology of the cross and his interpretation of the communicatio idiomatum and in dialogue with other theologians, Neal Anthony formulates a ‘Christology from the cross’ that is rich in meaning, creatively articulated, spiritually nourishing, and pastorally sensitive. It is a Christology that addresses all Christians, those whose spiritual journey is characterized by certainty and ‘blessed assurance,’ but particularly those who experience Anfechtungen, doubt, the absence of God, and spiritual uncertainty. It is, therefore, a Christology that inspires honesty, struggle, hope, and trust in God’s promise.”

Working for the Public Good

Ethics, Culture & Social Issues

“In this informative and expansive study, Leslie F. Weber Jr. provides a sweeping overview, ranging from the sixteenth to the twenty-first century, of the diverse contributions the Lutheran heritage made to the articulation of theologically informed social-reform theories, the formulation of public policies, the establishment of social-welfare institutions, and the implementation of ecclesiastical and governmental programs that addressed specific societal needs. Weber explores the extensive scholarly literature with care and offers corrections and nuances when necessary. Theological, historical, and sociological insights inform the story he recounts and the interpretative insights he offers. The volume serves as an informed corrective to the critique that Lutherans have manifested an inclination toward social quietism and provides extensive evidence of the significant and persistent contributions of Lutheranism to the quest for the common good and the emergence of social democracy in the European countries where this Christian tradition was a formative one.”