So forgiveness pre-requires understanding the mistakes of the past? here hear re this opposing this me-first, America-first, white-first, male-first approach>…
Weekly lessons in theology and public life • Since 2011
Tag: theology of the cross
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Lesson 15: Summary of Theology of the Cross
Read MORE: Lesson 15: Summary of Theology of the CrossLet’s be honest. I started this series after trying to understand how so many people could support leaders who profess and practice values I regard as unChristian. I had noticed that a theology of the cross, a central part of…
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Lesson 14: Love in a Theology of the Cross
Read MORE: Lesson 14: Love in a Theology of the CrossIf Christian love is unconditional, it is also ubiquitous. St. Paul describes it as the only virtue that is essential in all Christian actions. In I Corinthians 12- 14, he is describing the Church as a community in which each…
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Lesson 13: Love in a Theology of the Cross (Grace as Charm)
Read MORE: Lesson 13: Love in a Theology of the Cross (Grace as Charm)Once we define Christian love as unconditional compassion and unconditional forgiveness, we recognize it is gracious. Christians have no trouble speaking of God’s love as the grace that saves us. We are hesitant, however, to see our own loving behavior…
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Lesson 12: Love in a Theology of the Cross (Forgiveness as Transformation)
Read MORE: Lesson 12: Love in a Theology of the Cross (Forgiveness as Transformation)Understanding Christian love from the perspective of the crucifixion highlights Jesus’ most radical words. Compassion becomes unconditional compassion. Love your neighbor becomes love your enemy. The same goes for forgiveness, the second characteristic. Hearing Jesus pray from the Cross that…
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Lesson 11: Love in a Theology of the Cross (Compassion)
Read MORE: Lesson 11: Love in a Theology of the Cross (Compassion)Lupe has prompted me to make clear that I do not mean to advocate 16th century concepts. When I refer to Martin Luther’s theology of the cross helping me understand the problems of the contemporary church, I don’t mean much…
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Lesson 10: Two Christianities
Read MORE: Lesson 10: Two ChristianitiesAbout ten weeks ago, I started using a theology of the cross in an attempt to understand the deep divisions in our church and society. I consistently found myself examining two different kinds of Christianity whose characteristics could surprisingly also…
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Lesson 9: God in a Theology of Glory
Read MORE: Lesson 9: God in a Theology of GloryEarly in my ministry, the Lutheran Church asked me to investigate the growing Pentecostal movement. With very little effort, I found myself quickly making friends and participating in groups at every level. When I shared my final report, many of…
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Lesson 7: Prophecy in a Theology of the Cross
Read MORE: Lesson 7: Prophecy in a Theology of the CrossTwo flawed pictures of the crucifixion are blunting the church’s message in our time. The first presents Jesus as a sacrifice enabling humanity to escape a fallen creation. Anyone who is willing to believe this and accept the deal escapes…
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Lesson 6: Truth in a Theology of the Cross
Read MORE: Lesson 6: Truth in a Theology of the CrossWhen I graduated from seminary, the question was whether there was a place for religion in the new age of science. We thought we were entering a period when we could make all of our decisions based on facts, not…
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Lesson 5: The Future in the Theology of the Cross
Read MORE: Lesson 5: The Future in the Theology of the CrossOur modern technological society has a problem with the future. All it has to offer is more and better technology that supposedly will enable us to do whatever we desire. That usually is attached to having more wealth. The goal…
Recent Comments
An extremely timely topic. Thanks, Fritz!
yes we need to forgive our leaders yet make sure they do the right thing – which they aren’t.