Gerhard O. Forde, On Being a Theologian of the Cross: Reflections on Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation, 1518 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997). $20.00.

Reviewed by Shane Lems.

This is one of those books that will make you pause and smile as you see it on your bookshelf. Even though you may be looking for another book, it will make you think that you should read it again, and soon. You may even pull it out, and glance at some of your underlines and markings, making you totally forget what you went to your bookshelf for in the first place.

In this short book (115 pages), Forde brilliantly captures Martin Luther’s distinction between glory and cross, the two opposite stories. The theologian of glory thinks that the law of God can advance people on their way to righteousness (Thesis 1). The theologian of glory thinks that the law can produce what it demands. The theologian of glory thinks that grace is attainable by doing his best (Thesis 16). The theologian of glory wants to see God’s glory now, here, today. The theologian of glory insists that suffering is bad, and does everything to escape it.

The theologian of the cross, on the other hand, knows that the cross attacks the best we have to offer—our best works. The theologian of the cross knows that optimism, positive thinking, works, piety, and so forth cannot help us, because these things are themselves the problem. The theologian of the cross understands that the law cannot bring about righteousness (Thesis 1). The theologian of the cross proclaims that “doing one’s best” only makes matters worse. The theologian of the cross knows that free will is an empty name, a falsity (Thesis 13). The theologian of the cross sees God’s best work in suffering: the messy and bloody death of Jesus on the cross.

I could go on. Let me summarize this outstanding book with a few other key thoughts. Luther knew right well that God can only be found in suffering—the “visible and manifest things of God” can be comprehended only in the cross (Thesis 20). The cross kills the theologian of glory that is in us all by nature; the cross attacks and afflicts us and by that suffering we are crucified with Christ and come to know God hidden in suffering. Thesis 26: “The law says, ‘do this, and it is never done. Grace says, ‘believe in this,’ and everything is already done.” This little booklet by Forde brings out the brilliance of Luther, and how clearly he understood the gospel. Make no mistake: Luther got the gospel right! You’ll never sing “A Mighty Fortress” the same if you read this book.

Forde’s book will help pastors in counseling, preaching, and teaching (Luther’s 28 Theses would make a great Sunday School series!). I also recommend this book for Christians who 1) want to learn more about Luther, 2) are wrestling with suffering, 3) need to know about the law/gospel distinction, or 4) have come out of evangelical or Roman Catholic churches. This book is not just historical theology; I think that many Christians could read this book profitably.

My only criticism of this book is that I wish it were longer!