Luther's Theology of the Cross : Martin Luther on Justification 1509-1519

By Alister E. McGrath

Book Overview

Revised This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0631138552
• ISBN13: 9780631138556
• Release Date: January 1970
• Publisher: Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, John
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.6" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

enlightening

The first part of McGrath's book is background to Luther's development of the cross. He spends some time elaborating upon the evolution of certain patterns of thought which influenced Luther. He discusses the influence of humanism, the order Augustine and via moderna. He concludes the section by stating that Luther was a typical theologian at the outset and there is little remarkable in his theology when he posted his theses. It is a scholarly book, but not one which is too difficult to read if one is interested in the period. In this section I appreciated his treatment of the similarities and differences of Luther to the humanists in general and to Erasmus in particular. I found the second section on Luther's breakthrough rather vivid and exciting; something unusual perhaps for books of this kind. The section, and indeed the book, is theological in focus yet the story that it tells make it a good read. I appreciated how, in this section, he examines the similarities and differences between Luther's, Aristotle's and Augustine's view of justification and the unique view Luther held when it came to imputed (or "alien") righteousness. In the penultimate section McGrath explains Luther's theology of the cross which developed as a result of this breakthrough. I found this part insightful but a bit repetitive. Finally he briefly explains the significance of this theology for us. He explains how "God crucified" has come to the forefront over and above liberal theology after the advent of two world wars. My biggest criticism of the book would be the failure to translate German and Latin phrases into English. I could handle it if it were French. But he uses, not just words, but whole sentences in Latin and German as if all his readers were versed in these languages. Just putting the translated phrases in footnotes would have been helpful. Over all I found it an insightful and enjoyable book and would recommend it to every student and preacher.

Here is the gospel and the heart of the reformation

This is a fascinating read for anyone who has a serious interest in understanding the gospel and the significance of the Reformation. While I could hope everyone who loves Christ carefully read this book, it isn't for everyone. A Luther scholar for serious students of the reformer and the reformation wrote this book. The author seems to be having way too much enjoyment sifting through Luther's lectures on Psalms and other Bible books to discern the timing and nature of the reformer's conversion. While this may seem a bit tedious, McGrath makes it quite fascinating. I have read through it twice and each time I can't stop and put it down. The book is divided into two sections; The Background: Luther as a Late Medieval Theologian 1509-14, and The Breakthrough: Luther in Transition 1514-19. In the first section, McGrath very methodically takes the reader through the specifics of the medieval gospel that Luther was schooled-in and taught. I found this to be the hardest part of the book because McGrath deals with some very specific medieval theology. If this is unfamilar to you it may prove to be slow going for you as well. But this is absolutely necessary in order for the reader to fully graps what Luther rejects and embraces. The effort is worth the reward. In the second section, with great detail the author lays bare the development of Luther's thought through changes in vocabulary found in his biblical lectures and teaching. McGrath takes his readers right up through the Luther's defense of the new evangelical gospel at the Heidelberg Disputation of April 26, 1518. This disputation is Luther's most concise presentation of gospel doctrines. It is a document that itself is worth of serious study. As Luther parts ways with the medieval doctrines of merit for a gospel of sovereign grace he develops what he calls the "Theology of the Cross." This is central to everything in Luther. To understand the "Theology of the Cross" and how it is distinct from what he calls the "Theology of Glory" is to know the reformer and his gospel. But reader beware! Luther's discoveries may very well radically change your understanding of the gospel and how you view modern evangelicalism. You may conclude that the modern protestant church has more in common with medieval Rome than it does with the reformers. The one great limitation of this book for the average layman is its vast amounts of un-translated Latin on almost every page. While this makes reading the book more difficult it is not an insurmountable problem. First, 80% of the un-translated Latin can be figured out by English derivatives and the context. Second, for the most part this is theological Latin - key phrases and technical terms. If the reader will keep close by a copy of Richard Muller's "Dictionary of Latin and Greek Theological Terms" you will be able to glean most of McGrath's points. You will find Muller's work to be a rich gold mine of understanding the Latin phrases in McGrat

excellent scholarship on luther's breakthrough

this is one of the best books on the market for laymen and clergy...mcgrath does a fine job explaining the epistemological, philosophical, and theological background that led luther to discover the theology of the the cross...it is only because luther had a proper understanding of the Law & Gospel, that he was able to kneel before the foot of calvary with this beautiful doctrine..."the cross," said luther, "is the safest of all places. Blessed is the man who understands this." Blessed also are those who purchase this book and work through the intense scholarship perhaps to find a tower experience of thier own. Once Luther was able to establish the theologia crucis, he then set to distingiush it from the theology of glory...this meant that fallen man desired to use his rational powers, his merits, and his mystical assent to live coram deo---before the face of God...luther showed that God can only be found in the shame and ignomy of suffering of the God-man Christ Jesus.....only faith can understand this (sola fide)... as a final note, it was exactly this doctrine which gave deitrich bonhoeffer to call the church to suffer amidst persecution and challenge the Nazi regime by martydom...bonhoeffer was the best student, in my opinion, of Luther's theology of the cross. amen

Defining Luther

With this very accessible work on Luther's theology, McGrath has entered the ranks of distinguished Luther scholars. McGrath writes in a manner that even a newcomer to the topic can understand, yet with enough detail to satisfy an experienced scholar. If you could only purchase one book on Luther's theology, this would be it.