Cross Narratives

Description: Luther's radical interpretation of the two natures of Christ, and specifically its expression through the ubiquitous presence of the humanity of Christ, is a fundamental, integral expression of that same theology. This expression of Luther's theology of the cross, Anthony asserts, provides both a fuller elaboration and an important and creative corrective with reference to recent signal expressions of the theology of the cross. As contemporary theologians of the cross have articulated (most notably Douglas John Hall and the late Alan E. Lewis), the theology of the cross, through a transformation of the divine attributes that honors the integrity of created beings, is preeminently a theology of redemption from within (""within-redemption""). In the process of outlining and analyzing these theologies of ""within-redemption,"" Anthony exposes an impasse created by these theologies regarding the relationship of ""within-redemption"" to individual human narratives. It is through Luther's radical interpretation of the two natures of Christ, Anthony contends, that complete ""within-redemption"" can be expressed. Anthony also evaluates the Christology of Karl Barth from the perspective of his findings. Not only is Anthony's work an innovative and fresh application of Luther's Christology for contemporary discussions of the theology of the cross, but it places Luther's Christology at the cutting edge of contemporary discussions regarding the theology of the cross and its ""within-redemption. Endorsements: ""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.'"" --Kurt K. Hendel Bernard, Fischer, Westberg Distinguished Ministry Professor of Reformation History Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago ""Any theologian who is willing to pay attention to Martin Luther on Christ's Presence is by necessity exciting. Especially when that theologian takes seriously the ubiquitous presence of the crucified Christ to his sinners that concerns not Christ's presence to us, but ours to Him. Neal Anthony's theological exploration is indeed exciting. Read freely."" --Steven D. Paulson Professor of Systematic Theology Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota ""Knowledgeable when it comes to Luther, Barth, and other significant theologians; creative when it comes to traditional topics of Christian doctrine; faithful when it comes to the relevance of research and teaching for ministry; challenging when it comes to the reader's own reflection."" --Antje Jackelén Bishop of Lund Church of Sweden About the Contributor(s): Neal J. Anthony, an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, currently serves in Nebraska. He received his PhD in theology at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in 2008 and has taught at Midland Lutheran College.