The cross of reality
Subtitle: Luther's Theologia crucis and Bonhoeffer's christology
By: H. Gaylon Barker
Publisher: Fortress Press
Published: 2015
Place of publication: Minneapolis, MN
Language: eng
Number of pages: 480
ISBN-13: 9781451488807
Copyright date: 2015
Subjects: Luther, Martin, 1483-1546; Bonhoeffer, Dietrich, 1906-1945; Person and offices; Influence; Influence (Literary, artistic, etc.); Jesus Christ; History of doctrines; Doctrinal Theology; Christology
Description: The Cross of Reality investigates Bonhoeffer's interpretation and use of Luther's theology in shaping his Christology. In this essay, H. Gaylon Barker uses the "theology of the cross" as a key to understanding the characteristic elements that make up Bonhoeffer's theology; he also shows how Bonhoeffer's conversation with his teachers and contemporaries, Karl Holl and Karl Barth in particular, develops. Bonhoeffer's thought was indeed radical and revolutionary, but it was so precisely because of its adherence to the classical traditions of the church, especially Luther's theologia cruces. When his theology is understood in light of this tradition, his "nonreligious interpretation, ' which he set out to describe in his theological letters from Tegel prison, is not a radical departure from his earlier theology, but is the mature expression of his 'theology of the cross.'Bonhoeffer's Lutheran roots would not allow him to turn his back on the problems and tragedies of the world. In fact, because God had turned toward the world, had entered into the world and identified with suffering individuals, the only proper sphere for theological reflection was this world. Theology properly conceived, therefore, is very this worldly. It is this worldly character that gives it its power to speak.
Notes: Revision of the author's thesis (Ph. D.)--Drew University, 2004: The cross of reality : the role of Luther's Theologia crucis in the development of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Christology.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 441-469) and index.
Table of contents: title: Part I. The background and context of Bonhoeffer's christology. Bonhoeffer and Karl Holl; title: Bonhoeffer and Luther; title: Part II. Theological and christological foundations: 1925-1933. University studies; title: Dissertations; title: New York and Berlin; title: Part III. Christological development and witness: 1933-1945. The German church struggle; title: Finkenwalde; title: Post-Finkenwalde writings; title: Resistance and Ethics; title: Imprisonment 1943-1945; title: Part IV. Conclusion. Bonhoeffer's cross of reality.