Cross in Tensions
Luther’s Theology of the Cross as Theologico-Social Critique
Philip Ruge-Jones
CROSS IN TENSIONS Luther’s Theology of the Cross as Theologico-Social Critique
Princeton Theological Monograph Series 91
Copyright © 2008 Philip Ruge-Jones. All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations in critical articles or reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher. Write: Permissions, Wipf and Stock Publishers, 199 W. 8th Ave., Suite 3, Eugene, OR 97401.
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isbn 13: 978-1-55635-522-6
Cataloging-in-Publication data:
Ruge-Jones, Philip.
Cross in tensions : Luther’s theology of the cross as theologico-social critique / Philip Ruge-Jones.
Eugene, Ore.: Pickwick Publications, 2008
xvi + 204 p.; 23 cm. — Princeton Theological Monograph Series 91
Includes bibliographical references.
Includes a translation of Lucas Cranach’s The Passion of the Christ and of the Antichrist by Keith Killinger.
isbn 13: 978-1-55635-522-6
eisbn 13: 978-1-63087-810-8
1. Luther, Martin, 1483–1546—theology. 2. Jesus Christ—Crucifixion—theology. I. Cranach, Lucas, 1472—1553. II. Killinger, Keith. III. Title. IV. Series.
br332.5 .r86 2008
Manufactured in the U.S.A.
Princeton Theological Monograph Series
K. C. Hanson, Charles M. Collier, and D. Christopher Spinks, Series Editors
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Dedicated to my Doctoral Father Vítor Westhelle Theologian of the Cross
Acknowledgments
As the final pages of this book are written I am filled with a deep sense of thankfulness to the many people who have made this work possible. First of all, I would like to thank my whole family and especially my wife, Lori, without whom this would never have happened. She has provided support of every kind throughout the several years that I have been working toward this goal. She is a faithful companion whom I dearly love. Our children, Luisa and Luke, have grown with this book. One was born right before the research began and the other followed soon afterward. Their long naps made this writing possible.
Many communities of faith have journeyed with me during this time and I remember them with gratitude. I think especially of San Pedro (Coronel, Chile), Resurrección (Hempstead, New York), Central Lutheran (Edgerton, Wisconsin), First Lutheran (Janesville, Wisconsin), St. John’s/San Juan (Austin, Texas), Lutheran Church of the Resurrection (Wimberley, Texas) and Living Word (Buda, Texas). In all of these I served among faithful people trying to discern the presence of the crucified Christ in our world.
As far as the specific work that led to this book, I recall the wonderful teachers with whom I had the pleasure of learning at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. I came there wanting to study the theology of the cross and found myself assigned to an amazing theologian from Brazil named Vítor Westhelle. He modeled for me the life of a theologian of the cross who is committed to the marginalized people of the world, but also passionately committed to academic excellence. He clarified and elevated the quality of my own work, and, I hope, of my own discipleship in the way of Christ. This book is dedicated to him. I also am thankful for the gifted teacher of Martin Luther and his theology, Kurt Hendel. He showed me much about the reformer that I had not seen by drawing me deeper into the primary texts. He helped me pursue my own insights even when they went in directions that he would not choose to take. I also think of Philip Hefner with whom I read the Canadian theologian of the cross Douglas John Hall in my first year of doctoral study. He challenged me to see the larger world beyond my own idiosyncratic worldview and then demonstrated in his own theological vocation a willingness to ardently pursue areas previously unknown to him. If Dr. Hefner drew me into Hall, José David Rodríguez led me through the world of Spanish-speaking theologians of the cross. He demonstrated to me a vibrant love for lively conversations about el sabor de la vida. In addition to these fine theologians, others have provided institutional support without which this work could not have occurred. High praise is due to Irene Connors who kept me in good standing with the seminary through her wise guiding and persistent sense of what the right thing to do would be. She is a gift to our doctoral program. Also, very supportive of my endeavors have been the directors of doctoral studies, Wes Fuerst and Mark Thomsen. I thank them for all they have done.
In addition to the staff and faculty of LSTC, the students made learning a pleasure. I thank our weekly seminar group from Jimmy’s, especially Elaine Siemsen and Caryn Riswold, who have walked the long walk with me. Many international students with whom I studied also broadened my vision of life. I especially am thankful for my friend, Kwong Sang Li, with whom I shared many conversations about Luther and ministry, and Andrea Ng’weshemi, who is a wonderful global theologian and pastor.
My good fortune continued as I served for a year as an instructor at the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest. To my amazement I was paid to do what I most love: read books, lead conversations with engaging students, and think about God. I have had the pleasure of working with the skilled leadership of Augie Wenzel who was there with enthusiasm for myself and my family since day one. I also have had the pleasure of many profound, soulful conversations with biblical scholar and friend, Ray Pickett. He provided much sage advice as my family has sought to discern where God is leading us next. Also to Trish Karli, to Jacquelyn Allen [font of all Austin information], and to Lucille Hager (RIP), who had overseen the creation of a very fine theological library, I owe them many thanks.
The final form of this book came together during my time at Texas Lutheran University. My colleagues there are deeply treasured. Norman Beck, Carolyn Schneider, David Baer, Mark Gilbertson, and Daryl Koenig (RIP) have been highly supportive of my work. A section of this work was read with invaluable comments from Carolyn Austin’s Works in Progress group at Texas Lutheran University. Many other friends at TLU make it a place at which I truly enjoy serving. Texas Lutheran also supplied me with a semester of sabbatical during which this book found its final form.
My editor Charlie Collier was enthusiastic from the beginning of our work together. I was very excited that he encouraged me to include the pamphlet at the end of this book. The pamphlet came together due to the generosity of many people. Thanks to Patrick Graham and Margaret Peddle of the