I’ve been doing a lot of reading, of late, on the theology of glory versus the theology of the cross. This theological distinction, of course, stems from Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation of 1518, which was a series of twenty-eight theses formulated as a defense and explanation of the ninety-five that were published the year before. The conflicting theologies of glory and the cross originate from theses 20 and 21, where Luther states:
20. He deserves to be called a theologian, however, who comprehends the visible and manifest things of God seen through suffering and the cross.
21. A theology of glory calls evil good and good evil. A theology of the cross calls the thing what it actually is.
Now, at first, that might sound like an esoteric discussion meant only to serve as debate fodder in seminary classrooms and lecture halls. But the more I’ve read and studied these assertions from the eminent German reformer, the more I’m convinced that the theology of glory versus the theology of the cross might just be the most practical and resonant doctrinal distinction one can hold. I know that is a bold claim, but, as I endeavor to show in this interview with the guys from Rural Pastors Talk, there is a depth of meaning and hope and profundity within the cross that speaks to you and to me right where we are.
I was so thankful that TJ and Joe asked to have me back on the podcast. I’m by no means an expert on this critical theological distinction, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to think out loud and, hopefully, stumble upon some encouragement along the way. I pray you’re blessed by this conversation.
Grace and peace to you, friends.