November 2024
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Inside This Issue
The Theology of the Cross and Christian Mission
Articles
Paradigms, Mission, and the Theology of the Cross; Joel Okamoto
Abstract: Philosopher of science Thomas Kuhn identified “paradigms” as central to the growth of scientific knowledge and practice. A “paradigm” is a concrete solution to a problem that proves valuable to identify and deal with other problems. This article applies this concept to Luther’s theology of the cross. It argues that the theology of the cross was a paradigm for Christian theology and practice at the time of the Reformation, and it shows that the theology of the cross still serves as a paradigm for mission and mission thinking in our time.
The Relationship between Tentatio/Anfechtung, the Vita Passiva, and the Missio Dei in Luther’s Theology of the Cross; Joshua H. Jones
Abstract: Tentatio (Latin)/Anfechtung (German)/ “agonizing struggle” has been identified as a major aspect of Luther’s theology of the cross. Luther’s views on tentatio/Anfechtung/ “agonizing struggle” stood at odds with many in his own day and stand at odds with many in Western culture. A pattern emerges in the theology of the cross that moves from agonizing struggle to the receiving of comfort in the gospel (vita passiva), and to sharing the comfort of the gospel (missio Dei). The article proposes that “agonizing struggle” is the catalyst for the vita passiva (the receptive life) and the vita passiva spurs mission. These characteristics of the theology of the cross are examined in light of Luther’s own thought and the Scriptures.
The God Behind the Cross Speaks and Sends; Robert Kolb
The 1910 World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh set the following as the immediate goal of Christian churches: “the evangelization of the world in this generation.” The vision of Western Europeans and North Americans marching into the far corners of the world with the gifts of their cultures was shared in specific form by those who sang, “Onward, Christian Soldiers.” The “Great War” gave pause to reconsider the optimism of the late nineteenth century, but World War II ended with opportunities for new expansion of mission that continues to transform the nature of the Holy Christian Church throughout the world.
Luther’s Theology of the Cross in A Muster Sermon against the Turks (1529); Adam S. Francisco
Abstract: This article explores Martin Luther's theology of the cross as articulated in his 1529 sermon, "A Muster Sermon against the Turks." Luther was deeply concerned with the challenges posed by Ottoman imperialism, including the way Christians might bear witness to the gospel to Turkish Muslims. Ultimately, Luther's theology of the cross provided a framework for understanding Christian suffering and mission in a hostile world, affirming the hope that even in the most challenging circumstances, God's work could be accomplished through His faithful followers.
On the Theology of the Cross for the Mission of the LCMS as a Church Body United; Kevin D. Robson
Abstract: Is the theology of the cross understood and actualized by the LCMS? Over against a “theology of glory,” the theology of the cross is exhibited by distinctively faithful Lutheran doctrine preached and taught in congregation, school, and home. This, however, leads to an additional question: Is the theology of the cross grasped and actualized also by the LCMS as a united church body in national/international corporate perspective—that is, as a collective of church worker members who have outwardly bound themselves together first by subscription to a confessional standard (which is of chief importance) and then by a voluntary, agreed-on manner of polity and governance which always serves and assists to advance the church body’s confession of the faith? Our aim in this paper is briefly to recapitulate the theology of the cross and then to answer this question in the affirmative, while offering some evidentiary explanations and observations along the way.
The Theology of the Cross and Gospel Receptivity; Cari Chittick and Alfonso Espinosa
Abstract: The theology of cross provides a Christological and cruciform lens for assisting the church to identify possible receptivity in those who not only demonstrate need in various forms of poverty but also profess reverence toward God through recognized humility. Such recognitions should enable a better stewardship of the church’s mission endeavor. Dr. Espinosa presents a theological foundation for these possibilities and Dr. Chittick elaborates on left-hand kingdom resources that may very well facilitate opportunities for right-hand kingdom mission, especially as these possibilities might apply to Lutheran schools. The article expresses a special interest in serving students with special needs, who too often are marginalized even by the church.
A Man of Sorrows; Dale Meyer
Abstract: This article explores the theme of mission in the light of the Theology of the Cross, emphasizing the importance of engaging with marginalized and oppressed communities. It highlights the prophetic call to address societal injustices and the need for the church to embody Christ's love through action. It advocates a hermeneutical approach that sees the exalted Christ speaking to contemporary issues and underscores the significance of Christ's suffering and exaltation, urging congregations to adopt a missional culture that reflects the love and justice of the Man of Sorrows.
Emerging Technologies and the Missio Dei: Inviting Constructive and Critical Engagement; William G. Fredstrom
Abstract: Digital devices and technologies, like smartphones, tablets, and laptops, have become integral to our daily lives. These contemporary technologies shape how we connect, communicate, and collaborate in our homes, workplaces, and churches. They have also granted us incredible conveniences and opportunities. Loved ones and colleagues can interact over great distances with relative ease. Information that once would have taken days to find and compile can be accessed momentarily. Increased efficiency and automation in day-to-day activities like shopping, paying bills, and investing point to the capacity of these tools to streamline and make many areas of our lives easier. These technologies have also brought several challenges and problems into our personal lives and our common life with one another. Increased screen time, the decline in in-person social interactions, the rise of social isolation and anxiety, privacy concerns, and changes to our brains are just a few examples of our digital age’s “malformative” effects.
As the development and capacity of digital devices continue to advance in the years to come, emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and autonomous systems, biotechnology and gene editing, and brain-computer interfaces (BCI) promise to shape our future in profound ways. Emerging technologies elicit theological reflection as they invite new possibilities for the life and witness of the church today and because they raise important questions about living in the world, interacting with others, and even being human. This kind of technological situation adds urgency for Christians to deal constructively and critically with emerging technologies and their implications for life, witness, and theology today.
Theology of the Cross and the Mission of Christ’s Church; A sermon by Phillip Brandt
During the days of the shutdown occasioned by the recent pandemic, I found myself gathered with a handful of people in a local cemetery on a cold and wet day. We were properly admonished to stand appropriately distant from one another. There would be no embraces that day with anyone outside immediate family “bubbles.” The gathering was small. Because of pandemic restrictions, we did not have a larger gathering at church, so this committal service would be all that the family really had as a formal moment to remember, grieve, and hear the words of our Lord, His promise of resurrection.
Growing in the Cross; Robert Stuenkel
Any positive action in response to the word cross appears to be contradictory. A cross is the ultimate of suffering, also of least possibility for a response. The accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion in the four Gospels, however, proclaim boldly that all areas of spiritual growth lead in that positive direction and culmination. This article focuses on applying the theology of the cross to the mission of campus ministry in the church.
Luther’s Theology of the Cross and Missions“Confidence in the Gospel”; Jon Zehnder
Lutheran Pastor Jon Zehnder collects modern reflections on Luther’s Theology of the Cross and applies them to mission.
