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Reflections on Ernst Kasemann and Martin Luther’s Views on Paul’s Theology of the Cross for the Contemporary Church

Luke Mayowa AJIROBA PhD

Abstract

Ernst Kasemann and Martin Luther were both scholars and theologians, but one, Luther, was a Reformer. To both, theologia crucis was central to their theology, though both gave differing expressions by employing a historical-critical pattern. Their views differed due to the different circumstances both faced in life and ministry. Hence, the paper interacted with Kasemann and Luther’s views on Paul and the Theology of the Cross, stemming from McGrath’s views on Kasemann in the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters and articles on Luther’s theology of the Cross. The paper reflected historically and critically with some biblical stances on the theology of the Cross. From their perspectives, the functionalities of the Cross in the contemporary Church were deciphered. First, the Cross is the subject rather than the object of theology. Second, the theology of the Cross as the starting point of Christian and biblical theology gives every other salvation event its unique significance. Third, the theology of the Cross receives particular emphasis in the Gospels and the First Letter of Peter, namely that those who belong to Christ Jesus by His self- sacrifice on the Cross will themselves bear the Cross and suffer with Christ Jesus. Fourth, a proper perception of God comes only from the Cross. Fifth, the theology of the Cross is a theology of Faith for the contemporary Church as it was for the early Church. Finally, the modern Church should embrace the theology of the Cross as a theology of suffering.

References

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