Cross Narratives. Neal J. Anthony

Luther's radical interpretation of the two natures of Christ, and specifically its expression through the ubiquitous presence of the humanity of Christ, is a fundamental, integral expression of that same theology. This expression of Luther's theology of the cross, Anthony asserts, provides both a fuller elaboration and an important and creative corrective with reference to recent signal expressions of the theology of the cross. As contemporary theologians of the cross have articulated (most notably Douglas John Hall and the late Alan E. Lewis), the theology of the cross, through a transformation of the divine attributes that honors the integrity of created beings, is preeminently a theology of redemption from within («within-redemption»). In the process of outlining and analyzing these theologies of «within-redemption,» Anthony exposes an impasse created by these theologies regarding the relationship of «within-redemption» to individual human narratives. It is through Luther's radical interpretation of the two natures of Christ, Anthony contends, that complete «within-redemption» can be expressed. Anthony also evaluates the Christology of Karl Barth from the perspective of his findings. Not only is Anthony's work an innovative and fresh application of Luther's Christology for contemporary discussions of the theology of the cross, but it places Luther's Christology at the cutting edge of contemporary discussions regarding the theology of the cross and its "within-redemption.