Review: Theology of the Cross for the 21st Century

The Theology of the Cross for the 21st Century is a collection of essays which discuss cultural contact points for sharing the Gospel within a variety of cultures. Written from a Lutheran perspective, these essays highlight several important points of interest when it comes to fulfilling Christ's command to take the Gospel to all nations and peoples.

One important point that gets highlighted throughout the various essays is that no one culture has a one-size-fits-all approach. Rather, each individual in a culture has been shaped differently by that culture. While we may speak of, for example, a Hispanic culture, the recognition that there are a wide variety of nationalities that fall into this cultural category means that each one has different, though likely similar, touch points. But to assume that one approach will reach all sets one up for a great deal of difficulty.

A second important point deals with the dignity that each person and culture needs to be shown. Too often, Christians have approached other cultures, intentionally or not, as inferior and in need of change. The authors support an approach that shows dignity to the person and the culture, looking for the touch points where the Gospel can be proclaimed, and God's love and forgiveness in Christ Jesus shown.

Overall, the authors demonstrate just how large a task sharing the Gospel really is, but give good thoughts which can guide those who share the Gospel with people of other cultures. The authors deal with a great number of cultures, both internationally (i.e. Islamic, African, Asian) and nationally for North America (i.e. postmodern, New Age, African-American, Hispanic). These helpful essays will help any individual who desires to share the Christian faith with other cultures to think about how they will approach the people of that culture with the Gospel.