A Scandalous Beauty: The Artistry of God and the Way of the Cross

by Thomas E. Schmidt

A reading of the New Testament seeks to reveal the paradoxical beauty of Christ's death on the cross and its world-changing effects, providing a compelling narrative and portraits of everyday people to offer a different perspective on the Passion of Christ.

Genres: Theology, Religion

127 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Joel Wentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, I totally loved this, but I do think one's expectations need to be calibrated correctly. This is NOT a "theology" book in the sense that most of us are used to, and if you dive in expecting that, then you will be disappointed.

What this IS, rather, is a powerful and gorgeous exploration of the sheer, gut-wrenching and paradoxically-tragic, beauty of the gospel narrative. In my opinion, this is a perfect example of how young people today will be brought into consider Christianity - by reflecting on the aesthetics of the gospel, rather than hammering on the "abstract truths" of the gospel.

Admittedly, as a collection of essays, it will feel a bit uneven. A few of them hit me much more powerfully than others (that last chapter left me devastated) but it's such a short, powerful book that I will absolutely be returning to it over and over again.

[John Stanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like it, I really did, but just when I’d come across a section that I felt I could relate to a bit and that I felt I understood the next section would take off in a different direct there I was, lost and scratching my head once again. I guess I’m just smart enough to understand what Tom was trying to get across. Oh well.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

You must first adjust to the unusual style of this book. It moves from idea to idea quickly & at times it feels like they are unconnected and your brain has to catch up. However, within these pages there are nuggets of wisdom, thought provoking ideas & often a wholly different way of looking at the scriptures. In my opinion, we’ll worth the time it takes to read.

[Scott Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

As we approach Holy Week and Easter, with thoughts once again turning toward Jesus' work on the cross, I can think of no better book to recommend (outside of the Bible, of course), than this little gem.

Schmidt has a rare gift of combining humor, genuine insight, and shock, sometimes within the same paragraph. We learn of true stories of courage and hope (On Death and Power and One Old Lady), as well as fictitious romps using a theme of Jesus in psychotherapy. There is a first-rate study on the Gospel of Mark contrasting Jesus' crucifixion with Nero's coronation (The Man Who Would Be God) and a unique but I believe persuasive reading of Hebrews 2:14 that takes into account its aural transmission (T and sympathy). Finally, the closing chapter describes how the cross works in the light of death that truly cuts to the heart (Eternity: No Day at the Beach). I don't know how the author found the courage to write it, but these few pages alone are worth the price of the book many times over.

The chapters stand alone; you can read one in 15-20 minutes and it will repay you with hours of tremendous reflection, and, hopefully, and changed heart deepened in your love for the Lord. I believe this work is out of print, but finding a copy online is WELL worth the effort.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This is the kind of book that you have to sink your teeth into...I just finished and I feel like I need to re-read to pick up some of the things I know I missed.