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Making Sense of the Cross
The heart of the cross is an element of mystery that can’t be resolved either easily or entirely.
The 3rd book in the Making Sense Series, Making Sense of the Cross, gives you the opportunity to ‘listen in’ on a conversation with two people having an open and candid conversation and discussion about the cross. One of the voices knows a little more and assumes the role of teacher or coach, someone who has had the time and opportunity to study the faith in some depth. The second voice assumes the role of someone who is curious and knows a little bit about the faith but brings a lot of questions.
What questions come up in Making Sense of the Cross:
So what’s with the cross?
What does the cross say about God?
What’s the big deal?
Did Jesus have to die?
Remember, questions are as important as answers.
This 6-chapter book includes:
• Introduction
• Chapter 1: Why does the Cross Matter?
• Chapter 2: Portraits and Perspectives
• Chapter 3: Ransom and Victory
• Chapter 4: Substitution, Satisfaction, and Sacrifice
• Chapter 5: Example and Encouragement
• Chapter 6: Event and Experience
The 3rd book in the Making Sense Series, Making Sense of the Cross, gives you the opportunity to ‘listen in’ on a conversation with two people having an open and candid conversation and discussion about the cross. One of the voices knows a little more and assumes the role of teacher or coach, someone who has had the time and opportunity to study the faith in some depth. The second voice assumes the role of someone who is curious and knows a little bit about the faith but brings a lot of questions.
What questions come up in Making Sense of the Cross:
So what’s with the cross?
What does the cross say about God?
What’s the big deal?
Did Jesus have to die?
Remember, questions are as important as answers.
This 6-chapter book includes:
• Introduction
• Chapter 1: Why does the Cross Matter?
• Chapter 2: Portraits and Perspectives
• Chapter 3: Ransom and Victory
• Chapter 4: Substitution, Satisfaction, and Sacrifice
• Chapter 5: Example and Encouragement
• Chapter 6: Event and Experience
- GenresTheologyNonfictionFaith
Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
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46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 11, 2012
Many people at my church are studying Making Sense of the Cross this Lent: it's the focus of our adult-education hour on Sunday mornings. I found it worthwhile: clear and thoughtful, and occasionally even moving.
I will say right away that the book is written in a question-and-answer format that put me off. What do these two nameless characters, both representing the author, find to say to each other?
It feels sort of pointless to say anything good about this book -- the good lines have already been praised by the author. [Truly, he has received his reward!]
But that's a quibble. Making Sense of the Cross did a nice job of gently guiding me through a short course in theories of atonement -- various theological explanations of the relationship between forgiveness and crucifixion. The first of the six chapters simply introduces the issue and invites our questions. The second, and longest, addresses the differences among the Passion stories presented in the Gospels [attributing them to differences in the intended audiences].
In the next three chapters, we study three traditional categories of explanations for the necessity of the cross. First is the classical theory of ransom and victory, according to which Satan had a just claim on humans as rebels, but overplayed his hand by trying to take the sinless Jesus, and voided the contract. Second, the substitution theory of Anselm, as adapted by Aquinas and Calvin, in which God punishes Himself in Jesus so that He can forgive our sin without offending against his own perfect justice. Finally, Abelard presents Jesus as a perfect example of God's love, showing us how to love one another, and dying in order to demonstrate God's endless commitment to us. Each chapter ends with a straightforward assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of each category, as the author understands them.
In the critical final chapter, the author attempts his own synthesis. In this narrative, Jesus becomes human in order to bring God's love to us in a direct and personal way: teaching, healing, feeding, and forgiving. The conflict between justice and forgiveness is allowed to fade into the background: God is described as the One who is strong enough to forgive. [Recall the parable of the workers in the vineyard.]
As a consequence of his mission, though, Jesus will be crucified.
His perfection draws our attention to our own sin, and his forgiveness implies God's judgment. Jesus' intolerable gift of grace ensured that we would reject and kill him.
Praise God, who does not let us have the last word!
Jesus rises. Love wins. Grace abounds. And through the Holy Spirit we are able (at times) to share in the death of Christ -- that is, to win free of our human need for the illusion of control, and of our belief that our own strength and understanding will enable us to live abundantly. Having put ourselves to death, we are raised to new life. "Because once we realize what state we're in -- or to put it in the terms we've used before, once we hear the first truth the cross tells us -- we can hear and believe the second truth that God has loved us all along and desired life for us all along." (p. 177) We are called to make good use of this new life, sharing God's work in a "community of atonement."
To my mind, this approach has a lot to recommend it. It explains the necessity of the death of Christ, and it takes our sinfulness more seriously than Abelard does -- in fact, it places the blame for the crucifixion directly on us. It also takes God's omnipotence seriously, in a way that the substitution theory doesn't, quite. It shows God as valuing relationship with us, unlike the impersonal theory of ransom and victory. It also has consequences for our lives (beyond the obvious: gratitude and repentance), in that it suggests that we reevaluate our expectations of how power should be used.
To sum up, I think that this book has shown me some truth. The author's claims feel true. In fact they feel familiar, resonate with my understanding, but are more explicit and organized than the assortment of thoughts, feelings, and memories to which they connect. That's pretty good praise for any book of philosophy or theology.
I will say right away that the book is written in a question-and-answer format that put me off. What do these two nameless characters, both representing the author, find to say to each other?
`Brilliant. Really, I'll have to remember that one.' (p. 20)
`Interesting.'
`I think so, too.' (p. 28)
`That's helpful, and definitely worth remembering.' (p. 34)
`I think that's very possible and a good insight.' (p. 44)
`Again, I'd say that's a very good summary.' (p. 69)
`I think that's a good idea.' (p. 97)
`You're right, that is very interesting.' (p. 119)
`That's both interesting and helpful.' (p. 125)
`I like the way you've put that.' (p. 184)
It feels sort of pointless to say anything good about this book -- the good lines have already been praised by the author. [Truly, he has received his reward!]
But that's a quibble. Making Sense of the Cross did a nice job of gently guiding me through a short course in theories of atonement -- various theological explanations of the relationship between forgiveness and crucifixion. The first of the six chapters simply introduces the issue and invites our questions. The second, and longest, addresses the differences among the Passion stories presented in the Gospels [attributing them to differences in the intended audiences].
In the next three chapters, we study three traditional categories of explanations for the necessity of the cross. First is the classical theory of ransom and victory, according to which Satan had a just claim on humans as rebels, but overplayed his hand by trying to take the sinless Jesus, and voided the contract. Second, the substitution theory of Anselm, as adapted by Aquinas and Calvin, in which God punishes Himself in Jesus so that He can forgive our sin without offending against his own perfect justice. Finally, Abelard presents Jesus as a perfect example of God's love, showing us how to love one another, and dying in order to demonstrate God's endless commitment to us. Each chapter ends with a straightforward assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of each category, as the author understands them.
In the critical final chapter, the author attempts his own synthesis. In this narrative, Jesus becomes human in order to bring God's love to us in a direct and personal way: teaching, healing, feeding, and forgiving. The conflict between justice and forgiveness is allowed to fade into the background: God is described as the One who is strong enough to forgive. [Recall the parable of the workers in the vineyard.]
As a consequence of his mission, though, Jesus will be crucified.
Jesus has to die because that's what happens to people like Jesus in this world, in this system of law and justice that is threatened by forgiveness.... In fact, his death at the hands of a violent world, empire, and system of "justice" calls the whole order, and our all-too-eager use of violence to achieve good ends into question.
His perfection draws our attention to our own sin, and his forgiveness implies God's judgment. Jesus' intolerable gift of grace ensured that we would reject and kill him.
Praise God, who does not let us have the last word!
Jesus rises. Love wins. Grace abounds. And through the Holy Spirit we are able (at times) to share in the death of Christ -- that is, to win free of our human need for the illusion of control, and of our belief that our own strength and understanding will enable us to live abundantly. Having put ourselves to death, we are raised to new life. "Because once we realize what state we're in -- or to put it in the terms we've used before, once we hear the first truth the cross tells us -- we can hear and believe the second truth that God has loved us all along and desired life for us all along." (p. 177) We are called to make good use of this new life, sharing God's work in a "community of atonement."
To my mind, this approach has a lot to recommend it. It explains the necessity of the death of Christ, and it takes our sinfulness more seriously than Abelard does -- in fact, it places the blame for the crucifixion directly on us. It also takes God's omnipotence seriously, in a way that the substitution theory doesn't, quite. It shows God as valuing relationship with us, unlike the impersonal theory of ransom and victory. It also has consequences for our lives (beyond the obvious: gratitude and repentance), in that it suggests that we reevaluate our expectations of how power should be used.
To sum up, I think that this book has shown me some truth. The author's claims feel true. In fact they feel familiar, resonate with my understanding, but are more explicit and organized than the assortment of thoughts, feelings, and memories to which they connect. That's pretty good praise for any book of philosophy or theology.
December 21, 2017
This is the third of the "Making Sense" books, and it is a book-length expansion of the chapter on Atonement in "Making Sense of the Christian Faith."
I am always impressed with how Lose can present theological concepts in down-to-earth language. Here he looks at the differences between the Gospel accounts of the Crucifixion and then explains the strengths and weaknesses of three major theories of how the Crucifixion brings about atonement. As I said before, he had covered this in "Making Sense of the Christian Faith," but it gets a fuller treatment here, and I am very glad that I read this book.
I am always impressed with how Lose can present theological concepts in down-to-earth language. Here he looks at the differences between the Gospel accounts of the Crucifixion and then explains the strengths and weaknesses of three major theories of how the Crucifixion brings about atonement. As I said before, he had covered this in "Making Sense of the Christian Faith," but it gets a fuller treatment here, and I am very glad that I read this book.
May 25, 2015
A great, quick intro to different theories of atonement! Great for seminary students and beginners alike, the whole book is written in the style of a conversation between two people. I read the whole thing in three days during my train commute, and it really helped organize my thoughts on the topic. A must-read for anyone wondering how Christians through the centuries have made sense of a crucified God.
March 31, 2020
This is a lovely book examining some of the most significant ways that Christians have understood the significance of Jesus' cross and resurrection over the last two millenia. David Lose employs the structure of a teacher and student conversation to frame a study of the theologies of Origen, Anselm of Cantebury and Peter Abelard.
The first strength of this book is its chapter comparing the four Gospels. While I don't think there's any real new ground broken here, it's the clarity and focus of the chapter that is so valuable. Because of the focus - the meaning of the cross for each of the evangelists - Lose is able to reach a depth of insight more quickly than a general comparison of the Gospels. I also really appreciated the honesty and willingness to critique various approaches to soteriology; it felt as though each theory was given a fair shake, identifying strengths and weaknesses. The Q&A format of the book can get a bit tedious at times (there's a lot of "can you say more about that?"), but I think overall it's an effective style, and made for good Lenten reading.
The first strength of this book is its chapter comparing the four Gospels. While I don't think there's any real new ground broken here, it's the clarity and focus of the chapter that is so valuable. Because of the focus - the meaning of the cross for each of the evangelists - Lose is able to reach a depth of insight more quickly than a general comparison of the Gospels. I also really appreciated the honesty and willingness to critique various approaches to soteriology; it felt as though each theory was given a fair shake, identifying strengths and weaknesses. The Q&A format of the book can get a bit tedious at times (there's a lot of "can you say more about that?"), but I think overall it's an effective style, and made for good Lenten reading.
April 15, 2020
A useful introduction to the theories of atonement and their histories. It covers the Ransom Theory of Atonement; the Penal Substitutionary Theory of Atonement and the Moral Influence Theory of Atonement. And the book does a good job of showing the reasons and shortcomings of these theories.
What is remarkably absent is the Recapitulation theory of Atonement (which is about as old as the Ransom theory) and Orthodox Soteriology. These eliminate a lot of the problems the author (rightly) identifies with the newer models. Rather than, in the end, just trying to make sense of the loose ends the other 3 theories leave us with, the author could just have included the Recapitulation theory of Atonement and Orthodox Soteriology. Which is a solid part of church history and the second-century church answer to a lot of the inconsistencies introduced by the newer theories. Its absence is sorely lacking.
Overall the book is good as an introduction to Anselm, Calvin and Aquinas’ influence on thinking about Atonement and I really enjoyed the analysis of the sequence in which the New Testament books were written.
What is remarkably absent is the Recapitulation theory of Atonement (which is about as old as the Ransom theory) and Orthodox Soteriology. These eliminate a lot of the problems the author (rightly) identifies with the newer models. Rather than, in the end, just trying to make sense of the loose ends the other 3 theories leave us with, the author could just have included the Recapitulation theory of Atonement and Orthodox Soteriology. Which is a solid part of church history and the second-century church answer to a lot of the inconsistencies introduced by the newer theories. Its absence is sorely lacking.
Overall the book is good as an introduction to Anselm, Calvin and Aquinas’ influence on thinking about Atonement and I really enjoyed the analysis of the sequence in which the New Testament books were written.
June 28, 2022
This is the second book I read in the series. I found this book truly excellent as was the first one (Making sense of the bible), and it did change my perspective on the cross. I came out with a much bigger picture of God and his love for us. Highly recommended, especially if you come from a conservative evangelical background as I do and are trying to make sense anew of your Bible. David Lose is a gifted teacher.
April 10, 2025
Christians very often do not know how to grasp the idea of God sending His Son to die for us. They know it, they accept it, they believe it, but cannot explain it. David Lose brings the reader through several theories to help the reader reconcile and grasp the true meaning of the cross for us, and help us make sense of the cross.
April 11, 2019
The conversational format of this book is so helpful for leading group discussion! This is an accessible overview of the development of atonement theories throughout the ages, and offers a faithful response to how the historical critical method can shape our lives of faith.
February 20, 2023
What does the cross mean for a Christian
Conversational discussion of the meaning of the cross. What does the cross mean for us as followers of Jesus? It’s up to the reader to decide what makes the most sense to them.
Conversational discussion of the meaning of the cross. What does the cross mean for us as followers of Jesus? It’s up to the reader to decide what makes the most sense to them.
February 18, 2015
David Lose is a master communicator, both in speaking and writing, and a clear expositor of many facets of the Christian faith. In this book he looks at the question "why did Jesus have to die?" Following a dialogue format between two individuals that all his "Making Sense of . . ." books use, he looks at the standard theories meant to answer this question, from the ransom theory that God, through his son, is paying off the Devil and freeing humans from captivity to sin and death, to the theory that Jesus in satisfying God's justice by substituting his death for ours, to the "moral influence" theory that both Jesus' life and ultimately his death have the power to transform us into loving people who then are worthy of God's love. Lose points out what he thinks are the shortcomings of each of these theories, and then suggests another way of looking at atonement, one that he believes is more true to our lived experience and what the Bible itself says about the event of the cross. I highly recommend this very accessible, non-technical exploration of a central Christian belief.
January 4, 2013
Just finished reading the first two chapters and re-reading the first chapter... VERY THICK with talk about God (DUH) and what God is up to in the world, specifically through the cross. The conversational approach to this book is a style reminiscent of "The Screw-tape Letters" wherein the reader is an outside observer to correspondence that is happening. Rather than just reading the "thoughts" of the author we are participants in or at least eavesdroppers upon a "theological" conversation that is truly GOD TALK - and attempting to help the hearers/readers get at why any of this SHOULD MATTER to your daily life.
The DVD resource that you can get adds to helping make the conversation something one can do in a larger group but the book stands alone as a wonderful devotional and educational work.
The DVD resource that you can get adds to helping make the conversation something one can do in a larger group but the book stands alone as a wonderful devotional and educational work.
August 24, 2015
This is not an "academic" book, but that's a good thing. It is set upon a foundation of academics, and the author does a great job of making those things accessible to all readers. Structured as a conversation between two people about the meaning of the cross, I found it a very readable and helpful approach to understanding atonement and the work of Christ on the cross and risen from the tomb. My only criticism, honestly, is that I wanted to get to the "cross" conversation sooner than the author was ready to take me there. But I suppose the laying of the groundwork in the first part of the book re: how we read the different accounts of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, are key. Just not new for me when I read them.
March 21, 2016
An extraordinary book explaining exactly what the title says - making sense of what the Cross means to us as Christians. The conversational style of the book is difficult to follow. I do wonder what the book would have been like a different style had been used. But overall, a very enlightening book...for someone who has been a lifelong Christian, the book presented a whole new way of approaching the Cross. This book is great for both mature Christians and for those just beginning their faith journey.
January 10, 2014
Yes. Yes. I finally finished this book. I think it was the way this was written that made me take so long. It's written as a dialog and I would just want the author to get to the point rather than draw it out in imaginary conversation. BUT, this is a great primer on the meaning of the cross. Four theories about why Jesus had to die on the cross for our salvation. Any one who has ever struggled with this central part of the Christian story should read this.
April 9, 2014
Excellent overview for a lay learner of the primary atonement theories throughout the life of the church, some of their main proponents, and the implications of each. The conversation format involves the reader in assessing for herself or himself. The course, including the DVD and leader's guide, is very well done.
March 27, 2014
While this book is written in a way so that it could just be read individually, I think it is experienced in a much richer way when used as part of a Bible study or discussion group (which is what we're doing). I think it has raised more questions than it answers, but I don't think that's a bad thing. And our discussions have been fruitful.
February 14, 2016
I chose this book for our church to read and study together during Lent. It is written in conversation style which breaks up what could be dry reading. The writer makes it easier to grasp hard concepts and refuses to try to fit God into a box of our choosing. I think it will be good for both new and more mature Christians to discuss.
April 5, 2014
So worth it when you get to chapter 6! Wonderful and conversational, working through biblical materials, atonement theories and theologies to finally come to something true, serious and life-giving about the atonement.
March 3, 2012
A book I've been waiting for; excellent.
April 27, 2014
Pastor David Lose always provides me with thoughtful insights. Just finished reading Making Sense of the Cross, and highly recommend it it to all who struggle with why Jesus dies.
July 24, 2012
Engaging and accessible discussion of an incredibly complex topic.
March 24, 2013
Really disliked the "conversation" format of the book, the comparison of theories was somewhat interesting.
May 6, 2013
I marked it as "read" but did not get through it. The big snooze. Short on inspiration.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews