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The Theology of The Cross: Reflections on His Cross and Ours
We will search the mind of God, as he has revealed it in his holy and inerrant Word, for his definition of Christian faith and life under the cross, under his cross and ours. We will wrestle with the seeming contradiction of the necessity of cross bearing and rejoicing at the same time. We will strive to bend our hearts and minds and souls beneath his cross and our own. Then we will rise under the healing balm of the gospel in his Word and sacraments to rejoice evermore in his cross and ours, until he takes us from the imitation of his cross to the enjoyment of his glory in heaven.
292 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2008
25 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Daniel M. Deutschlander
10 books4 followersDaniel M. Deutschlander was born in Minneapolis, MN on March 18, 1942 and together with his twin brother put up for adoption. He and his brother were adopted by Gotthard Julius & Rose Marie Deutschlander. He was adopted as a child of God and made a brother of Christ on April 23, 1944 through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. He was confirmed on Palm Sunday, 1956 with Rev. 2:10 as his confirmation verse. The days of his baptism and of his confirmation were joined by a third memorable day, the day of his ordination into the holy ministry, June 16, 1968.
He attended Horace Mann and Groveland Park elementary schools in St. Paul, MN; Concordia Academy in St. Paul, MN; Concordia College in St. Paul, MN (degree: AA); Northwestern College in Watertown, WI (degree: BA); Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI (degree: M. Div.); Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, IL (degree: MA in history); and UW Milwaukee (graduate studies in German).
He served as a pastor at Zion Lutheran and St. James Lutheran in Akaska and Tolstoy, SD; St. Peter’s Lutheran in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada; St. James Lutheran and campus pastor at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. He served at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School in Jackson, WI as Assistant Principal and teacher of German and religion; Northwestern College in Watertown, WI as professor of German, history, philosophy, and religion; Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN as professor of German, history and religion; occasional summer quarter lecturer at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary; a semester as adjunct professor of history at Wisconsin Lutheran College. He conducted preaching workshops for parish pastors, and a seminar on church-state relations in Kiev, Ukraine after the Ukrainian Lutheran Church translated and published his book on the subject.
As a parish pastor (1968-1980) he served as circuit pastor, district vice president, member of the WELS evangelism commission, and on district evangelism and stewardship boards. From 1980-1984 he served as the weekly preacher for the WELS German radio broadcast that went from Eastern Europe to the Germans in the far east of the Soviet Union. He authored numerous doctrinal essays and papers, and other works including books, sermons, and devotions published by Northwestern Publishing House.
His greatest joy was a never ceasing amazement at the grace and mercy of God that he should not only redeem him but find a use in his church for such an unworthy and unfit instrument and house of clay. His greatest delight was to see his former students serving their Lord faithfully and then giving thanks to God that he had the honor to play some small role in their formation as pastors of Christ’s flock. His German Bible and German hymnal were his constant companions and the Lutheran Confessions his never-failing guides.
He attended Horace Mann and Groveland Park elementary schools in St. Paul, MN; Concordia Academy in St. Paul, MN; Concordia College in St. Paul, MN (degree: AA); Northwestern College in Watertown, WI (degree: BA); Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI (degree: M. Div.); Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, IL (degree: MA in history); and UW Milwaukee (graduate studies in German).
He served as a pastor at Zion Lutheran and St. James Lutheran in Akaska and Tolstoy, SD; St. Peter’s Lutheran in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada; St. James Lutheran and campus pastor at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. He served at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School in Jackson, WI as Assistant Principal and teacher of German and religion; Northwestern College in Watertown, WI as professor of German, history, philosophy, and religion; Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN as professor of German, history and religion; occasional summer quarter lecturer at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary; a semester as adjunct professor of history at Wisconsin Lutheran College. He conducted preaching workshops for parish pastors, and a seminar on church-state relations in Kiev, Ukraine after the Ukrainian Lutheran Church translated and published his book on the subject.
As a parish pastor (1968-1980) he served as circuit pastor, district vice president, member of the WELS evangelism commission, and on district evangelism and stewardship boards. From 1980-1984 he served as the weekly preacher for the WELS German radio broadcast that went from Eastern Europe to the Germans in the far east of the Soviet Union. He authored numerous doctrinal essays and papers, and other works including books, sermons, and devotions published by Northwestern Publishing House.
His greatest joy was a never ceasing amazement at the grace and mercy of God that he should not only redeem him but find a use in his church for such an unworthy and unfit instrument and house of clay. His greatest delight was to see his former students serving their Lord faithfully and then giving thanks to God that he had the honor to play some small role in their formation as pastors of Christ’s flock. His German Bible and German hymnal were his constant companions and the Lutheran Confessions his never-failing guides.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 24, 2019
I read this book as part of a discussion group. The topic was a powerful help to all the participants. The group was not formed for people who suffer; it was intended to be a class for people who wanted a deeper dive into the Bible. But it turns out that everyone has suffered or is suffering. The discussion led to everyone discussing our burdens and opened up our compassion for one another.
The author (I have met him and listened to his presentations) could have used an editor who stood up to him and resisted a few of his preferences (use of German phrases that don't communicate to English speaking lay people, editorializing on trends and practices he objects to).
The author (I have met him and listened to his presentations) could have used an editor who stood up to him and resisted a few of his preferences (use of German phrases that don't communicate to English speaking lay people, editorializing on trends and practices he objects to).
August 9, 2016
The subject of the Theology of the Cross is a life-changing concept. Jesus Christ commanded his followers to take up their cross and follow Him. The author of this book makes the bold assertion: "No cross, no Christian." With no background on his statement, you will probably wonder, "How can that be right?"
But the question in response is, "Have you taken up your cross?" That question would produce inner confusion in the minds of many of today's Christians. The reason is, we don't understand (and what church teaches?) what our cross is.
Deutschlander tackles a subject that has been around since the Middle Ages, but is clearly evident in the New Testament when you become aware of it: the Christian takes up his cross when he continually struggles against his sinful nature. We fail in that struggle, which is why Jesus went to His cross for us. But each day we again pick up our cross, the suffering that comes upon us because when we make the choices God calls us to, there will be hardship, suffering and difficulty.
This is an oversimplification of a great teaching. Pastor Tullian Tchividjian, the grandson of Billy Graham and successor of D. James Kennedy in Florida has listed the distinction between the theology of the cross and the theology of glory as one of the three great things he learned from Lutheranism (others: Distinction between Law and Gospel and the teachings of Active and Passive Righteousness, see http://steadfastlutherans.org/?p=34871)
I read this book as part of a "Digging Deeper" class. The discussion of the book had a profound effect on all of us. You always hear that small group Bible studies are good fellowship; this group bonded as the book opened us up to talk about our own struggles! At one of the final classes, students commented that now that they understand the theology of the cross they are getting so much more out of their devotional life.
All of that said, I only gave this book 3 stars. The author is very knowledgeable about Scripture and very insightful into human nature. But I felt that the book was unnecessarily wordy. The author's German background showed in his writing and fondness for German phrases. I felt that he would have benefitted from a trusted editor who could have helped him express his wonderful kindness, insight and wisdom in a more accessible way to lay readers. A couple of examples: the term "slivers of the cross" is used in a title, but not directly explained in the content. The author may assume he's insulting our intelligence if he would spoon feed the definition to the reader, but if he clearly defined his terms he would allow readers to focus on content instead of scratching their head and wondering what it means. A common experience among the readers of this book I've spoken with is that they were overwhelmed by the length and content of the first chapter and nearly gave up on the book. At the end of the book, those same people say they will gladly reread this book.
I have read other articles on the Theology of the Cross, but nothing as thorough or devotional. I wish I could find something written in a more reader friendly style.
But the question in response is, "Have you taken up your cross?" That question would produce inner confusion in the minds of many of today's Christians. The reason is, we don't understand (and what church teaches?) what our cross is.
Deutschlander tackles a subject that has been around since the Middle Ages, but is clearly evident in the New Testament when you become aware of it: the Christian takes up his cross when he continually struggles against his sinful nature. We fail in that struggle, which is why Jesus went to His cross for us. But each day we again pick up our cross, the suffering that comes upon us because when we make the choices God calls us to, there will be hardship, suffering and difficulty.
This is an oversimplification of a great teaching. Pastor Tullian Tchividjian, the grandson of Billy Graham and successor of D. James Kennedy in Florida has listed the distinction between the theology of the cross and the theology of glory as one of the three great things he learned from Lutheranism (others: Distinction between Law and Gospel and the teachings of Active and Passive Righteousness, see http://steadfastlutherans.org/?p=34871)
I read this book as part of a "Digging Deeper" class. The discussion of the book had a profound effect on all of us. You always hear that small group Bible studies are good fellowship; this group bonded as the book opened us up to talk about our own struggles! At one of the final classes, students commented that now that they understand the theology of the cross they are getting so much more out of their devotional life.
All of that said, I only gave this book 3 stars. The author is very knowledgeable about Scripture and very insightful into human nature. But I felt that the book was unnecessarily wordy. The author's German background showed in his writing and fondness for German phrases. I felt that he would have benefitted from a trusted editor who could have helped him express his wonderful kindness, insight and wisdom in a more accessible way to lay readers. A couple of examples: the term "slivers of the cross" is used in a title, but not directly explained in the content. The author may assume he's insulting our intelligence if he would spoon feed the definition to the reader, but if he clearly defined his terms he would allow readers to focus on content instead of scratching their head and wondering what it means. A common experience among the readers of this book I've spoken with is that they were overwhelmed by the length and content of the first chapter and nearly gave up on the book. At the end of the book, those same people say they will gladly reread this book.
I have read other articles on the Theology of the Cross, but nothing as thorough or devotional. I wish I could find something written in a more reader friendly style.
August 31, 2017
If God loves us, why do Christians still face suffering? The answer is found in the cross. God's great saving work was hidden in the suffering, weakness and death of his Son on the cross. So too the Christian's life is one of forgiveness, peace and freedom, yet is also hidden in our own crosses. The theology of the cross, as found in Scripture and taught by Luther, is applied to modern temptations and sufferings by Prof. Deutschlander. A man with keen insight into Scripture and the human nature, he leads readers to recognize and even embrace der leiber Kreuz--the dear cross--with the humble trust that God's mercy and strength are found therein.
I was personally encouraged and strengthened by this book. The style is not simple, but I did not find the book inaccessible. In fact, there were times when the material was positively devotional. A book I intend to read again every several years.
I was personally encouraged and strengthened by this book. The style is not simple, but I did not find the book inaccessible. In fact, there were times when the material was positively devotional. A book I intend to read again every several years.
November 23, 2015
This book uses the Word of God to clarify and encourage real Christians to take up their cross, like Jesus did. It would be good that people that tend to believe in the theology of prosperity read it. This book is consistent with the Word of God!
September 28, 2019
The author leads the reader through Christ's sacrificial work for you, for me, for all of us. One of the most difficult things for humans to do is to deny themselves, or their importance, and focus on the cross. We bear a cross daily, but that what we bear is a result of what Christ bears for us. When we bear our cross, we acknowledge Christ's work and our need for daily repentance as we are caught up in this world's activities. Through daily repentance we enjoy Christ's love as we recognize that he paid the price for our sin. Paying that price did not eliminate sin from this world, however, it paved our way to heaven.
February 16, 2021
Not a quick or easy read, but certainly a beneficial one! A reminder that life here on earth is not easy nor should Christians expect it to be so. An admonition that our sinful self requires daily drowning. A call to return to God's Word, "which we thought we knew so well that we could ignore it in favor of other things."
November 3, 2023
A weighty read. Profound insights. Such a needed persepctive on what it is to follow Jesus. A great man behind this book.
January 18, 2025
4.5/5
Never read a book solely about this topic before. I'm glad I read it. I read it slowly over a period of time and glad I took that route, as it's stayed in my mind.
Never read a book solely about this topic before. I'm glad I read it. I read it slowly over a period of time and glad I took that route, as it's stayed in my mind.
April 11, 2013
A little difficult to follow and understand in the beginning, but definitely worth the read. His explanation of God's love as related to the Greek word agape has made me read and re-read in order to better understand and remember his phenomenal key points. The chapters on example crosses really hits home as he explains specific crosses associated with different stages of life.
February 15, 2016
Arguably one of the greatest books on the subject of the theology of the cross. Worthy of multiple readings. The reader might also find helpful Deutschlander's essay "Don't Be Afraid! Cheer Up! It's the Cross!" (http://wlsessays.net/node/2155), which is essentially the two chapters he would've added to the book.
December 26, 2012
The theology of the cross is in contrast to the theology of glory. The history of the Bible shows the theology of glory actually leaves mankind in fear. The theology of the cross was Christ coming in humility. This book explains in great detail.
August 16, 2014
I will be reading this one again. So much to absorb.
March 4, 2010
Fantastic book! I'm reading it for the second time now...
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June 27, 2017A fantastic read. Each paragraph is packed with how much God loves us and how we can show our love to Him.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews