The Theology of Martin Luther

The history of theology witnesses a radical change with Luther, the trigger of which is the new way of understanding the cross of Jesus Christ. This clear awareness that a completely different time is opening up from the previous one also determines the life and thought of the German reformer. The counterculturality of the new theological perspective is based on the protagonism of subjectivity and realism. Thus, in contrast to the naivety of many ancient and modern theologians, who make the statement “God is love” the keystone of their dogmatic system, Luther takes as an unavoidable starting point the (real) existence of evil and the individual experience of it (subjectivity). Now, in this meat grinder that is universal history, characterized by the life-or-death struggle of all against all, God has entered through his Son, who gives himself up and lowers himself to death, and death on the cross. This God made man has also revealed himself as Christ “Emmanuel” who desires “to be with us” and to communicate with us throughout time through the preached word. In the communities of Christ’s followers who travel through history, it is still possible to hear the word of God collected in the Bible and to savour it condensed in the Holy Supper. This Crucified One who “suffered death” (Heb 2:9) has, as a living being, the definitive word and can integrate the suffering and death of men and include them in our daily bread. Only through complete self-giving is it possible to live in gratitude, to show concern for other creatures, to not lose courage and to maintain trust in the saving grace of God.

OSWALD BAYER TEO

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