Reflection on Luther’s Theologia Crucis and Its Significance for the Problem of Human Knowledge of God

Abstract

This article examines Luther’s theology of the cross, especially his insight into the problem of human knowledge of God. It suggests: first, that the theology of the cross teaches us that true theology must be a theology of revelation that stands in sharp contrast to speculation; second, that divine revelation in Christ is an indirect revelation; third, that God’s revelation and workings are hidden under their opposite, and this hiddenness of God breaks down all our fallen human preconceptions of God, makes us humble, expands and corrects our knowledge of God, and helps us to have confidence in our knowledge of God; fourth, that the theology of the cross demands radical reevaluation of reality and value; fifth, that the theology of the cross is the theology of faith; and sixth and finally, that for Luther, the knowledge of God is not merely theoretical knowledge but rather a matter of salvation: to know God is to be loved by God.