The cross is not and cannot be loved. Yet only the crucified
Christ can bring the freedom which changes the world because it
is no longer afraid of death. In his time the crucified Christ was
regarded as a scandal and as foolishness. Today, too, it is considered
old-fashioned to put him in the centre of Christian faith
and of theology. Yet only when men are reminded of him, however
untimely this may be, can they be set free from the power of
the facts of the present time, and from the laws and compulsions
of history, and be offered a future which will never grow dark
again. Today the church and theology must turn to the crucified
Christ in order to show the world the freedom he offers. This is
essential if they wish to become what they assert they are: the
church of Christ, and Christian theology.
Jürgen Moltmann
The Crucified God, i.
Christ can bring the freedom which changes the world because it
is no longer afraid of death. In his time the crucified Christ was
regarded as a scandal and as foolishness. Today, too, it is considered
old-fashioned to put him in the centre of Christian faith
and of theology. Yet only when men are reminded of him, however
untimely this may be, can they be set free from the power of
the facts of the present time, and from the laws and compulsions
of history, and be offered a future which will never grow dark
again. Today the church and theology must turn to the crucified
Christ in order to show the world the freedom he offers. This is
essential if they wish to become what they assert they are: the
church of Christ, and Christian theology.
Jürgen Moltmann
The Crucified God, i.